Can the car still run if the urea pump is broken?

[Sawyer]

Yes, it can. Urea is a liquid used in SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology to reduce nitrogen oxide pollution in diesel vehicle exhaust. This urea consists of 67.5% deionized water and 32.5% high-purity urea. Without urea, it needs to be replenished promptly. Here is some extended information: The function of automotive urea solution is to convert nitrogen oxides in vehicle exhaust into harmless nitrogen and water, primarily to make vehicles energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, enabling them to meet national emission standards. Therefore, if the urea pump is broken, the exhaust gas content in the tailpipe will increase, polluting the environment, and it should be addressed promptly. When the urea pump fails, the vehicle will directly trigger an SCR fault alarm.

[MaryFitz]

I've been driving diesel vehicles for many years and have encountered urea pump failures several times. The car can still run, but the engine automatically enters a torque limitation mode, with power restricted to low-speed levels, making it difficult even to climb a slope. This happens because the urea pump is broken and can't inject urea solution into the exhaust system, affecting emission control—the system protectively reduces performance to prevent catalytic converter clogging and damage. I suggest not driving too far or on highways, only driving short distances to the repair shop. Driving hard for a long time will increase major repair costs. Regular maintenance includes changing the urea solution and checking the pump's voltage. Remember, safety first—don't risk it just to save time.

[StCollin]

A few days ago, the urea pump in my truck suddenly malfunctioned, and the dashboard warning light started flashing. I panicked, thinking the vehicle wouldn't move. After checking online guides, I found I could still drive it, but acceleration was weak—it crawled along like a snail, making overtaking nearly impossible. I barely managed to drive the 10 kilometers home, noticing the engine sounded odd and fearing a breakdown midway. The repair cost over a thousand yuan. Had I known earlier, I would've fixed it sooner—delaying could've worsened emissions and violated regulations. Now, at the first sign of trouble, I head straight to the 4S shop without delay.

[SanBrandon]

Fans often ask me this question. As a car enthusiast, here's my take: Most vehicles can still run with a faulty urea pump. Modern diesel cars have smart designs that activate a fail-safe mode to limit engine power and prevent damage. But don't take it lightly - prolonged driving can cause exhaust system buildup, doubling repair costs (replacing the pump costs way more than minor fixes). Monitor dashboard warnings and get to a professional shop. While there, ask why using certified urea fluid reduces failures (avoid cheap off-brands). Bottom line: Limited driving is possible, but safety first.