The original article detailing my experiences with the DPF (Diesel particulate filter) in my 2008 Nissan Qashqai 2.0Dci has proved to be very popular by people also experiencing issues.
In order to help my fellow diesel DPF users, we have put together a page dedicated to this small “environmentally friendly” and costly device.
What is a DPF?
A diesel particulate filter (DPF) is a device which sits in the exhaust system, it “captures” soot / diesel particulate and other nasty particles so they are not released into atmosphere. A diesel particulate filter can remove upwards of 85% of the particles from the exhaust, reducing harmful emissions.
The DPF physically captures the soot and ash particles in a net or mesh like structure within the filter.
Does my vehicle have a DPF fitted?
UK emissions standards for cars effectively required fitment of a DPF in the exhaust of diesel cars in 2009 when the ‘Euro 5′ standard came into force. Many cars before this time already had one fitted in anticipation of this requirement but its generally accepted that very few diesel cars manufactured before 2006 had a diesel particulate filter fitted.
If you are in any doubt, the unit should be visible if you have under the vehicle. They are normally located to the front of the exhaust system. If you’re not mechanically minded then it may be beneficial to take along a mechanic if you are looking to buy a car but are keen to avoid having a DPF.
What does the DPF warning light on my dash mean?
The DPF warning light displayed on the dash board indicates that the filter is not working correctly or is in need of maintenance / regeneration. Sensors within the device or the exhaust monitor the back pressure and temperature of the system to ensure its working correctly. When the readings from this sensors are outside a preprogrammed limit this will trigger the warning.
Once activated, the light should trigger a regeneration of the filter or could indicate that the device is faulty and in need of replacement or repair.
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DPF regeneration / cleaning
There are two different types of DPF regeneration that are commonly used. These are active and passive. Which ever your car uses you’ll still have to meet some strict conditions in order for the regeneration to start. It’s usually a combination of engine temperature, speed and RPM. A rule of thumb is that the engine needs to have reached normal operating temperature, you’re travelling at more than 40MPH and the RPM (revs) of your engine is at least 2500 RPM. Depending on how blocked or effective your regeneration will determine how long it needs to be performed.
DPF Regen Conditions
- Engine at normal operating temperature
- At least 40MPH
- At least 2500RPM
- Fingers crossed!
Below is an explanation of the different types of regeneration.
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Active Regeneration
Active regeneration of the DPF is performed by the ECU triggering a post combustion fuel injection. This increases the temperature in DPF, burning off the soot and particles that build up in the filter. This type of regeneration can cause higher than normal fuel usage.
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Passive Regeneration
Passive DPF regeneration takes place automatically on motorway-type runs when the exhaust temperature is high. Many manufacturers have moved to using active regeneration as many motorists do not often drive prolonged distances at motorway speeds. Passive regeneration often uses a DPF additive (see below).
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Forced Regeneration
Forced regeneration is a way of cleaning the DPF using a maintenance process which has been built in by the vehicle manufacturer. This process can only be started by either a main dealer / mechanic with the right tools and access to the vehicles management systems. This process usually involves kicking off a DPF clean cycle in the workshop which runs the car at a high RPM for a considerable period of time. The ECU ensures that this cycle heats up the DPF filter to an extreme temperature, burning off the contents of the filter. It some cases the ECU injects fuel into the post combustion process to achieve these temperatures. In most cases the engine oil will need to be changed as the vehicle will literally “cook” the lubricant.
DPF Cleaning
DPF cleaning is a manual process that removes the soot and diesel particulates from the filter. DPF cleaning is achieved using by utilising ultrasonic cleaning technology in combination with specialist chemicals. This process removes all traces of particulate, returning it back to near new condition.
There are many companies in the UK offering DPF cleaning services with many offering a guarantee period, free collection and return. Having your DPF cleaned in this way is certainly a viable alternative to replacing the entire unit considering what it would cost to replace it.
Click for more on DPF Cleaning
DPF Cleaners At Amazon
What is a DPF additive?
Some manufactures utilise a DPF additive which is automatically added to the fuel. This additive is used to increase the chance of a successful regeneration. The additive allows the soot and ash to be “burnt” at a much lower temperature than that required during an active regeneration. The additive is usually replenished during servicing as part of manufactures guidelines.
