If the DPF is hardened with ash and soot to the point that it cannot be cleaned it needs to be replaced. But this isn't the only reason that diesel particulate filters need to be replaced. DPFs may also be damaged from high heat, also known as a thermal event. Once the DPF is cracked it should be immediately replaced.
Regenerations within the DPF are necessary to “clean-out” as much of the engine particulates as possible. If regeneration does not occur periodically it could create problems with the engine.
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.
Driving at a speed greater than 40mph for more than 10 minutes should ensure your DPF goes into 'regeneration' mode and clears the blockage.
In terms of car maintenance, you should have the DPF checked and cleaned regularly, for example when the DPF indicator light on the dashboard comes on, this is between 120,000 km and 160,000 km at the latest for some older cars.
The cleaner is extremely simple to use. All you have to do is pour the correct amount directly into your fuel tank just before you will up with diesel.
The easiest and cheapest method of DPF filter cleaning is by driving the vehicle for a long-distance at high revs per minute. Doing this increases the heat of the exhaust and burns the soot blocking the DPF filter. It's best to drive on a motorway or A road where you can keep the vehicle at a consistent speed.
The vehicle can still be driven, however it is advised that the customer should visit a dealer where they can perform a stationary service regeneration using a service tool.” That's pretty typical.
Because the DPF is under the car, not 'close coupled' in the exhaust manifold, the car needs to be driven quite a long way (50 miles) at 2000 - 2500 rpm to get the DPF hot enough to promote a passive regeneration.
Engine Low on power. Engine cannot rev to high RPMS. Black smoke from exhaust upon acceleration. Odour of diesel fuel into the cabin.
One final consideration, it takes time for a DPF to block, sometimes years. Once blocked though, turbo failure can occur very quickly.
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.
DPF Clean Team uses ultrasonic technology for a safe and thorough clean of these units, and has a 96% success rate.
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.
Act immediately or your only option will be to take the car to a garage for repair. There are no additives or methods that will clean a BLOCKED DPF. 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.
REDUCE IDLING
Even at low engine speeds particulates are emitted by your engine, so keeping your engine ticking over when you're parked or not moving can clog your filter quicker, because DPF regeneration cannot occur at idle.
A blocked DPF or obstructed exhaust will force your engine to work harder to expel exhaust gases, reducing available power and increasing fuel consumption.
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.
A maintained DPF is capable of 200,000 + kms before removal for correct cleaning or replacement.
We recommend that you use Redex DPF Cleaner in every second or third tank of fuel, particularly if you drive short journeys or do a lot of stop/start driving in a city. DPFs naturally become blocked, and it's important that you don't let it get more than 80% blocked.
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.
Benefits. JLM Diesel Particulate Filter Cleaner is one of the best diesel particulate filter cleaners on the market. JLM DPF Cleaner contains a high concentration of the active additive. There's no need to remove the DPF Filter, just pour the JLM DPF cleaner into your diesel fuel tank.