DPF cleaning involves the use of aqueous cleaning technology and specialist chemicals to reduce the soot emissions generated by your engine. Usually, your DPF removes soot automatically using passive regeneration. Our cleaning service removes the excess soot that is preventing regeneration from taking place.
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.
The easiest and most effective way to de-clog and maintain your DPF filter is to use a combustion catalyst called FTC Decarbonizer. This DPF cleaner has been used successfully in many 4WDs, trucks and bus engines where carbon and soot related problems have started destroying engines.
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.
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.
Engine Low on power. Engine cannot rev to high RPMS. Black smoke from exhaust upon acceleration. Odour of diesel fuel into the cabin.
There is a narrow window where a mechanic can clean the DPF by forcing a regeneration but after this narrow window your only option is to fit a new filter to your car. Some cars are fitted with DPF's have a separate tank for a fuel additive which allows the engine to burn off the carbon at a lower temperature.
One final consideration, it takes time for a DPF to block, sometimes years. Once blocked though, turbo failure can occur very quickly.
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.
It's not impossible to clean a DPF at home. But the risk is high. The filter is a very delicate component of your car. You can easily damage it during DIY cleaning.
There are two main types of DPF regeneration: passive and active; however, DPF regeneration can be performed manually using a scan tool.
A blocked DPF or obstructed exhaust will force your engine to work harder to expel exhaust gases, reducing available power and increasing fuel consumption.
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.
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.
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.
The most common reasons for DPF blockages are: Short journeys where the engine doesn't reach optimum operating temperature; Clogged EGR Valve increasing diesel soot passed to the DPF; Faulty fuel injectors sending too much fuel to the air/fuel mixture; Incorrect engine oil upon servicing the car ; Turbocharger failure ...
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!
How long should a DPF last? 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.
How long does the regeneration take? The DPF regeneration cycle takes approximately an hour and a half (1 1/2 hours) to complete and can be completed as part of a routine service.