There are a number “over the counter” DPF additives which can bee added to your fuel tank. These too claim to help reduce the temperature which soot will burn. Read more about how these work here DPF Cleaning
Why are diesel particulate filters so expensive?
DPF filters contain a fine mesh light structure that acts like a net. This net captures the soot and diesel particulates, stopping them from being released into the air. Modern DPF filters are made from various materials such as a matrix of porous ceramic material, Silicon carbide or metal fibers. Due to the materials used and complex design of the structure the filter can often cost upwards of £1000.
How long should a DPF last?
The lifespan of a DPF is very hard to determine. There are many factors to take into account however we would hedge our bets on expecting a DPF for the average motorist to last in excess of 70k miles from new. For the occasional city driver this maybe considerably sooner due to increased soot levels and the ability for the DPF to regenerate under normal driving conditions.
Can I clean my DPF? Should I use a DPF cleaning fuel additive?
Do no believe what it says on the tin or what you read on website selling “snake oil. Read more here for further information on cleaning your DPF filter.
What should I do when I see the DPF warning light?
In the first instance we would suggest that you contact your manufacturer service centre for advice when the DPF warning light is displayed. Depending on the model and make of your car, the process of regenerating the filter will differ. If you are still unsure how best to clear the DPF then we would advise seeking advice on the vast array of owners club message boards and forums.
Failure to correctly regenerate the filter in a timely manner can lead to a costly manual regeneration or in the worst case – failure of the device. See the section above for information on how regeneration takes place however we would strongly suggest that you speak to a mechanic before wasting time and fuel.
My car has a DPF cleaning button. What the hell is it and how do I use it?
Some vehicles such as trucks or 4x4s are not able to meet the conditions required for an “automatic” DPF regen. They are often fitted with a DPF cleaning button – we’ve dedicated a page to this very topic. Click to find out more about DPF Cleaning Button Switch
My car has an automatic gearbox, how to trigger a DPF regeneration?
If you have an “auto” box and need to perform a DPF regeneration it could a little tricky to get the revs high enough for a regen without breaking the speed limit. Truy using the SPORT / S mode setting on your transmission to force the car to hold the revs higher without changing gear. It may take a little time to work out the sweet spot for the change but at least it’ll help you keep those points off your license.
My Mercedes C class is one of the increasing number of cars that feature a manual mode with flappy paddles that make you think you’re some kind of racing driver. This mode allows you to keep the revs much her in gear and hold them there. Depending on the car it may trigger a kick down if you push the accelerator all the way down to the floor.
Now the DPF warning light and Check Engine / Management (engine warning lights) are on!
With most vehicles the DPF warning light will illuminate to notify you that the unit is becoming blocked and requires regeneration. When the car meets it’s conditions for a regeneration it will attempt to burn off the built up soot using either an active or passive regeneration. If the regeneration is unable to occur or fails you may be treated to an additional light on your dash in the form of an Engine Management Light or Check Engine Light. This usually occurs when the car is beyond the point at which a normally regeneration may occurs and indicates a dealer / garage visit is in order.
When the EML / CEL appears your car may go into limp home mode. This may restrict engine power and revs, resulting in additional misery!
I have a DPF, what engine oil should I use?
Always use the manufacturer approved engine oil if you have a DPF. Most manufacturers specify a low SAPS oils. Low SAPS oils are specifically designed to be low in Sulphated Ash – a by-product of diesel combustion that causes the DPF “mesh” to become be blocked. It’s also advised to ensure your oil is changed well within recommended manufacturer guidelines.
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What can cause my DPF to block?
Faulty / Damaged EGR Valve
It’s not just your driving habbits that can cause your DPF to block. There is another little gremlin sitting under your bonnet that could be the cause of all your DPF woes… your EGR valve.
An EGR Valve is a small engine component that recirculates a portion of your exhaust gases back into the engine. This process is primarily aimed at reducing the levels of nitrous oxide (NOx) being emitted through the exhaust system.
