If action isn't taken, engine power will de-rate at a level that varies by manufacturer. Level four: The DPF warning light flashes and the stop engine light comes on. This means the soot level in the DPF is full. Engine power will de-rate — by as much as 40 percent — and begin a shutdown sequence.
Maximum sulfated ash content: 1.0%
The active regeneration of the particulate filter occurs when the soot level in the DPF is around 40-45 % of its capacity. When the soot reaches this percentage, afterburner fuel is injected to increase the exhaust temperature.
Passive regeneration
So it is advised that drivers regularly give their diesel vehicle a good 30 to 50 minute run at sustained speed on a motorway or A-road to help clear the filter.
DPF 1 soot load percent: This is the percentage of soot on the filter. So a value of 80% implies that the filter is 80% clogged up with soot.
The differential pressure measured during normal operation is very low, around 10 millibar @idle to around 180 millibar at full load operation.
The multimeter should (typically) display a voltage between 4.5 to 5 volts for the 5-volt reference, a steady 0 volts for the ground wire, and between 0.5 and 4.5 volts for the signal wire.
The easiest and cheapest method of DPF filter cleaning is by driving the vehicle for a long-distance at high revs per minute. Doing this increases the heat of the exhaust and burns the soot blocking the DPF filter. It's best to drive on a motorway or A road where you can keep the vehicle at a consistent speed.
Technically yes, but we would not recommend it. If you ignore the DPF light and continue driving, the build-up of soot will soon reach a point whereby your car has to enter 'limp-home' mode in order to prevent any damage to the engine.
A DPF can last up to around 100,000 miles if maintained properly. After the car has exceeded that mileage, you could be looking at paying a large amount of money for a replacement – so always properly check MoT and service records when buying a used car.
When the diesel particulate filter warning light turns on it means that the soot level from the diesel exhaust is high and your vehicle is likely to go into limp mode.
The estimation of soot mass in the filter largely relies on a differential pressure measurement, but other methods such as radio frequency (RF) sensors have also been developed. Sensors for DPF fault determination include accumulating type sensors using a resistive electrode, as well as electric charge based devices.
A blocked DPF or obstructed exhaust will force your engine to work harder to expel exhaust gases, reducing available power and increasing fuel consumption.
Active regeneration will be initiated every 300 miles or so depending on how you use your car and will take 5 to 10 minutes to complete. But it's a problem if your journey's too short and the regeneration doesn't finish.
So what's the answer? Your DPF regenerates because of excessive exhaust soot overwhelming the DPF. Exhaust soot is the product of incomplete combustion, the soot is actually partially burned fuel. Soot creates back pressure and the regeneration is triggered and your headaches begin.
Most DPFs will automatically clear as they're used but on rare occasions, in specific circumstances, they may get blocked and require manual cleaning. In normal use, a DPF cleans or regenerates itself by reaching a sufficient temperature to burn off the excess soot.
One final consideration, it takes time for a DPF to block, sometimes years. Once blocked though, turbo failure can occur very quickly.
One of the most critical issues is the increased risk of engine damage leading to higher maintenance costs and truck repairs. Without the DPF filter in place, diesel engines accumulated soot and other particulates can build up on engine components and cause excessive wear to trucks.
Regeneration. Some say driving at speeds of over 40mph for 10 minutes using at least 2500 RPM and sticking in 3rd/4th gear can turn off your DPF light from your dash.
On average, it takes between thirty and sixty minutes to complete a forced regeneration. The substantial heat required for the regen renders the engine and aftertreatment system untouchable until it has time to cool down.
All you have to do is get your car on an A road or motorway on a regular basis, such as every 300 miles. You then need to run it for 10-20 minutes at speeds in excess of 40mph. This will heat up your exhaust and burn off any soot in the filter.
A maintained DPF is capable of 200,000 + kms before removal for correct cleaning or replacement.
6-10 hPa at idle.
This pressure should not exceed 100hPa at Idle. Note: a “restricted DPF” during road test load conditions may indicate a reading of approx. 300-350hPa that would require replacement of the DPF to rectify driveability concerns.
Not so much in the fuel system, but in the combustion area, emission components (EGR, DPF), intake manifold, intake valves, etc. Using a premium diesel will undoubtedly delay the formation of carbon deposits in these areas. But don't expect miracles in regards to cleaning performance.