There’s plenty of discussion about ‘DPF’. A DPF is an exhaust filter that is used in the majority of late-model diesel vehicles. It is used for removing harmful gases, such as hydrocarbons, from lubricants or fuels, as well as water and sulfurates that attach to soot and form harmful particles.
These harmful gases may result from a number of contributing factors, including poor or incorrect servicing, low-quality fuel, or poor driving habits which lead to poor combustion. The DPF filter is able to capture these particles and is then regenerated or cleaned via high-temperature fires.
Problems can occur when the regeneration process has not been complete and the filter gets blocked. I have observed diesel’s particulate filter described as a costly and complex component that must be replaced. This is, however, not my knowledge.
Replacement can be avoided if it is properly controlled, diagnosed, and maintained. DPF faults in the engines Computers do not always suggest that the DPF blockage is a result of the DPF.
What are the signs of obstruction of 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 pile).
- Surging/poor performance.
- Excessive fuel consumption.
- Smoke Excessive – White, Blue, and black
- Displayed engine and/or DPF emission light.
- It is difficult to start the engine.
- The engine runs rough.
- Unfeasible attempts to regenerate
What are the definitions of regenerations?
The computer-integrated algorithms of the vehicle perform periodic renewals (burns). This procedure increases the temperature of exhaust and burns off the particles and soot inside the filter. A component that isn’t functioning properly can lead to an increase in the number of regenerations or stop them completely until the issue is fixed. The exhaust may create an excessive amount of black smoke when it is regenerated. It is safe. It’s a sign of something wrong when smoke blows constantly.
How can DPF failure/blockage be prevented?
- Ensure that your mechanic is knowledgeable and experienced in diesel engines.
- Avoid incorrect oils and missing services.
- Avoid driving in an accident-prone area (dash warning lights).
- Avoid poor-quality diesel fuel.
- Modify your car with the care I deal DPF driving habits: reduce idling, increase rpm under load (dropping down one gear), particularly in traffic that is crawling.
- Help your mechanic understand the changes in your car such as more raucous whistles, hissing sounds, or jerking feeling whilst driving. This could result in the DPF not being regenerated.
- If your mechanic recommends that you do them, don’t use “on-vehicle intake/induction cleansings”. They can damage DPF’s and other important components.
DPF problems can be caused by malfunctioning components, however, they do not necessarily need replacement. A maintained DPF is capable of more than 200,000 miles before it is removed to ensure proper cleaning or replacement.
What is the cost to pay for a DPF to be cleaned or replaced?
A warning first: DPF repair MUST be performed by a skilled mechanic who uses the correct equipment to reset and replace DPF. Once the initial problem has been identified after which the DPF must be taken off and either cleaned using a recommended cleaner or be cleaned by a DPF cleaning company. A reputable DPF cleaning service should have at minimum 5 years of successful cleaning experience. It is also possible to determine whether the DPF is damaged internally. A mechanic will check the DPF on your car to determine if it’s blocked.
They cannot confirm if the DPF has been melted or collapsed internally creating the blockage. A passenger vehicle averages around $600 for cleaning costs. A wide range of vehicles can be equipped with DPF’s. Manufacturers frequently change their designs, making it hard to know what DPF brand is best for a specific vehicle. DPFs are not required to disclose who the manufacturer of DPF is, since they are thought to be the most controlled component of motor vehicle emissions.
