We were surprised to see comments by Ford owners on our GPF / Gasoline Particulate filter FAQ asking about the error “Exhaust filter limit reached. drive to clean now“.
We were made to believe that unlike the DPF filter, the GPF was a “maintenance free” filter which would “clean” itself under normal driving conditions. Unfortunately, that doesn’t look like it’s the case.
I’ve been through all the new Ford Ecoboost manuals I can find online and unfortunately, I can’t see anything about the GPF or related error anywhere. As you would expect, there is a section dedicated to the DPF but the Gasoline Particulate filter is not mentioned anywhere.
Some of the Ford forums suggest that this error could be due to a sensor malfunction however we’ve seen comments with increasing frequency from owners with cars under a year old.
Could it be that like a DPF, the GPF requires the same sort of conditions for regeneration? If so this is going to pi** a lot of owners off, especially those that have moved over to petrol cars from diesel cars due to low milages or driving habits that we’re ideal for modern diesel cars.
Is this the start of GPF regeneration issues for petrol car owners?
Having myself already been bitten by issues with DPF regenerations I’m concerned that this issue could be the start of filter regeneration issues on petrol cars. What we aren’t sure about is if this issue with only related to Ford vehicles equipped with GFP filters.
As per our GFP FAQ article – the GPF regeneration works very differently than a DPF
How does a GPF regenerate?
GPF regeneration can only be performed in “non power” conditions, meaning that regeneration is normally achieved under deceleration. Deceleration increases the amount of oxygen following through the engine and exhaust system. This in turn raises the temperature of the GPF to around 400c – 700c, igniting the soot contained within the filter.
In conditions where this is not possible, the vehicles engine management systems alter timing causing it to run lean. This “lean” burn increases oxygen and therefore GPF operating temperatures, allowing regeneration to occur.
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Does this only affect certain Ford models?
We understand that in some vehicles the GPF filter is located further down the exhaust system than others. This would suggest why some models in the Ford line up don’t seem to have this issue. We’ll update this when we have some more information.
How to clear the warning / fault
We were lucky enough to find the following image supplied in a forum post of the fordownersclub.com website.
It shows: Gasoline Particulate filter Information Messages
Message: Exhaust Filter at Limit. Drive to Clean
Action:
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Drive at varied range of conditions including highway conditions for 20 minutes or until the message disappears.
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Avoid prolonged idling
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Select a suitable gear to maintain engine speed between 1500 and 4000RPM
Until we have any further information we can only suggest that a blast up your local dual carriageway while focusing on periods of throttle off deceleration from high revs. Deceleration increases the amount of oxygen following through the engine and exhaust system. This, in turn, raises the temperature of the GPF to around 400c – 700c
This should help exhaust temperatures reach those required for a GPF regen, it’s certainly worth a shot.
What is also unclear is what happens if the filter gets too full / clogged? We’ve been made aware of at least one case where an owner has required a “static regen” at cost from their dealer. This is all sounding very familiar if you ask me.
Is there a software fix for this issue?
We’ve been made aware of some rumours of a software fox for this issue however it seems that at present it’s too early to know more.
We need your help
I just tried to call a couple of Ford dealerships in my area and as I’m not an owner, they were unwilling to help with my questions on this issue.
We’re looking for a Ford Technician or someone with a new Focus / Fiesta ECO boost that could enquire about this issue with their local dealership.
We’re also looking to hear from owners who have experienced this issue. Did you manage to clean it? Did it require a dealer “static regen”? Please let us know in the comments below so we can update this article with information which might help owners result the issue without an expensive dealer visit.
More Information
Check out our other articles about the GPF Gasoline Particulate filter
- The Gasoline Particulate Filter FAQ
- GPF / PPF Removal Delete FAQ – Is it illegal?
- How to fix “Exhaust filter limit reached. drive to clean now” (Ford GPF Filter)
- Leaked internal Skoda document shows Octavia VRS MY19 changes DPF & OPF
Credits
Image thanks to fordownersclub.com
I have a 2019 Ford Focus 1.0 ecoboost which has now done 5128 miles. Last week the warning that you illustrated came on. At first I thought it was a mistake as i was unaware that the car was fitted with one as when i traded in my old diesel Focus because of the DPF issues which i told the salesperson(a main Ford dealer) about he agreed they were a problem but no mention of my new petrol car having one (anything for a sale). Anyway i done as the warning said and drove the car like a MANIAC which to me defeats the whole purpose of these filters? The warning went out and has not came back on so far. The only plus side is that my new car actually tells me its needing done whereas my old car didn’t and i had to just guess when it needed regeneration.
