The car’s computer continuously checks the soot level inside the filter as you drive to decide when regeneration is required. The engine will actively endeavor to minimize the amounts of soot when they reach a set threshold, usually around 45 percent. If the engine is unable to burn the soot owing to a short trip, the computer will illuminate the filter warning light to alert the driver that a soot buildup is occurring. You can resume normal driving when you first see the light, but when you have a chance, take the car onto the highway and drive it for roughly 10 minutes at 40+ MPH. This should boost the temperature to a point where the filter can regenerate, and the light should turn off as a result.
If you ignore the light, the soot will continue to accumulate until the computer enters a limp mode to prevent any further harm. This limp mode reduces the amount of soot that passes through the filter by limiting your top speed. This is a last-ditch effort on the engine’s part to save the filter. You may be able to preserve the filter if your vehicle is in limp mode, but you’ll need to utilize a scan tool. To save the filter, take it to a certified technician who can conduct a forced regeneration program on it. If you stay in limp mode for too long, the soot will build up to the point where forced regeneration is no longer an option. If your automobile ever falls into limp mode, make sure to respond soon; otherwise, the filter will need to be replaced, which can be a pricey repair.
While driving, there are a few things that can hinder the regeneration process from taking place. Active regeneration can be prevented by using the wrong engine oil or not having enough fuel in the gas tank. Any engine codes that are present can prohibit the regeneration from taking place, and the check engine light will most likely be illuminated as a result. If you’re trying to turn off the warning light by driving, make sure none of these things are interfering with the regeneration process.
What is the best way to clean a diesel particulate filter?
You’ll need to ride to adequately clean the Diesel Particulate Filter while driving. The highway is a good location for this practice, but even modest roads would suffice. Maintain a minimum engine speed of 3,000 rpm. The temperature of the engine is, in fact, indirectly related to the temperature of the DPF. If your vehicle has an automatic gearbox, transfer into manual mode by gently rotating the gear shift. There’s no need to use the speed limiter because it adds no apparent value. Ride for at least 30 minutes in this manner. This will start a regeneration cycle, which will clear your DPF. This procedure should be repeated on a regular basis, ideally every two weeks. It doesn’t matter if it’s a
When the diesel particulate filter is full, what happens?
It’s possible that your engine has been damaged. Cleaning takes the shortest time at high engine speeds and loads, and the control indicator light (‘!) will switch off as soon as self-cleaning is finished. When you check the oil level in the sump, you’ll find a higher level of diesel fuel.
Is it possible to clean a DPF that is completely blocked?
Is it possible to clean a DPF? Yes, you can (Diesel Particulate Filter). DPF cleaning is one of our 500+ TerraClean dealers’ most requested services right now. Many of our dealers actually offer this service to neighboring garages who require DPF cleaning for their customers’ vehicles.
When your exhaust filter is full, what do you do?
The exhaust filter is filling up and needs to be cleaned through a regeneration procedure. To clean the filter, we recommend driving for at least 25 minutes at a speed of 50 mph. If this isn’t achievable, a forced regenerate service will be needed.
Is it safe to drive with the DPF light illuminated?
Diesel engines emit a lot of soot (particulate matter), which can irritate the lungs and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Since 2009, modern diesel cars have been required to incorporate a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) in the exhaust system to prevent soot from entering the atmosphere.
The goal is to reduce particle emissions by 80%, however the technology isn’t without flaws, and our patrols are frequently called to cars with a blocked DPF.
A DPF must be drained on a regular basis to preserve performance.
When the exhaust temperature is high enough, on motorways or fast A-roads, this is normally done passively in a process known as’regeneration.’
- The ash cannot be removed until the DPF is removed from the vehicle and submitted to a specialist for cleaning, but a well maintained DPF should last far over 100,000 miles.
Active regeneration
Because many automobiles don’t get enough use for passive regeneration to operate, automakers include ‘active’ regeneration, in which the engine control software detects that the filter is becoming clogged and injects additional gasoline into the engine to raise the exhaust temperature and initiate regeneration.
Active regeneration occurs every 300 miles or more, depending on how you drive, and takes 5 to 10 minutes to finish. However, if your journey is too short and the regeneration does not complete, this is an issue.
Don’t ignore a warning light
If a warning light indicates that the filter is blocked, you should be able to complete an active regeneration cycle and clear the warning light by driving at speeds of over 40 mph for 10 minutes or so.
If you ignore a DPF warning light and continue to drive in a sluggish, stop/start pattern, soot will build up in the filter, causing it to go into’restricted performance mode,’ which will protect your car from damage.
- They may have to replace the filter in extreme circumstances, which can cost up to 1000 plus labor.
In most circumstances, there is only a short period of time between the DPF becoming partially blocked and the requirement for manual regeneration.
