Blocked DPFs wreak havoc with the delicate balance of your engine by preventing the normal venting of gases, which causes a variety of engine issues, as described above. In addition to reduced power and fuel efficiency, a blocked filter may eventually cause a dangerous mechanical malfunction and break your engine.
One final consideration, it takes time for a DPF to block, sometimes years. Once blocked though, turbo failure can occur very quickly.
Your 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.
Some garages can clean blocked DPFs, in a process called forced regeneration. This usually costs around £100 and, while it's not a 100% guaranteed fix, it's usually successful in removing the excess soot and allowing the DPF to work and automatically regenerate again.
You should consult the handbook for your vehicle for more specific guidance on how you should drive to initiate regeneration of the DPF and clear the warning light. Nevertheless, a general rule of thumb to follow is that you should run the engine at least 40 mph and at least 2500 rpm.
A DPF can last up to around 100,000 miles if maintained properly. After the car has exceeded that mileage, you could be looking at paying a large amount of money for a replacement – so always properly check MoT and service records when buying a used car.
A DPF delete, basically means to run the engine without having the diesel particulate filter installed. Therefore, the DPF must be removed and replaced with an exhaust pipe (downpipe) that does not have a filter installed.
A blocked DPF or obstructed exhaust will force your engine to work harder to expel exhaust gases, reducing available power and increasing fuel consumption.
During normal working condition the diesel particle filter will clean itself regularly by self-regeneration. After each regeneration-cycle, some ash are left in the filter and cause shorter regeneration interval. This means that each DPF will need service sooner or later.
Engine Low on power. Engine cannot rev to high RPMS. Black smoke from exhaust upon acceleration. Odour of diesel fuel into the cabin.
When an EGR valve becomes clogged or stuck close, it can increase the amount of diesel soot passed on to the DPF, contributing towards faster blockage. A clogged EGR valve alone can cause a rough idle and heavy knocking, both of which are tell-tale signs of pre-detonation.
If the soot trapped by a DPF is not removed regularly, the filter can't work properly. This results in a vast build-up of soot. When the DPF is cleaned, the excess soot is burned off. This lowers dangerous emissions and will reduce the amount of black smoke emitted by your vehicle.
For on-highway vehicles, the DPF should be pulled off for its first cleaning after 150,000 to 200,000 miles, and then every 100,000 miles after that for preventive maintenance cleaning, Anderson notes.
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!
Aside from increasing your risk of being charged with motoring law violations, removing your DPF and EGR can improve your car's power, performance, and fuel efficiency.
Is it illegal to remove a diesel particulate filter? Yes, it is illegal. Owners face fines if caught and removing a DPF can also invalidate your car insurance policy.
Drilling holes in substrates of diesel particulate filters to make exhaust gases flow more freely through the honeycomb structures. This defeats the purpose of the DPF, which is to remove soot from the exhaust, and affects reliability of the devices, noted Kevin Otto, service director for Cummins Emissions Solutions.
Without it, the air flows back into the engine better and faster, resulting in increased pressure and power generation. So for those wanting faster speeds, DPF removal may be for you. This is also key in trucks and tractors that require larger and more powerful engines. Also, replacing the DPF can be costly.
A DPF can last up to around 100,000 miles if maintained properly. After the car has exceeded that mileage, you could be looking at paying a large amount of money for a replacement - so always properly check MoT and service records when buying a used car.
Technically yes, but we would not recommend it. If you ignore the DPF light and continue driving, the build-up of soot will soon reach a point whereby your car has to enter 'limp-home' mode in order to prevent any damage to the engine.
If your car has an automatic transmission, shift your gears in a manual mode by moving the gear shift gently. No need to use the speed limiter, it is with no seeming value added. Ride like this for a minimum of 30 minutes. This will initiate a regeneration cycle, and your DPF will be cleaned.