To Turn Off or Repair a DPF?

When it comes to your diesel engine, there are a number of components that can cause issues if not properly maintained. One of the most common and important of these components is the diesel particulate filter (DPF). This device is designed to trap and remove soot and other particles from the exhaust before it is released into the air. However, if the DPF becomes blocked, it can cause significant problems in the operation of your engine. Getting a new DPF can be costly, so many choose to deactivate and remove the filter altogether. But is removing the DPF really the only option?

Burning out the FAP by Forced DPF

For the least intrusive option, the first recourse should be forced DPF burnout. This type of cleaning can be done while the car is parked and with a diagnostic tool initiated. To ensure a successful process, advanced diagnostic equipment and services need to be employed. Upon the diagnostician’s command, the driver will increase the engine speed, resulting in the ignition of the soot accumulated in the DPF. The filling will be calculated once the burn-out process is complete, typically taking several minutes.

If you predominantly drive short distances and make frequent restarts, it is not possible for the particulate filter to regenerate itself (burnout) and can become blocked. However, this does not indicate that the filter is defective. The combustion process collects two substances: soot and ash. Soot consists of carbon, while ash is the result of burning and cannot be completely eliminated. The engine control unit utilizes the mileage and fuel consumption data to regulate the combustion process.

This procedure attempts to combust the soot, as previously stated, and the ash build-up is limited by the filter’s capacity. If the DPF light is illuminated but the car has not accumulated high mileage, usually travels only short distances, and exhibits a moderate driving style, then a forced burnout may resolve the issue.

Chemical Cleaning, DPF & FAP Regeneration

If unblocking the DPF or the FAP via a forced burn out is not feasible, it can be removed from the vehicle and cleared using chemical, mechanical, or hydrodynamic methods. The carbon deposits collected in the filter either dissolve or mechanically break down and can then be removed. The filer recovers most of its efficiency as long as there is no underlying mechanical damage, such as if the filter is melted or crushed. The ash content in the filter is mostly estimated by the amount of fuel, which means the engine controller must be set to recognize the removal of the ash.

Particulate manufacturers are known for not approving mechanical cleaning and making it difficult to allow for easy removal of the filter. As a result, the only solution appears to be DPF exchange programming where the controller recognizes the DPF as new.

Removing the DPF or the FAP

A third option would be to both take out the filter cartridge and reprogram the engine driver so that it does not acknowledge the filter being present. If the DPF light is lit due to high saturation levels or an “Antipollution Fault” notification occurs, you can either program the filter’s “exchange” or reset the ash saturation meter before its removal.

At Euro Car Electronics, we specialise in Sunshine Coast DPF Repairs and Cleaning. Whether you’re looking for a new infotainment system, a reversing camera, or even a set of new alloy wheels, we can help. With years of experience with Sunshine Coast DPF Repairs, we know how to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Contact us at [email protected] or 07 5479 5555 for all your car tuning needs.