There’s plenty of smoke and mirrors for owners around the subject of ‘DPF fitted’ diesel.
An exhaust filter that is installed on the majority of modern diesel cars is called DPF. It is utilized to remove harmful gases, such as hydrocarbons, from fuel or lubricants and water and sulfurates that attach to soot and form dangerous particles.
These dangerous gases can result from a number of contributing factors, including improper or inadequate servicing, low-quality fuel, and poor driving habits which result in poor combustion.
The DPF filter is able to capture these particles and is then regenerated or cleaned via high-temperature fires. When this regeneration fails and the filter gets clogged up, problems could result.
I’ve seen diesel’s particulate filter described as an expensive and sophisticated component that must be replaced. However, this is not the case in my experience. It is possible to avoid replacement If it is controlled, diagnosed, and properly maintained. DPF faults are not always an indication that the DPF is blocked.
What are the symptoms of a blocked DPF
There are a variety of signs that can be experienced when your DPF becomes clogged and/or needs to be serviced (not necessarily ready to be put on the scrap heap).
- Surging/poor performance.
- Excessive fuel consumption.
- Excessive Smoke – Blue, White, and Black
- Displayed Engine and/or DPF Emissions lights. It is difficult to start the engine.
- The engine is running rough.
- Unsuccessful attempts at regeneration
What are regenerations?
The computer in the vehicle’s embedded algorithms performs periodic regenerations (burns). It is a procedure where the system increases the temperature of the exhaust and ‘burns off’ any particles that are built up within the filter. If a component fails to operate correctly. It could cause an increase in the number of regenerations or even stop them entirely until the issue is fixed. Excessive black smoke is released from the exhaust after regeneration. It is harmless. Only if smoke blows continuously does it mean the root of the issue needs immediate attention.
How can you reduce the chance of DPF blockage or failure?
- Make sure that your mechanic is skilled and well-versed in diesel engines.
- Avoid Incorrect oil and services that are not present.
- Avoid driving through an accident-prone zone (dash warning light).
- Do not use diesel that is of poor quality.
- Modify your vehicle with caution.
DPF habits of driving – I cut down on idle time and increase the rpm when under loads (dropping down a speed) particularly when crawling.
Talk to your mechanic about any unusual changes you notice in the performance of your vehicle like louder whistles, hissing noises, or jerking sensations. This could lead to the DPF not being regenerated.
Do not use ‘on-car intake or induction cleanings regardless of whether your mechanic suggests these. They could cause serious damage to DPF’s as well as other components. Diesel Help Australia can provide the mechanic with an explanation about the reasons why you shouldn’t employ this method.
Component failures contributing to DPF problems don’t always result in the DPF requiring replacement. Maintained DPF can travel up to 200 000 km before it needs to be removed to clean or replace.
What is the cost to pay for a DPF to be cleaned or replaced?
First, a warning: DPF work MUST be carried out by an experienced certified mechanic who has the right equipment to repair and reset the DPF. After the fault can be identified, the DPF needs to be removed.
An excellent DPF cleaning service must have at least five years of experience in cleaning. They can also check whether the DPF is damaged internally. A mechanic can check the DPF on your car to see if it is blocked. It is impossible to determine whether the DPF has become melted or collapsed internally, thus causing the blockage.
A passenger vehicle averages about $600 in clean costs. A wide range of vehicles is able to be equipped with DPF’s. Manufacturers vary their designs quite regularly It is, therefore, difficult to determine which brand of DPF is fitted to any one car brand.
Due to the DPF being considered to be the most regulated emission component on motor vehicles, they don’t expose whom the DPF manufacturer is.