06/10/2019
What is a DPF?
A Diesel Particulate Filter (or DPF for short) is a filter found in the downpipe section of the exhaust and is specifically designed to reduce the amount of Diesel Particulate Matter (Soot) passing through. The objective of this filter is to create cleaner / more eco friendly exhaust gases being release into the atmosphere.
The purpose of this filter is to reduce pollutants resulting from combustion from being released to the atmosphere...
A diesel particulate filter will gradually become restricted and become more clogged up as a normal part of its service life, a process called regeneration is designed to occasionally 'clear out' the particulate filter. Unfortunately this needs specific driving conditions and when these are not met, the degree to which the filter is blocked can surpass the engine management’s ability to regenerate the filter - leading to problems with power loss (see detailed list below) and even in the absolute worst case, risk to the car due to overheating of the filter.
Problems
A blocked DPF can cause many problems including loss of power, economy and throttle response. With more extreme cases, filters that are extremely blocked filters can cause the engine not to start at all.
Symptoms and Fault Codes
There are multiple faults codes and symptoms that can point towards a faulty / blocked DPF.
Symptoms:
Loss of power
Lower fuel consumption
Reduced throttle response
Harder / Fails to Start
Limp Mode
DPF Light (yellow symbol in the top photo)
Coil and Engine Management lights
009263 - Diesel Particulate Filter (Bank 1): Restricted/Clogged
16855 P0471 001137 - Exhaust Pressure Sensor 1 (G450): Implausible Signal
18434 P2002 008194 - Particle Filter Bank 1: Malfunction
Solutions
There are two solutions when you experience a blocked DPF.
The first solution would be to take the car to the dealership and replace the DPF with a new one. This can cost around USD2500 and you could potentially have the same problem further down the line.
The second solution is to remove the DPF all together eliminating the problem with no risk of the same problems occurring in the future. (It is the customers responsibility to ensure they comply with rules and laws relating to their home country)
Software Removal
When deleting the DPF in the software we remove all of sensors other than the Pre-Turbo EGT Sensor and Lambda Sensor. Other companies tend to keep all of the sensors in place although some of these sensors are not in use and they can cause issues further down the line. If any of these sensors fail it can cause the car to go into limp mode or constantly turn on the fans.
Regeneration (For Cars Showing Early Signs of Blockage)
For cars that have only just started to show symptoms that the DPF is blocking you may be able to get away with regeneration. If this fails to work the DPF may be too far gone for this process.
