Owners are often not sure of the meaning of “DPF-fitted” diesel. A DPF is an exhaust filter fitted to most late-model diesel vehicles.
It is utilized to remove harmful gases, such as hydrocarbons, from fuel or lubricants and sulfurates and water that stick to soot and form harmful particles. These harmful gases may be the result of a variety of contributing factors, including improper or inadequate servicing, low-quality fuel, and bad driving habits that lead to poor combustion.
The filter also called the DPF filter, is designed to capture these particles. The filter can be rejuvenated by high-temperature heat burns. Problems occur due to the failure of regeneration or the filter becomes clogged.
A diesel particulate filter is described as a complex and expensive component that needs to be replaced which in my experience is not true. If you are well maintained and monitored the possibility of replacement is reduced.
DPF faults in engines – Computers do not always indicate that the failure of the DPF filter is a result of the DPF blockage.
What are the signs of a blocked DPF
The symptoms you might experience when you notice that a DPF is becoming blocked and/or requires maintenance (not necessarily ready for the scrap pile) can be one of the following:
- Surging/poor performance.
- Excessive fuel consumption.
- Smoke Excessive – White, blue, black.
- Engine and/or DPF emission lights are displayed.
- Difficult to start the engine
- The engine runs rough.
- Unsuccessful attempts to regeneration.
What is regeneration?
The computer-integrated algorithms of the vehicle perform periodic renewals (burns). This process increases the exhaust temperature and burns off the soot and particles in the filter. If a component fails to function properly, it can either increase the number of regenerations or even stop them completely until the fault is rectified. Excessive black smoke is emitted from the exhaust after regeneration. It’s normal and is not a risk. Only if smoke blows continuously does it mean the root of the issue requires immediate attention.
How can DPF blockage or failure be prevented?
Make sure that the mechanic you hire is experienced and knowledgeable in diesel engines. Beware of oil misplaced or not used. Avoid driving when you have an issue with your vehicle (dash warning lights). Avoid diesel with poor quality fuel. Modify your car with caution. I have to deal with DPF driving habits: reduce idling and increase the rpm when at times of load (dropping down a gear), especially in crawling traffic. Let your mechanic know about any changes with your vehicle like louder whistles, hissing noise, or a jerking feeling while driving.
Your DPF may not be able to regenerate because of unusual driving habits. You should avoid using “on vehicle intake and induction cleaners” even the recommendation of your mechanic them. They could cause serious damage to DPF’s as well as other components. Components that fail and contribute to DPF faults do not necessarily mean the DPF needs to be replaced. Maintained DPFs can cover 200,000+ kms before being taken away to be replaced or cleaned.
How much does it cost to clean or replace the DPF?
A disclaimer first: DPF repairs must be made by a competent mechanic with the proper tools to reset or refit the DPF. Once the initial problem has been identified, the DPF must be taken off and cleaned with the recommended cleaner or cleaned by a DPF cleaning company.
A good DPF cleaning service must have at least 5 years of successful cleaning experience. They can also tell whether the DPF is actually damaged in-house. A mechanic can check the DPF on your car to determine if it’s blocked.
They cannot confirm whether the DPF is collapsed or melted internally creating the blockage.
The average clean for an automobile with a driver is around 600 dollars. A lot of vehicles are fitted with DPFs.
Manufacturers vary their designs quite regularly It is, therefore, difficult to determine which brand of DPF is fitted to any one car brand. The DPF is considered the most strictly controlled component of motor vehicles. They don’t reveal the identity of the DPF manufacturer.