To manually force a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration, you generally need to park safely, ensure the engine is warm and off the accelerator, then press and hold a dedicated DPF or regen button (or use a diagnostic scan tool) for several seconds to start the process, which involves the engine revving up and running at high RPMs for 20-40 minutes to burn off soot, all while keeping the parking brake engaged and the vehicle in Park/Neutral. The exact steps and switch location vary by vehicle, so consult your owner's manual.
There are two main types of DPF regeneration: passive and active, however, DPF regeneration can be performed manually using a scan tool.
Stop the vehicle in a safe place. Shift the shift lever to P (automatic transmission) or N (manual transmission), and firmly set the parking brake. Press the DPF system switch. When the DPF system warning message goes out, the idling engine speed will have finished returning to normal.
There are two main types of DPF regeneration: passive and active; however, DPF regeneration can be performed manually using a scan tool.
Passive DPF regeneration
Passive regeneration occurs when the car is running at speed on long motorway journeys which allows the exhaust temperature to increase to a higher level and cleanly burn off the excess soot in the filter.
Regenerations are essential functions for trucks and the environment. Often, a forced regeneration is a necessary action to either correct the issue at hand or get the vehicle out of limp mode long enough to get it to a service center.
Fuel additives are ideal for keeping a filter unclogged from the inside during use and can typically be poured into the filter without removal.
The Manual REGEN process takes up to 60 minutes for completion. The process of Manual REGEN may vary for different machines.
8 symptoms of blocked DPF
You should consult the handbook for your vehicle for more specific guidance on how you should drive to initiate regeneration of the DPF and clear the warning light. Nevertheless, a general rule of thumb to follow is that you should run the engine at least 40 mph and at least 2500 rpm.
Understanding DPF Cleaning Cost
Cost: Typically $100–$300, depending on labor rates and whether the cleaning is passive, active, or forced. When to Use: Ideal for routine maintenance or when soot buildup is minimal. Process: Includes active or forced regeneration, where soot is burned off within the vehicle.
Most dpf systems will regenerate only if you do a steady 2000 to 2500 revs for at least 15 minutes.
Fixing failed regeneration
In a first stage, the DPF warning light goes on. In most cases, driving for 10 minutes at 65 km/h (about 40 mph) or faster will ensure proper regeneration.
To perform a manual regen, we'll need to pull over and park the vehicle in safe place with the exhaust facing away from people and flammable materials, such as dry, grassy fields.
The worst things for a diesel engine involve neglecting maintenance (especially oil/filters), using poor fuel quality, allowing low fuel levels, overloading/lugging the engine, and not letting it warm up/cool down properly, all leading to contamination, excessive wear, turbo damage, and injector/pump failure due to high pressures and sensitive components. Contaminated fuel (water, dirt, high sulfur) is especially damaging, corroding parts and clogging filters in these high-pressure systems.
Active Regeneration
This involves injecting extra fuel into the exhaust stream to increase the temperature and burn off the accumulated soot. You might notice your DPF regeneration in progress when you see white smoke from the exhaust or a running engine fan even after turning off the car.
If your car has an automatic gearbox, change gears in manual mode, increasing the number of revolutions. However, there's no need to go as far as the rev limiter, as that won't do any good. Drive in this mode for at least 30 minutes. This will trigger a regeneration cycle and your DPF will be cleaned.
If your filter is found to be completely blocked, our technicians will inspect the car to understand what has caused the blockage and will carry out an intensive clean to solve the issue. In tough cases, the filter will be removed and soaked overnight before refitting.
Passive Regeneration
If you have mostly driven your diesel car around town and notice that the DPF is becoming blocked, take the car out on a long, motorway journey in an attempt to burn off the soot. On the motorway or dual carriageway, use a gear down (5-speed use 4th and 6-speed use 5th) to increase the engine revs.
Active regens are initiated by the truck's computer and typically occur while the truck is driving. Passive regens are done while the truck is idling. This type of regen is less efficient than active regens.
Top 10 vehicles with DPF issues:
The driver may notice an indication on the dashboard when passive regeneration is taking place. In such a case, the driver must continue driving and avoid parking the vehicle as it may not support the regeneration process. Active regeneration begins when the DPF reaches a limit of 45%.