Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Cleaning

Most modern diesel cars, vans and commercial vehicles built after 2006 have a DPF or Diesel Particulate Filter as part of the exhaust system. This is a filter designed to reduce the soot particles generated as a result of the combustion process, exiting from the exhaust system and adding to the pollution of our atmosphere. This was made a requirement by Government on diesel vehicles produced after 2006 but diesel fuel producers in the UK now provide us with an ultra-low sulphur diesel product that has significantly reduced the need for this DPF.

Now the problem is, that over time these filters will eventually clog up, particularly if your diesel vehicle only does short journeys; as in order for the filter to ‘passively regenerate itself,’ the engine needs to be run at road speeds of at least 50mph for periods of 30 minutes or more in fourth gear. On many vehicles, a clogged up filter causes the engine management system to display a warning light which is perfectly normal but should be investigated further and appropriate action is taken. This could be as simple as a half-hour drive up and down the motorway to trigger the ‘passive regeneration’ process or the removal of the DPF for manual cleaning. If the DPF warning light comes on with other warning lights, then there is almost certainly a problem with other components on the vehicle and must be investigated further. DO NOT DELAY IN GETTING THE WARNING LIGHTS CHECKED as this may lead to further problems and a more expensive repair bill.

In some cases, the vehicle may go into ‘limp’ mode which will prevent the vehicle being able to ‘passively regenerate’ the diesel particulate filter itself and you may be faced with an expensive bill as the DPF may need to be replaced. There are many reasons why a vehicle goes into ‘limp mode’ and the problem causing this needs to be fully investigated with the appropriate diagnostic equipment.

Call us on 01455 631821 or contact us to see if your vehicle is fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter and whether our DPF Cleaning service is available on your make and model.