Over time EGR valves can become blocked with the soot and carbon it is designed to recirculate, this in turn can cause the device to stick open or open for longer than it should.
A faulty EGR valve that is stuck open will increase the amount of particulates, soot and carbon to to be fed back into the engine, in turn increasing particulates produced by the engine and causing your DPF to become blocked much quicker than expected.
A faulty EGR valve will often cause an error code in the ECU and may also cause the car to idle roughly. We’d recommend having your EGR checked if you are experiencing recurring DPF regeneration or frequent DPF warning lights.
Read more about how EGR valves work and how they can affect both your DPF and engine here.
Can I remove my DPF?
Due to the high costs of replacing diesel particulate filters, a whole industry has emerged around removing the devices completely (DPF removal). This involves replacing the unit with a pass through pipe or modifying the existing unit and removing the mesh or filters inside.
The removal of the DPF will cause the ECU error and therefore the service will most likely also include the removal of the error and associated programming from the ECU software.
The marketing of this services often includes claims of reduced running costs, extra power and increased efficiency.
Is is legal to remove my DPF?
According to the DPF guidance sheet on the .GOV website. Its is an offence to remove the DPF filter.
It is an offence under the Road vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations (Regulation 61a(3))1 to use a vehicle which has been modified in such a way that it no longer complies with the air pollutant emissions standards it was designed to meet. Removal of a DPF will almost invariably contravene these requirements, making the vehicle illegal for road use.
A vehicle might still pass the MoT visible smoke emissions test, which is primarily intended to identify vehicles that are in a very poor state of repair, whilst emitting illegal and harmful levels of fine exhaust particulate.
With this is mind PLEASE we strongly advise you check out our article regarding DPF filter removal and your MOT
Is my DPF filter covered under warranty?
The DPF is seen as a consumable by many manufacturers and warranty providers. The cost of replacing or regenerating the filter is normally not covered but we would suggest seeking advice if you are experiencing DPF related issues.
I’m constantly having issues with my DPF, what next?!
If your driving habits are not sutable for DPF equipt car, you have a defective DPF or regeneration issue we strongly suggest you do what I did. Sell it and move on. Petrol cars DO NOT HAVE DPF FILTERS!
Check out our top DPF tips for keeping your DPF clean
Check out our top 5 tips on keeping your DPF clean and trouble free. Click for our top 5 DPF tips
We hope you found this article useful and we would appreciate your feedback / requests for additional information. Please share using the buttons below and feel free to contact us to help us offer even more useful information.
We need your help!
If you’ve been confronted with DPF issues and you’ve managed to fix them yourself then please let us know in the comments below. It might just help a fellow motorist escape the expense of a dealer regen or a replacement filter.
For more information on DPFs you might also like to check out the following pages
- The Diesel particulate filter (DPF) FAQ
- The Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve EGR FAQ
- Our top five tips on keeping your DPF clean
- Diesel remap & tuning boxes will my diesel particulate filter DPF cope?
- DPF Cleaning specialists reveal top 10 vehicles with DPF issues
- Which cars have the most DPF problems?
- Skoda Octavia iii 2013 Diesel Particulate Filter DPF – Owner’s Manual – Regeneration FAQ
- Hypermiling Top Tips: Top 5 causes of blocked / Failed DPF diesel particulate filters
What is the most efficient method to clean the DPF particulate filter?
I have a Peugeot 308, 58 plate. I bought from auctions and within two days anti pollution warning light came on. Done a bit of Google reading (once I calmed myself down) and found out it was either the difference or egr valve. I have taken the car a run on the motorway keeping gears low and revs high 2500 to 3500 and seems to do the trick. However if I dare to take the car a short journey light comes back on. I came on here hoping to find the right additive but seems like that would be a waste of money. Any suggestions would be appreciated
My Dacia sandero step way has been awful . Needed regen after only 5000miles .eventually after only 18500 miles it had to have a brand new dpf cost me £1000. Dacia are a dreadful company to do business with wish I had never heard of them. I am taking legal action against them as no mention of potential problems with a dpf was ever conveyed to me either verbal or written.
