We often tell technicians that a DPF blockage is just a symptom, not the problem. Remember your first day back at the gym? Well, it’s a lot like that. The sore quads are a symptom. The real problem was the months we sat on the couch procrastinating!

Often replacing the DPF, even with a quality diesel particulate filter usually doesn’t cure the problem, if we don’t fix the core issue. Every day, we speak with customers working through an exhaustive checklist before any money changes hands. We’d like to think that helpful and honest will win in the end!

DPFs may get an undeservedly bad rap from drivers who unknowingly contribute to the problems by not driving enough kilometres, and too frequently in city areas, where the engine doesn’t reach optimum operating temperature. Technicians will appreciate that a clogged EGR Valve will increase diesel soot passed to the DPF; faulty fuel injectors will send too much fuel to the air/fuel mixture and incorrect engine oil when servicing may cause Turbocharger failure with oil dripping into the DPF.  High mileage vehicles will also find regeneration harder.

Some of the other suggestions will include checking for blown, loose, or split inter-cooler hoses or pipes;  a leaky or blocked pressure differential hoses or pipes or faulty pressure switch. Your owner will more than likely have a trip computer. Error codes such as the DPF light or EML (Engine Management Light) will be the first symptoms of a failing DPF, followed by loss of power, hard-starting, reduced fuel economy and most likely limp mode. However, they may get lucky with warning lights that are false alarms and this is how they can try clearing the fault;

1. Take the car on the freeway at the speed limit and drop down a gear or two to bring the engine revs up to 2500. Hold for 20-30 minutes. This will assist the car to do a passive regeneration.
2. Drive Faster –  Plant the foot to the floor when accelerating to increase the exhaust temperature and clear soot levels.
3. Increase the RPM for a prolonged period until the warning lights turn off. This will increase the gases going through the DPF,  clearing it and increasing the temperature. Naturally, avoid the CBD. Avoid slow traffic especially if you are nearing the DPF limit or the fault light is on.
4. Use high-quality fuel. Premium fuels or diesel fuel cleaners include fuel additives that help burn off harmful particles. If you are in limp mode, driving at high RPM is your best option.  Once you have normal power, go for a long fast drive on high-quality fuel.
5. If the issue remains the next day, get your error codes read with an OBD2 diagnostic tool. Initiate a forced regeneration for maybe up to 45 minutes and hopefully burn any soot down to ash. If the warning light continues to display, then you call us.

We think our claim to be Australia’s Favourite DPF Supplier is well-founded. But try us out and see what you think!

See https://www.dpfaustralia.com.au/

Call: 1300 821877

Email: enquiries@dpfsales.com.au