Hi,
Since my Audi A4’s DPF was frequently clogged, I considered offering assistance to others who were experiencing the same issues.
1) Drive the vehicle for at least five to seven minutes at 50 mph. Drive continuously for 5 to 7 minutes at a speed of 50 mph while maintaining or exceeding 2000 rpm in 4th gear. In 4 minutes, my Audi clears. (Continuous means that you shouldn’t use the brakes, slow down, or let the engine rev lower than 2000 rpm for 5 minutes.) attainable on highways or dual lanes.
Always fill the tank up with diesel since it is really helpful. Once the dpf is cleared, there shouldn’t be any issues till the subsequent refill.
3) Take the car on a long road as soon as you can and follow the procedure. If you don’t, the dpf blockage warning light will continue to flash, the engine management light will turn on, the car will enter limp mode, it won’t be able to go any faster than 40 mph, and you’ll have to pay 130 pounds to have it forced to regenerate.
In This Article...
How is a particle filter cleaned?
You must ride if you want to clean the diesel particulate filter adequately while operating a vehicle. The highway is the perfect location for this activity, although regular roads will do. Keep the engine running at 3,000 rpm or more. In fact, the DPF’s temperature and the engine’s temperature are both indirectly related. If your vehicle has an automatic gearbox, use the gear shift in manual mode by making small, gentle movements. There is no need to use the speed limiter because it doesn’t seem to bring any value. Ride for at least 30 minutes in this manner. Your DPF will be cleaned after a regeneration cycle is started as a result. Regular repetitions of this procedure are required, ideally once every two weeks. The operation is the same whether it is a Peugeot DPF or a BMW DPF.
How can a DPF warning light be turned off?
There is a lot of soot (particulate matter) produced by diesel engines, which can lead to respiratory issues and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Since 2009, all new diesel vehicles are required to have a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) installed in the exhaust to prevent soot from entering the atmosphere.
The goal is to reduce particle emissions by 80%, but there are issues with the technology, and our patrols are frequently called to vehicles that have a blocked DPF.
A DPF needs to be emptied frequently in order to maintain performance. When the exhaust temperature is high enough, on highways or fast A-roads, this is typically done passively through a process termed “regeneration.”
- There is barely any ash left after the soot that has accumulated is burned out.
- The only method to get rid of the ash is to remove the DPF from the car and send it off for professional cleaning, but a well maintained DPF should last for well over 100,000 miles.
Active regeneration
Because many cars aren’t used in the appropriate way for passive regeneration to work, automakers incorporate “active” regeneration, in which the engine control software detects that the filter is becoming clogged and adds extra gasoline to the engine to increase engine temperature and initiate regeneration.
Depending on how you drive, active regeneration will start approximately every 300 miles and take 5 to 10 minutes to finish. However, if your trip is too brief and the regeneration doesn’t complete, it becomes an issue.
When regeneration is active, you could observe:
- running cooling fans
- speedier engine idling
- Automatic Stop/Start is ineffective.
- increased use of gasoline
- a burning, hot odor coming from the exhaust.
- The engine makes a strange sound.
Don’t ignore a warning light
Driving for about 10 minutes at speeds over 40 mph should be sufficient to complete an active regeneration cycle and turn off the warning light if the filter is blocked and a warning light appears.
If a DPF warning light is ignored and you continue to drive in a somewhat slow, stop-and-go pattern, soot will accumulate in the filter to the point where your car enters “limited performance mode” to protect itself.
If you allow things to become this bad:
- Driving quickly won’t be sufficient on its own.
- You’ll need to contact a dealer to have the filter regeneration done manually or “forced.”
- The filter may need to be replaced in extreme circumstances, which could cost at least $1,000 plus labor.
Most of the time, there is not much time between the DPF becoming partially blocked and becoming so obstructed that a manual regeneration is required.
The engine management light may also illuminate if there is a problem with the DPF or the differential pressure sensor, which informs your automobile of the DPF’s condition.
Avoid purchasing a new vehicle with a particle filter if you plan to drive it mostly in towns with frequent stops and starts.
You might need to alter your driving style to maintain the system functioning effectively, even if your driving isn’t mostly urban or stop-start. Observe any instructions given in your car’s manual.
Can I drive with the DPF light on?
Technically, the answer is yes, but we do not advise it. If you ignore the DPF light and keep driving, the soot buildup will eventually get to the point where your car must go into “limp-home” mode to protect the engine.