The engine management light may illuminate if there’s a problem with the DPF or the differential pressure sensor, which informs your automobile about the DPF’s state.
What is the cost of cleaning a diesel particulate filter?
Despite the fact that these systems are designed to provide long-term operation and performance, a DPF may become too highly clogged or obstructed to allow for complete regeneration. It may be essential to remove the filter from the car and have it professionally cleaned at such times. Cleaning diesel particle filters can be costly, ranging from $2500 to $8000 on average. The cost of new filters might be anything from $1,000 to $10,000.
The majority of DPFs are rated for up to 160 kilometers of use, however with good maintenance and operation, they can last much longer.
Is it possible for a clogged DPF to cause turbo failure?
- Discoloration of parts in the core assembly (CHRA), usually indicating that heat is moving from the turbine side through the CHRA. Back pressure forces exhaust gas through the piston ring seals and into the CHRA, causing the CHRA to heat up excessively. The high temperature exhaust gas might obstruct effective oil cooling in the CHRA and potentially carbonize the oil, limiting oil feeds and increasing bearing system wear. This failure is frequently misinterpreted as a lack of lubrication or tainted oil.
- Increased exhaust gas temperatures create carbon build-up in the turbine side piston ring groove.
- Oil leaks into the compressor housing are a result of exhaust gas from the turbine making its way into the CHRA and forcing oil past the oil seal on the compressor side.
- A clogged DPF can force exhaust gas through even the tiniest openings, such as the clearances in the bearing housing VNT lever arm and waste gate mechanisms in the turbine housing. If this happens, carbon buildup in these systems might limit the movement of the levers, limiting the turbo’s performance. Soot can be seen on the back face of the seal plate where exhaust gas has been driven through in some situations.
- Temperature-induced high cycle fatigue (HCF) causes turbine wheel failure.
To clear the DPF, how long should I drive?
The easiest approach to keep a DPF in good working order is to make sure it can regenerate itself when it’s full of soot (when the warning light appears).
Passive regeneration
Passive regeneration happens when the car is traveling at a high speed on a long highway drive, allowing the exhaust temperature to rise to a greater level, allowing the excess soot in the filter to be burned off cleanly.
To help clear the filter, drivers should give their diesel vehicle a solid 30 to 50 minute run at continuous speed on a highway or A-road on a frequent basis.
However, not all drivers engage in this type of driving on a regular basis, which is why automakers have devised a different method of regeneration.
Active regeneration
When a filter hits a predetermined limit (usually around 45 percent), more fuel is injected automatically as part of the vehicle’s ECU to boost the temperature of the exhaust and burn off the stored soot.
However, if the journey is too short, problems may arise since the regeneration process may not be completed completely.
In this instance, the warning light will remain illuminated, indicating that the filter is still partially clogged.
In that instance, completing a regeneration cycle and clearing the warning signal should be doable by driving for 10 minutes or more at speeds greater than 40mph.
The following signs will indicate whether active regeneration is occurring:
Is it possible to unblock a DPF on your own?
Here’s how I unblocked the DPF on my Vauxhall Zafira for good (and other diesel cars too)
If you follow my advice, you should be able to clean and unblock your automobile filter without having to replace it or spend a lot of money on repairs.
Step 1
Purchase the “Forte Diesel Fuel System Treatment & DPF Cleaner & Turbo Cleaner Package” from Amazon.
This is the only product that works (I’ve tried others and they didn’t work). It’s pricier than STP, Archoil, and Wynns, but with good cause. I’d only purchase the Forte DPF additive. Here on Amazon, you can get next-day delivery.
To use the DFP cleaning, simply follow the simple instructions. Continue to the second step below once you’ve completed the first.
Step 2
Drive your car at extremely high revs for at least 30 minutes after utilizing your DPF treatment on the highway.
Hearing your engine work so hard can be unsettling, but it is necessary.
If you have a manual automobile, I recommend driving in second gear at roughly 50 mph, or third gear at around 80 mph.
Select the automated second gear position and drive the engine at roughly 5,000 rpm if you have an automatic.
It is critical that you maintain the revs and speed for at least 30 minutes (preferably more.) Your filter will almost definitely unblock itself if you follow these steps correctly.
Pull over and turn off the automobile once it has been running quite hot for an extended amount of time.
Before starting your car, wait five minutes to see if the DPF warning light, glow plug light, or engine management light has turned off!
You regenerate the DPF Filter and unclog all the soot and dirt that has built up over time by driving your automobile in this manner.
Before you use this procedure, make sure you have the right amount of engine oil in your automobile.
Note: Once your car is back to normal, it’s critical to give it a good blast at least once a week, or the light will come on again.
The Used Car Guy has no responsibility for the results of the process described above. This essay is mainly intended to assist automobile owners who want to avoid spending a lot of money on their used vehicle.