What do I do if my DPF light comes on?

When the DPF light has become illuminated, it's telling you that 'passive regeneration' has failed and that you need to actively regenerate the diesel particulate filter. You can do this by increasing your speed to more than 40mph for between 10 and 15 minutes.

Thereof, what causes DPF light to come on?

The most common reason for a DPF warning light to appear is because of a blocked DPF. A failed exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, problems with exhaust and injection systems and faulty glow plugs can all, in turn, affect the DPF and cause the DPF warning light to illuminate.

Furthermore, how do I know if my DPF is bad? You will know whether active regeneration is taking place by the following symptoms:

  1. Engine note change.
  2. Cooling fans running.
  3. A slight increase in fuel consumption.
  4. Increased idle speed.
  5. Deactivation of automatic Stop/Start.
  6. A hot, acrid smell from the exhaust.

Simply so, how do I turn off the DPF light?

Ways to clear the DPF. Warm up the engine to operating temperature, then drive it for 15 minutes at constant speed on a motorway. Aim to keep the revs above 2000rpm for this period. The heat generated will help clean the DPF filter and the cars Regeneration cycle will usually kick in under these circumstances.

Can I drive my car with DPF light on?

So if the DPF Warning light has illuminated on your car, then you can continue to drive the vehicle, however I would strongly recommend that you follow the procedure below, at the earliest opportunity in order for the DPF to regenerate (clean itself of the soot its collected) and normal running to be restored.

How much does it cost to clean DPF filter?

➢ OEM Replacement filters can cost over $5,000. This makes cleaning or exchange of the DPF the best option for most operators. ➢ Prices charged for DPF Cleaning range between $350 and $500, depending on location and cleaning method used.

Can I clean my DPF myself?

Don't DPFs clean themselves? In theory, yes. “Passive Regeneration” or if appropriate Active DPF regeneration will take place as part of a healthy diesel engine running cycle, but active regeneration can fail once a blockage reaches a certain level. Sometimes a “forced” regeneration may be carried out by a mechanic.

What is the best DPF Cleaner?

  • The Best DPF Cleaner.
  • 1 Liqui Moly 5171 DPF Cleaner.
  • 2 AUTOPROFI DPF Clean.
  • 3 Wynn's Diesel Particulate Filter Regenerator.
  • 4 MotorPower Care DPF Cleaner.
  • 5 Liqui Moly Diesel Particulate Filter DPF Protector.

How long does it take for DPF to block?

It is much more normal for DPFs take 10k miles to become blocked. However, this only happens if the owner NEVER takes their car for a run. Once a week, once a fortnight, or even once a month, a 30–60 minute run at a constant 3–4k RPM will ensure it doesn't get blocked.

How often should a DPF light come on?

Active regeneration will be initiated every 300 miles or so depending on how you use your car and will take 5 to 10 minutes to complete. But it's a problem if your journey's too short and the regeneration doesn't finish.

How can I prevent my DPF from clogging?

Here's our top five tips on keeping your DPF clean and trouble free.
  1. Drive Faster. Contrary to popular belief, driving faster could actually save you money in the long run.
  2. Use the right Oil.
  3. Get your EGR valve checked.
  4. Keep out of town.
  5. Buy the right car!
  6. Get clued up!

How often should you clean DPF filter?

Most OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) recommend cleaning DPFs at 200,000 miles. However, we suggest the following rule of thumb: AECS recommends scheduling DPF cleaning at 150,000-mile intervals, because extensive research and testing concludes that ash begins to harden in the filter cells at this point.

Can you regen while driving?

The short answer is, Yes! If you keep driving your truck without doing a parked regen your truck will enter a derated mode. When this occurs your engine power and/or your speed will be limited. An active regen is when the truck does this process automatically.

Can a blocked DPF damage the engine?

Driving the vehicle with a blocked DPF can seriously damage your engine / turbo and it's not uncommon to have to replace a turbo when the warning light has been ignored for extended periods. The ash residue which remains after successful regeneration cannot be removed and will eventually fill the filter.

How do you fix DPF problems?

With that in mind, here are 5 ways to fix a blocked DPF:
  1. Drive Faster. If you are driving slowly everywhere in your large diesel, the DPF will become blocked.
  2. Increase Your RPM.
  3. Avoid City Centers.
  4. Check EGR Valve.
  5. Use High Quality Fuel.

Are short journeys bad for diesel engines?

Diesel in the city – fuel economy Firstly, short journeys. Any engine is very inefficient when it is cold, so the first 15 minutes or so of any journey will not yield very good fuel consumption regardless of the advertised fuel economy of the vehicle.

How do I activate DPF regeneration?

To kick off a manual DPF regeneration you should
  1. Put the vehicle in neutral.
  2. Put on the hand brake.
  3. Leave the pedals alone!
  4. Press and hold the DPF button for 2 seconds or longer.

What happens if you remove DPF filter?

Removing your car's diesel particulate filter (DPF) might be tempting, because the damage caused by a clogged DPF can result in four-figure repair bills. The vehicle will automatically fail test if the filter had been fitted as standard but is no longer present.

You Might Also Like