Other warning lights will undoubtedly start to illuminate as a result, telling you to take your car to the nearest mechanic for an evaluation.
A forced DPF regeneration should be possible in your garage; this will clear the filter and restore its functionality. It’s not a guarantee, though, especially if the engine has suffered any additional damage or the filter has become harmed. Depending on the damage and the car, more extensive repairs could cost thousands of dollars.
How do I start the DPF regeneration manually?
PM keeps building up, hence manual regeneration is necessary to keep the DPF operating normally. driving continuously for 20 to 30 minutes, for instance at a speed of about 60 km/h. by avoiding quick excursions or by continuously driving (leaving the engine running for long periods of time).
Does cleaning a DPF make sense?
The advantages of a DPF cleaning may be familiar to you if your car is diesel-powered. Here are some reasons why you might think about having your DPF cleaned if you haven’t already. Unclogged DPFs can:
#1. Improve Fuel Economy and Lower Cost of Ownership
Naturally, saving money on fuel is the main advantage of keeping the DPF clear. According to the EPA, DPF-equipped car emissions cost drivers $310 annually. The DPF becomes clogged, which worsens vehicle emissions and makes the engine work harder to push the extra pollutants out the tailpipe. Additionally, keeping your DPF clean can reduce the cost of maintaining your car and perhaps increase engine longevity.
#2. Save You Money on Maintenance Costs
Because the engine isn’t getting the full performance it needs, a clogged DPF might raise your maintenance expenditures. To keep your car running, you’ll probably need to pay more money up front for a lot more services and repairs.
#3. Save Fuel
Additionally, the greenhouse gas emissions that your car produces should decrease. This is because soot buildup will be decreased by a clean DPF. Less emissions also imply less wear on your engine, which should lengthen its lifespan.
#4. Lower Service Costs
If your DPF is blocked, you might want to think about having it cleaned by a professional since it’s an affordable procedure. You might avoid having to take it to the repair shop, and you might spend less on fuel and annual maintenance. Even the claim that cleaning a DPF can increase gas mileage by up to 40% has been made.
The good news is that many automobile technicians are knowledgeable with and skilled at handling DPF cleaning. Cleaning out the DPF typically entails high-pressure air washing and, occasionally, chemical treatment. In order to break up and dissolve the deposited soot, liquid carbon soot products are sometimes used in DPF cleaning applications. These products are sprayed into the exhaust stream.
#5. Engine Life Improves
Your diesel particulate filter (DPF) traps very fine soot in contrast to a conventional air filter, which is primarily made to hold big particles. So, if they aren’t cleaned frequently, they could become clogged. However, if your DPF isn’t cleaned in a timely manner, it may also result in higher fuel usage and the necessity for an engine repair.
#6.Removes soot and deposits left behind from poor fuel economy
Have you ever noticed that your automobile is slow and doesn’t appear to get as much gas mileage as it should? This is as a result of the carbon-rich DPF (diesel particulate filter). Because of all much carbon, the engine continues to operate hotter than it should. The outcome? Just to maintain normal operating temperatures, the engine must work harder and consume more gasoline. This is a vicious loop, so if it feels that way, it is. As soon as you start driving your automobile, that carbon begins to build up, but each time you drive it while carrying a load, it grows worse. Additionally, because it is not a resettable catalyst, it must be frequently cleaned in order to restore the smooth operation of your engine.
#7.DPF cleaning helps with warranty claims
If your DPF is too clogged, it can cause a problem with a warrant claim. This might not be a problem if you are in the market for an automobile. This could be a serious issue, though, if you are the proud owner of a used vehicle.
What is the cost of cleaning a DPF filter?
Additionally, cold starts increase the frequency of DPF cleanings, which reduces DPF efficiency and, eventually, longevity. When cleaning DPFs are taken into account, replacement expenses per vehicle might range from $2,500 to $8,000.
What symptoms point to a blocked DPF?
The DPF warning light will illuminate on your dashboard as the primary and most evident indication that there is an issue with the filter system, alerting you that it needs to be regenerated in order to clear itself. If both the DPF and engine management lights are illuminated, a more significant issue may already have developed and will need to be identified with a diagnostic scanner.
Here are some further indications of a DPF issue to watch out for:
- Your engine seems to be losing power (limp mode).
- Your dashboard will display the DPF light.
- Both passive and active regeneration continue to fail
- a strong diesel odor.