Keith
I am having same problems with my DPF Nissan told me I was not driving it enough I told them they should make this perfectly clear what will happen if you don’t
I want to sue Nissan and the dealer jointly how did you get on in your quest
Was helpful shame his is not part of vehicle information on purchase ?? It always used to be diesel pumps that were the shocker if you are at the mercy of the garage £280 to have a forced regeneration @ Nissan dealer including oil and filter change or that plus £1800.00 to complete if forced regeneration dies not work ?? Not a good job to have done as forced regeneration is not guaranteed ? Surely this leads to more garages being able to charge the latter price ?? The unsuspecting customer would never know surely ?
Thanks Karl for replying to my rant . I would be grateful for any help or advice you could offer me .my Dacia sandero step way bought brand new june27 2014 has been a nightmare , clogged up with only 5000 miles had rac out 3 times kept telling me to drive further every day , as I am a private hire driver I only do long motorway journeys on m1 and m25 not many short trips at all .dacia have a pre conceived view that my car is not being driven in the way it should .i had to pay £1000 to have a new dpf fitted last Christmas .dacia gave me their word they would fix it and also said they would liase with me after Xmas period to exchange car for a petrol vehicle .they have reneged on their promises from the beginning ,garage in Milton Keynes rang me to say Dacia will not pay to fix car .no explanation was given to them either. I rang Dacia hq 6times over the next ten days either the manager was out or phone was cut off . I have had to take legal action against them and I have filed an indepth report to motor codes also my mp for south beds has been notified ,he is also shocked to hear the of the deceitful conduct of this company. No mention of a dpf potential problem was conveyed to me either verbally or written if I had been aware of this dpf I would have avoided it like the plague. But Dacia will not accept any of this and has washed their hands of any culpability they are a disgusting company . I wish I had never heard of them any advice Karl would be appreciated cheers Keith sheffield
Had regen in mt quasquai+2 3 weeks ago and the red light has come on again, AA said its the dpf again?? Have 3 kids and cant afford time without a car or the money for another regeneration, what a rip off.
I had exactly the same on my old +2. Had it don’t 3 times over 18 months. Its either full of ash or your have an EGR issue.
Gutted for you. Let us know how you get on.
I ran one of the first production cars to be fitted with a DPF. Peugeot 406 2.2 HDi in 2001. Yes, 2001. These early DPFs used a fuel borne catalyst which is added to the fuel when you fill up. This is handled automatically by the ECU. These were far more durable systems than today’s arrangements.
However, if you do a few things you can help things along massively.
1. Don’t under rev the engine. It doesn’t save fuel and it doesn’t save wear and tear.
2. Use top quality fuel. Shell V-Power Nitro+ or BP Ultimate Diesel.
3. Take the car for a run every few hundred miles. Giving it a good hiding is not especially effective as that’s how the soot is created in the first place. You need to keep around 2500rpm and speed above 40mph. Use a suitable gear.
4. Consider adding a diesel fuel additive yourself every few thousand miles.
HELP HELP HELP!
I have a 2006 Mazda Bongo RF6C Turbo Diesel. I notice a white smoken coming from the exhaust pipe whil driving and thought it was an engine problem. However, aftet taking it to mechanic he said it was the DPF cleaning taking place.
There is a button on my dssh which sas DPF. I did not know exactly how to use it however the second day of seeing the smoke comimg from the muffler intermitently and the DPF LIGHT IN THE DASH CAME.ON FOR A FEW SECONDS THEN DISAPPEARED…I pulled over on the side of the highway, reved the engine to high rpm a few times then press the DPF BUTTON ON MY DASH. To my surprise the engine started reving on its own and that went on for about 6-8mins with a bit of white smoke coming from the exhausy pipe – however this was much less than what I saw being emitted while driving. Hours later in the day while driving at at between 5 and about 8 km/h I saw the same whitish smoke being expelled… BUT HAVE NOT SEEN THE DPF LIGHT IN MY DASH.
Can any one explain what is happening?
Please and thanks.
Hi Oniel
Looks like your DPF was doing a regen. Nothing really to worry about. The process basically burns off all the soot from the filter. You will quite often see a little extra smoke etc when this happens.
