What’s DPF all about and what is the problem Diesel drivers face?

Posted on 20. Jan, 2012 by paulr542 in Technology

DPF Removal has increased in demand over the last 6 to 12 months. It’s a problem tick away and Black Code has been working hard to highlight the issue to drivers who don’t realise how costly the replacement of their vehicles DPF will be when the light on the dashboard eventually shows itself.

The issue has been getting steadily worse as diesel car owners don’t realise that short journeys or low mile usage only compound the problem. Black Code know only too well that DPF replacement can run into the thousands of pounds. However with DPF removal via ECU reprogramming and a simple mechanical removal of the actual DPF from the exhaust, vehicle owners can save a small fortune.

Black Code offers a nationwide service for ECU remapping to remove the DPF regeneration cycle and the light from the dashboard at the same time as a qualified mechanic removes the DPF from the exhaust system.

What is a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)? Well a DPF is integrated into the Diesel Engine exhaust systems to trap & remove Diesel Particulate Matter or Soot from the exhaust gasses of the diesel engine. Yes its like the Catalytic Converter of conventional petrol engines, the DPF works to remove harmful toxins and lower the emissions of your diesel engine making it more environmentally friendly.

How does DPF work and why so many problems to worry about? DPF works to trap & remove diesel particulate (soot) from the exhaust gasses before it leaves the exhaust. Imagine a DPF is like a honeycomb on the inside. As the gasses flow through it, the DPF will trap the harmful particulate (soot) and with it’s advanced technology break it down to remove as much of it as possible (between 80%-100%). The soot is burnt off at very high temperatures in the DPF and left behind is a very fine ash residue. The problem is this ash, it has no where to go and so will begin causing blockage in the DPF system and this is the common DPF problem

The ash & soot will partially block your DPF causing the DPF light to illuminate on the dash (normally when 45% blockage is reached) at which point regeneration is required to get the DPF back in to it’s safety level. Regeneration is the DPF’s way to clear the blockage through continuously burning it at higher temperatures and allowing the now harmless product to escape through the exhaust system.

So what are the most common vehicles suffering from DPF failure. The DPF system is fitted to such a wide range of cars and is now being fitted to most new diesel engines so the problem will in future become a common symptom in garages. For the time being here is a list of the most common cars we have been dealing with on a regular basis:

Alfa Romeo Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) problems
Audi – 1.4 TDI, 1.9 TDI, 2.0 TDI, 2.5 TDI, 2.7 TDI, 3.0 TDI, 4.2 TDI, 5.0 TDI etc. Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) problems
BMW & Mini Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) problems
Citroen Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) problems
Chevrolet Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) problems
Fiat Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) problems
Ford Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) problems
Honda Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) problems
Hyundai Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) problems
Jaguar Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) problems
Kia Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) problems
Lancia Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) problems
Mazda Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) problems
Mercedes Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) problems
Nissan Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) problems
Opel Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) problems
Peugeot Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) problems
Renault Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) problems
Rover Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) problems
Saab Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) problems
Seat Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) problems
Skoda Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) problems
Toyota Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) problems
Vauxhall Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) problems
Volkswagen Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) problems
Volvo Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) problems