- Failure of the Automatic Stop-Start System
- There seems to be too much smoke coming out of your car.
- an elevation in oil level.
- You’ve noticed that fuel usage has gone up.
Another light may appear on your dashboard to alert you to the situation if passive and active regeneration both fail. In such case, you may need our specialized DPF cleaning services.
When it comes to clearing a blocked filter, there are some quick fixes available, such as forced regeneration or the use of chemical additives, but these only clear soot and not ash. We advise you to think about our full DPF cleaning service, where all of the soot and ash is effectively eliminated, rather of squandering money on a very short-term fix. With this cleaning service, we make sure that only the most cutting-edge technology is used to clean your appliance so that it can function properly once more.
Audi: What does particulate filter mean?
Modern diesel engines are equipped with an exhaust particle filter to reduce exhaust emissions. Any larger soot particles that may originate from the diesel exhaust can be caught by this filter. Like all filters, the diesel particulate filter will ultimately clog, blocking airflow and lowering your car’s performance. As a result, automakers have developed a few methods for regenerating the filter by increasing the exhaust’s temperature to burn soot and turn it into ash.
When traveling at a fast speed, the exhaust temperature rises to a point where the soot can be burned. We refer to this as passive regeneration. In cases where the vehicle doesn’t commonly travel at high speeds, the engine can raise the temperature at slower speeds by burning some more fuel. We refer to this as active regeneration. To keep the filter functioning for as long as feasible, vehicles use a combination of the two regeneration techniques.
Why does the light on my diesel particulate filter keep flashing?
A blocked DPF is the most frequent cause of a DPF warning light to emerge. The manufacturer asserts that it might glow as a result of a broken temperature or pressure sensor, a problem that needs to be fixed by a mechanic or auto professional.
What is the price of forced regeneration?
The process by which the soot buildup inside the DPF filter is burned is known as regeneration, or regen. You will be able to comprehend your aftertreatment system more fully if you educate yourself on forced regenerations and how they operate.
When a diagnostic scan tool initiates the regeneration process, forced regeneration takes place. The ECM’s calculated soot levels or accumulation are superseded by the forced regeneration. It may be necessary to perform a forced regeneration because the DPF soot load is too high for passive and active regeneration to take place. The greatest level of regeneration processes is called forced regeneration, and to begin it, you need a specialized diagnostic tool.
Do I need to regenerate if I replace a DPF Differential Pressure sensor or NOx sensor?
Yes, some trucks do need to be pushed to regenerate in order to remove specific error codes. The ECU wants to ensure that a forced regeneration is carried out in order to erase the codes, hence that’s why.
Low Conversion Efficiency 2013 Volvo D13SPN 4094 FMI 1SCR, for instance
This fault code has to be forced to regenerate. This failure code is being caused by an out-of-range measurement of PPM (parts per million) between the Inlet NOx 1 sensor and Outlet NOx 2 sensor. In order for this problem code to be cleared, it is advised to check the EGR, NOx Sensors, and to make sure the PPM is within specification. Only when a forced regeneration succeeds with the data falling within the specified range will the ECU cause this fault code to become inactive. This is an illustration of a fault code that calls for a forced regeneration.
Any service center with the necessary diagnostic software can execute a forced regeneration. A forced regeneration can cost anything. Typically, it costs between $300 and $700, depending on how long the specialist must spend performing the necessary diagnostics and how long your DPF regeneration takes.
Every manufacturer produces a variety of tools for doing diagnostics. We always advise utilizing a service solution that is appropriate for your company’s operations.
Two products created by OTR Performance will perform a forced DPF regen.
OTR Diagnostics is one such app. You can use your mobile device to force a DPF regen with OTR Diagnostics. Other sophisticated diagnostic commands, including resetting the aftertreatment system, will also be available to you. With OTR Diagnostics, you may check history, view real-time data, read and reset error codes, and much more.
The OTR Reset Tool is the other item we sell that can induce a DPF regen. With this portable device, you can force a DPF regen, clear the aftertreatment system, and clear error codes.
You can do this every two weeks or once a month to ensure that your DPF filters are cleaned as a preventative measure.
We also frequently use the word “regenerate.” Since it’s not a word that’s frequently used, we thought we’d explain it to you:
The movies below demonstrate how to perform a forced regeneration on several trucks.
On a 2012 Freightliner Cascadia Cummins ISX CM2250, how to induce a regen