There’s plenty of discussion about ‘DPF fitted diesel’. An exhaust filter that is fitted to most modern diesel cars is called DPF. It is used to remove harmful gases, including hydrocarbons that are present in the lubricants and fuels, as well as water and sulfates which stick to soot, forming dangerous particles that are generated by diesel exhaust fumes.
These dangerous gases can result from a number of contributing factors, including improper or inadequate servicing, low-quality fuel, or poor driving habits which lead to poor combustion. The filter, also called the DPF filter, is intended to trap the particles. The filter can be rejuvenated through intense heat burning at high temperatures.
This is when problems occur due to the failure of regeneration or the filter gets clogged. There is a belief that the diesel particulate filter is a complex and expensive component that has to be replaced. However, I have discovered that this is not accurate.
When monitored and diagnosed correctly, a replacement can be avoided. DPF errors aren’t always a sign that the DPF is blocked.
What are the signs of a blocked DPF?
Symptoms you may notice when a DPF is getting blocked and/or requires maintenance (not necessarily ready for the scrap heap) can be one of the following:
- Surging/poor performance.
- Excessive fuel consumption.
- Excessive smoke – white, blue, black.
- Displayed Engine or DPF Emissions lights.
- It is difficult to start the engine.
- The engine is running rough.
- Unfeasible attempts to regenerate
What is Regeneration?
The computer-integrated algorithms of the vehicle carry out periodic regenerations (burns) which is a procedure that increases the temperature in the exhaust, and then ‘burns off the soot and particles that are accumulated in the filter. A component that isn’t functioning properly can lead to an increase in the number of regenerations or even stop them entirely until the issue is fixed. Excessive black smoke is emitted in the exhaust following regeneration. It is safe. Smoke that is constantly blowing can indicate a problem.
How do I prevent DPF failure/blockage be prevented?
- Make sure that your mechanic is aware of how to handle diesel.
- Beware of inexact oil and services that are not available.
- Avoid driving when you have an issue with your vehicle (dash warning lights). Avoid diesel fuel that is of low quality.
- Modify your vehicle cautiously I address DPF driving behaviors – decrease idle (increase rpm below load), dropping down the gear, particularly when crawling.
- The mechanic you hire should be able to identify any changes in your vehicle, such as louder whistles or hissing noises when driving.
- These unusual changes in driveability could cause your DPF not to regenerate.
- Avoid using “on vehicle intake/induction cleaners” even if your mechanic has recommended these products. They could damage DPFs as well as other crucial components.
- DPF faults are not always caused by component failures.
- Maintained DPFs are capable of covering 200,000+ kms before being removed for replacement or cleaning.
How much does it cost to wash or replace a DPF?
First, a warning: DPF repair MUST be performed by a skilled mechanic who uses the correct tools to reset and refit DPF. Once the fault has been confirmed after which the DPF should either be removed or cleaned with the DPF cleaning service. Five years of experience in cleaning must be a prerequisite for a reputable DPF cleaning business. They can also check if the DPF is damaged internally.
A mechanic will examine the DPF on your car to determine if it’s blocked. They are not able to determine whether the DPF has collapsed or melted internally causing the blockage. A passenger vehicle’s average cost of cleaning is about $600 There’s a wide selection of cars that are equipped with DPF’s. Manufacturers change their designs quite regularly It is, therefore, difficult to identify which model of DPF is fitted to each car model.
The DPF is considered the most strictly controlled component of motor vehicles. They don’t reveal the identity of the DPF manufacturer.