Engine Low on power. Engine cannot rev to high RPMS. Black smoke from exhaust upon acceleration. Odour of diesel fuel into the cabin.
If your DPF is blocked, your engine will have to work harder to expel exhaust gases, reducing available power and increasing fuel consumption. To bring your engine efficiency back to normal levels, you will need to clean your DPF filter, so consider DPF cleaning in the UK if you notice any of these symptoms.
Depending on the model of the car, every 120,000, 150,000 or 180,000 kilometres. Some drivers might struggle with a clogged filter as early as after only a few thousand kilometres.
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.
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.
The most common reasons for DPF blockages are: Short journeys where the engine doesn't reach optimum operating temperature; Clogged EGR Valve increasing diesel soot passed to the DPF; Faulty fuel injectors sending too much fuel to the air/fuel mixture; Incorrect engine oil upon servicing the car ; Turbocharger failure ...
Businesses who delete/modify DPF systems: A person who removes, disconnects or impairs the operation of an anti-pollution device fitted to a motor vehicle is guilty of an offence under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997. On the spot fines of $1500 for a corporation and $750 for an individual applies.
One final consideration, it takes time for a DPF to block, sometimes years. Once blocked though, turbo failure can occur very quickly.
When the filter becomes faulty or clogged up with soot, you will normally be alerted to this by an orange light on your dashboard. The emission of black soot is another sign that you need to have your DPF cleaned. Your oil level may also increase, as may your fuel consumption levels.
A diesel particulate filter on a poorly serviced car may fail sooner than a well maintained one, generally, they should last for at least 100,000 miles. It's important you use the right type of oil as well – some oils contain additives that can actually block filters.
A blocked DPF or obstructed exhaust will force your engine to work harder to expel exhaust gases, reducing available power and increasing fuel consumption.
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.
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!
DPF cleaning involves the use of aqueous cleaning technology and specialist chemicals to reduce the soot emissions generated by your engine. Usually, your DPF removes soot automatically using passive regeneration. Our cleaning service removes the excess soot that is preventing regeneration from taking place.
In these cases, the most common solution adopted by mechanics is to replace the DPF. Still, the diesel particulate filter should be replaced only if it is damaged, while in the event of a blockage, cleaning with specific and certified products is enough.
When an EGR valve becomes clogged or stuck close, it can increase the amount of diesel soot passed on to the DPF, contributing towards faster blockage. A clogged EGR valve alone can cause a rough idle and heavy knocking, both of which are tell-tale signs of pre-detonation.
A clogged filter or fuel injection system can starve your engine of fuel or oxygen, causing your car to judder and shake.
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.
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.
Removing a DPF is easy !
The first is with software use. It consists of reprogramming the computer so that it no longer takes the diesel particulate filter into account. The second part consists of acting directly on the exhaust pipe. The DPF is then separated, vacated, and then again welded on the line.
Symptoms of Diesel Engine DPF Failure
DPF Differential Pressure Sensor Alert will appear on the dashboard, alerting you that the DPF is plugged. Cracks can appear on the DPF filter, which can also cause black smoke to emit from the tailpipes. Soot might appear in the tailpipe.
If you only ever use your car for quick trips, the DPF may not reach the temperature needed to regenerate, causing a blockage that could lead to a breakdown. So, if you drive a diesel, you should always make sure to take longer journeys every so often to keep your DPF clean and in good working order.