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!
Can I drive my car with DPF light on?
Don’t ignore a warning light
If you ignore a DPF warning light and keep driving in a relatively slow, stop/start pattern, soot will build up in the filter until your car goes into ‘restricted performance mode’ to prevent damage. If you let it get this bad: Driving at speed alone won’t be enough.
What happens when DPF is blocked?
The DPF filter is designed to conduct exhaust fumes out of the car’s engine, so when it is blocked, these fumes cannot leave the engine as quickly. This stops the engine from working to its full capacity and will invariably reduce your fuel efficiency.
How do you tell if your DPF is clogged?
What Are The Signs Of A Blocked DPF?
- You feel a loss of power in your engine (limp mode).
- The DPF light will appear on your dashboard.
- Passive and active regeneration keep failing.
- A pungent smell of diesel.
- Automatic Stop-Start System Not Working.
- Your car seems to be releasing an excessive amount of smoke.
How much does a DPF cost? – Related Questions
Can I clean my own DPF filter?
Another option is to clean it yourself with an additive. With Lindemann’s Total Care Diesel you can clean your DPF yourself. This product lowers the combustion temperature of soot, making it easier to burn. It also contains a very high level of active cleaning agents.
How do I clear my DPF while driving?
A warning light letting you know your DPF is blocked should not be ignored, but can in many instances be remedied by driving in a way which initiates passive/active regeneration of the DPF. Driving for over 10 minutes at speeds in excess of 40mph will often be sufficient to clear the blockage and regenerate the DPF.
How do you know if your DPF needs replacing?
What are the symptoms of a blocked DPF?
- Surging/poor performance.
- Excessive fuel consumption.
- Excessive smoke – white, blue, black.
- Engine and/or DPF emissions lights displayed.
- Difficult starting the engine.
- Engine runs rough.
- Unsuccessful attempts to regeneration.
How many miles does it take to clear a DPF?
Active regeneration takes around 5 to 10 minutes to complete, and normally happens every 300 miles or so depending on how you drive and how often you use your car.
How long does it take for DPF Cleaner to work?
Most drivers find that if the DPF warning light comes on in their car, after having applied a dose of DPF cleaner to the fuel tank, the light disappears within 10 – 15 minutes, without requiring expensive intervention by mechanics.
Does idling clog DPF?
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.
What can damage a DPF filter?
Common Causes of DPF Failure:
- city driving/idle hours.
- not getting up to operating temperatures.
- not letting regen’s complete fully.
- bad fuel.
- wrong or bad engine oil.
How can I prevent my DPF from clogging?
Here are a few tips:
- Tip 1 Do not drive at low revs.
- Tip 2 Drive for long distances.
- Tip 3 Use the right engine oil.
- Tip 4 Have your particulate filter checked.
- Tip 5 Use a DPF cleaner.
- Tip 6 Perform maintenance on your car’s fuel system.
What is DPF warning light?
The DPF light comes on to tell you that there’s a problem with your car’s diesel particulate filter. This is something that has been fitted to diesel cars since 2009 to reduce the amount of soot released through the car’s exhaust system, lowering emissions. This soot is harmful and can cause respiratory problems.
What can cause a DPF light to come on?
The most common reason for a DPF warning light to appear is because of a blocked DPF. However, the company says that it can be illuminated as a result of a faulty temperature or pressure sensor, which is a job that must be resolved by a garage or automotive technician.
How do you treat DPF problems?
What is required is to clean up the fuel burn, rather than “after treat” it with a diesel particulate filter!
- Improve the combustion process.
- Burn away excess soot and carbon.
- Remove potential DPF Blockages.
- Enable the DPF system to operate correctly.
Can a blocked DPF cause power loss?
Problems. A blocked DPF can cause many problems including loss of power, economy and throttle response. With more extreme cases, filters that are extremely blocked can cause the engine not to start at all.
Which cars have DPF problems?
Which cars have the most DPF problems?
- Nissan Qashqai and X-Trail 2006 – current models.
- Audi A3, A4 & A6 – 2006 to 2012.
- Skoda Octavia & other models 2004 – 2013.
- VW – 2006 – 20012.
- BMW 3 & 5 Series 2004 – 2012.
Does DPF damage engine?
A: When the DPF regenerates and burns the particulate matter inside it, a substance similar to ash or tar can form and get trapped inside. In extreme cases, the blocked filter could cause problems with the engine, however it’s more likely to result in a decrease in acceleration and increase in fuel consumption.
Can you delete DPF without removing it?
Without the ability to remove the DPF from the ECU, you’ll be no better than you started, with DPF sensor readings rendering your vehicle in limp home mode for eternity. Unless you’re a dab hand at ECU reprogramming, your only answer will be a remap which includes a DPF removal.
Is removing a DPF a MOT failure?
Although MoT tests require diesel cars to have a DPF, this is checked via a visual inspection rather than emissions analysis. Removing the filter doesn’t affect the car’s performance, and some motorists even state they achieve better fuel economy and engine performance without one.
