Diesel Particulate Filter
What is a DPF?
If you have a later model diesel vehicle, chances are your vehicle has a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).
This filter is part of your exhaust system and works to prevent the release of carbon particles into the air.
These particulates/soot are contained in the filter and build up until your vehicle’s computer detects they
have reached the capacity (usually around 45%) of particulates that triggers a burn or regeneration.
In short, your DPF is much like the other filters in your vehicle, if it’s not cleaned regularly it will need to be replaced.
What is a DPF regeneration ?
Once your vehicle’s computer registers that your DPF has built up too much waste (particulates/soot)
it initiates a regeneration to burn this build up and clean your DPF.
There are 3 kinds of DPF regeneration:
Passive Regeneration
Active Regeneration
Forced Regeneration
If you travel at high speed for long enough distances,such as a few trips along the Hume, your exhaust will reach
high enough temperatures for Passive Regeneration to be achieved. Your vehicle will burn up the build up without any prompts.
If your exhaust hasn’t reached a high enough temperature before a regeneration is needed, you will see a light on your dash prompting you to run an Active Regeneration. Every vehicle will have their own procedure for an Active Regeneration; you will find this in your owners’ manual. An active regeneration can take up to 30 mins to perform yourself and, depending your vehicle, may require you to reach speeds and revs high enough to keep your exhaust at the optimum temperature to complete the burn.
If for any reason you are unable to complete an Active Regeneration a Forced Regeneration will need to be completed. To conduct a Forced Regeneration your vehicle will need to be taken to a dealership or licensed diesel mechanic, such as Tumut Truck Repairs. A diagnostic scan tool is plugged into your vehicle’s computer activating a Forced Regeneration.
If your vehicle does not have the opportunity to complete a Passive Regeneration and a light appears on your dash, it is important to undertake an Active or Forced Regeneration as soon possible.
What happens if I leave it too long?
If a regeneration is not activated and particles continue to build up in your DPF (past 45% capacity) you will begin to notice problems with your vehicle’s performance including poor fuel economy.
If the build up in your DPF passes 80% capacity a regeneration cannot be activated. Not even a forced one.
If your vehicle’s DPF cannot be cleaned it will need to be replaced. Replacing a DPF can cost upwards of $5,000 and if caused by excess waste build up, is often not covered under warranty.
What is preventing a passive regeneration?
If your DPF light comes on there may be a number of reasons your vehicle hasn’t performed a passive regeneration.
Some causes are:
Regular short trips that do not allow the exhaust to reach optimum regeneration temperature.
Using the wrong oil causing additional waste to build up inside the filter.
There is less than 20 Litres of fuel in the vehicle.
Problems with the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system, such as a faulty valve.
Engine warning lights/codes on or not cleared.
DPF Cleaning
Save money and headaches by having your DPF cleaned before it needs replacing!
Tumut Truck Repairs have the latest equipment to quickly and safely activate your vehicle’s DPF regeneration.
Book your diesel vehicle in for a scan.
A quick and easy DPF regeneration starts at $110