As for the button – we’ve written an article specifically about the DPF button – check out the article below
https://www.hypermiler.co.uk/dpf-diesel-particulate-filter/how-to-use-a-manual-dpf-regeneration-button-switch-faq
Good luck – let us know how you and your Bongo get on.
Cheers Karl
I have a 2010 Kia Carens with 98,000 on the clock. Had the car five years with no real problems. However a couple of weeks ago I had a warning light appear on the dash. I’ve had two diagnostic checks indicating P2002 code. I’ve tried running the car to clear it, tried a cleaner additive and just had a forced regeneration. After each reset the car runs for about 20 miles then the warning light reappears. I’ve checked with the dealer and they tell me there are no software updates due. The car is still running ok and I’ve done over 700 miles since the light first showed, it’s never gone into limp mode. However the car does seem to be running better since the forced regen.
Historically the car has for a couple of years occasionally ‘lurched’ when setting off from a short stopover of say a few hours. This got worse the back end of 2016 and was only resolved when a cleaner was added to the fuel tank. I should add that until the back end of 2016 I was using supermarket fuel (didn’t know any better), since I have used predominantly Shell, but not the V-power. Another thing I noted last year was I was using more oil than previously.
I don’t know what else to do. Do I have the Dpf cleaned, do I replace it? Is it likely I’ll need it replacing given the car has almost 100k on the clock? Could it be another problem? Will the warning light ever go out??? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I have Quashqai+2 (Nissan) 1.5 diesel model and drove 69k miles – majority on motorway with about 300 miles per week in last 6 months. Recently got DPF clogged up first time and gave it to dealer who is now quoting £2800 to replace! what a shocking price when I was told at point of sale by the same dealer that diesel engine are meant to run smoothly for >100k miles. Can’t get my car back as its not in drivable condition so have short time to decide and move on. I guess NIssan can’t do anything as the car is about 7 years old so no warranty.
I was in the same boat. It’s disgusting really that they can get away with it.
Even new vehicles with warranty do not cover the DPF.
Let us know how you get on.
“Petrol cars DO NOT HAVE DPF FILTERS!”
Petrol cars do not have DPF filters *yet*.
However, with direct injection, petrol engines suffer from the same particulate emissions problem as diesel engines.
With Euro 6, petrol cars will have to adhere to the same PN (particle number) emission limits as diesel cars from September 2018 on.
So, in the near future you will be seeing much more petrol cars equipped with particulate filters too.
Please, ask a friend to proof read your articles. There are far too many mistakes for this otherwise informative article to be a pleasant read.
I brought a vw Amorok less than months ago from vw Leicester. The car ex demo car with 8kmiles. I have covered 12,000 since having the car. The dpf has gone at 20k miles they are refusing to fix the car under warranty.
The dpf is supposed to last to at least 70k if properly maintained. The are demanding £2500 to fix the issue. Blaming my driving style.
Basic saying I broke the car by 60 miles each day to work. Surly they it’s not fit for purpose at breaking down twice in 6 months of ownership
Taking care of your DPF is easy. There’s no need to use V-power / BP Ultimate. The standard juice is just fine.
Also, if your DPF blocks up, it’s one of three reasons.
1. Your driving style. Ideally you should be driving on the motorway when the DPF is approaching full.
2. Hardware fault. Something on the car has broken, either a stuck injector, EGR valve blocked up or ran out of DPF fluid.
3. DPF filter is actually full up of ash.
With the 3rd one, don’t take it to a dealer. Mine will be approaching full at around 170-180k according to the Peugeot diagnostic tools but I am pre-emptively replacing at 150k. DPF for a OEM Delphi unit was £110. Fitting will be another £20.
Hi,
Wondering if i can get some advice! I purchased a Nissan quashqi in April 2018 THIS IS BRAND NEW!!!! when we went into the show room we told them it would be for running around town which they were more then happy with and still went ahead and sold up the car. just under 6 months old we are told it needs a new oil change as the DPF is clogged. this is due to us not driving it enough long distance and this is going to cost us £150 every 6 months as the same issue will just re occur!!! is this seriously the issue with every diesel? its done in 6 months just under 6000 miles???