Most engine management systems will actively regenerate the DPF when the car is driven at speeds above 40mph for around 10 to 15 minutes. The soot particles trapped in the filter will soon burn away and the warning light should switch off.
Newer vehicles today perform automatic active DPF regeneration when the filter reaches a certain capacity of around 45%. The automatic DPF regeneration also happens for every 300 miles driven.
The DPF regeneration cycle takes approximately an hour and a half (1 1/2 hours) to complete and can be completed as part of a routine service.
During normal working condition the diesel particle filter will clean itself regularly by self-regeneration. After each regeneration-cycle, some ash are left in the filter and cause shorter regeneration interval. This means that each DPF will need service sooner or later.
The vehicle can still be driven, however it is advised that the customer should visit a dealer where they can perform a stationary service regeneration using a service tool.” That's pretty typical. It is also worth mentioning the fire risk.
Driving for over 10 minutes at speeds in excess of 40mph will often be sufficient to clear the blockage and regenerate the 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.
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.
Is it illegal to remove a diesel particulate filter? Yes, it is illegal. Owners face fines if caught and removing a DPF can also invalidate your car insurance policy.
Perhaps the most critical disadvantage of removing DPF is the increase in soot and particulate matter volume in the air. Besides, you will be more likely to be fined for removing DPF based on the regulations that governments pass for climate control.
Blocked DPFs wreak havoc with the delicate balance of your engine by preventing the normal venting of gases, which causes a variety of engine issues, as described above. In addition to reduced power and fuel efficiency, a blocked filter may eventually cause a dangerous mechanical malfunction and break your engine.
There are several ways to clean your DPF filter, you can either clear it yourself by burning the soot away or have it cleaned professionally by a garage. If the blockage persists, you will likely need to replace your DPF filter, which can be costly.
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Even at low engine speeds particulates are emitted by your engine, so keeping your engine ticking over when you're parked or not moving can clog your filter quicker, because DPF regeneration cannot occur at idle.
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.
The DPF needs to be cleaned regularly, through a process called regeneration, either active, passive or forced regeneration, the accumulated soot is burnt off at high temperature (around 600°c) to leave only a residue of ash, effectively renewing or regenerating the filter, ready to take on more pollution from the ...
How Often Does DPF Regeneration Occur? Active regeneration happens roughly every 300 miles and is triggered by your car's electronic control unit (ECU) once your soot level is approaching 40 to 45%. Passive regeneration should occur when you take your car on longer journeys at higher speeds.
It can take anywhere from 5 minutes to over an hour depending on how blocked the filter is. During this time you should keep an eye on the engine temperature and make sure it does not overheat.
The DPF will not regenerate if:
The engine management light is on for any fault; There is a faulty EGR valve; There is less than 20 litres of fuel in the fuel tank, if the fuel light is on or the engine management light is illuminated.
Replacing a DPF can easily cost $4000 to $8000, and sometimes more, it's a big cost… particularly when a vehicle is out of warranty!
One final consideration, it takes time for a DPF to block, sometimes years. Once blocked though, turbo failure can occur very quickly.
There are two main types of DPF regeneration: passive and active; however, DPF regeneration can be performed manually using a scan tool.
A blocked DPF or obstructed exhaust will force your engine to work harder to expel exhaust gases, reducing available power and increasing fuel consumption.
Better fuel economy: Fuel economy is a big winner after deleting the DPF. Not only will a vehicle conserve the fuel that is utilized by the filter for regenerative purposes, but a cleaner running engine is also an engine that runs more efficiently.
Do all diesel cars have DPF problems? All diesels built from 2009 onwards will have a DPF, and some diesels built before this will have one as well.