Also have the problem with the Ford Focus 1.0 mk4. For a year I receive this message regularly. When buying the car, there was no explanation that I have to drive regularly on the highway to clean the filter. In the meantime, Ford (Germany) himself and my local dealer even want to tell me that that would be normal and that’s a problem with all manufacturers. I am the problem and just have to drive more. The message appears and disappears while driving, a “static regen” was not yet necessary. The longest route was a 43 miles freeway ride before the message related. Shortest route was 3 miles appear after 2 miles again.
My new focus st after about 2 month I got the to cleanexhaustgave it 15mile run ok for 10 months same message again drove 30 miles on mototway but warning came back on next day is it safe go drive I don’t know am I doing damage go engine ?due for service in january is it safe to drive car
Hi James
Is it a petrol or diesel?
Cheers Karl
Hello Karl. My car Ford Grand C-MAx 1.0 Ecoboost 2018
1 times written after 10000 km, GPF in the limit, clean by driving.
After 40 km drive cleared. 2 times at 19,000 km and now it is picked up regularly every month.
Is there any software update?
I have a ford connect tourneo and mine is saying backed up refer to hand book but engine management has come on and very sluggish had a service today and service light is still on so is eml and same message
I have a Ford Grand Tourneo that has developed an Exhaust Filter Overload Fault. The vehicle has been to the garage twice to try to get to the bottom of the problem. First time they drive the car and said they’d clears the problem but I knew before I even left that that wasn’t probably the case as what was happening was quite strange. I’d get an error message saying Exhaust Filter overloaded Drive to clean, then it would say Exhausted Filter cleaning. After a few miles of motorway driving the message would say Exhaust Filter Cleaned. Unfortunately it started saying Exhaust Filter Overloaded on practically every journey but now when it said it was cleaning the filter I would get a message saying it was cleaned and fumes would start filling the car. Now it’s saying Exhaust Filter at limit and still not cleaning it out. It’s back at the garage and I’m awaiting a result imminently.
Ford 1.0 ecoboost titanium 8 months old. Petrol. I have had this message several times during the past few weeks.6500 miles. Service guy at the Ford dealership said that they were totally unaware of this issue. ( Don’t know if he was being honest). Car has been booked in and will be checked out next week.i did several trips up the motorway but often after driving a mile the message comes on.
I’d be very surprised if the whole dealership network wasn’t aware of it. Let us know how you get on.
well I took it to the dealership (2019 Ford 1.0 Focus Titanium ecoboost)and as expected they could not find a fault. Seems when the message comes on, it doesnt leave a fault code. Presumably because, if this is a design fault, there would not be a fault asfar as the FORD definition goes. BUT, they said that there was a software/firmware update for the Power Module. Now as far as I understand it, this is the basic ‘brains’ of the car. The car feels slightly different now. Sportier in ‘normal’ mode.Certainly seems to run at higher revs. No sign of the message. The service guys said that the software update to the power module had nothing to do with the GPF. I am sure he is right but I wonder. Here is some speculations (which is always dangerous so lots of disclaimers on my part DO NOT take this as gospel or a fix or solution. Its only my, non technical speculation!!) but we know that the GPF cleans on deceleration. so does higher revs mean greater decelaration drops? i dont know. I am probably way off track here and making 2+2 = 5.
Another point as a totally aside: I noticed that the voice guidance from the Sync3 SATNAV did not mute the radio when ‘speaking’ which was a bit of a bother. however I had initially set the radio sound Dynamic volume (volume changes with speed of the car) to high. I have now switched that off and I can now hear the satnav guidance voice slightly muting the radio, which is better.
I will see how it all goes for a while.
Thanks for the update. The software update does suggest that there is something they needed to “fix”. The proof will be if you continue getting the errors. An increase in performance could be what it needs to blow the cobwebs from the GPF, problem is without an official recall it’s very hard to tell what they change when they update the ECU.
On a side note – did you have to pay a diagnostics fee for Ford to look at it?
Let us know how you get on. Fingers crossed that’ll be the end of it.
no the car is under warranty. It was agreed that in accordance with Ford assumptions the filter message should not appear.
I have now been driving for two weeks after the software update to the PCM and it seems to have cured the issue. The car runs at slightly higher revs which actually makes it feel more responsive although my fuel economy ( in normal mode driving) has reduced from 48 m/g to 47.4 but the filter issue has gone. If you still are driving with the message then it may be worthwhile to ask the dealer if there is an update to the PCM.
Hi guys. Just take your car to a dealer who will upgrade the control module. I had the same problem everyday. It’s been 4weeks now and haven’t seen the warning light come on.dont waste yuorfuetlrunning up and down a motorway.
Ford 1.0 Focus ecoboost titanium 8 months old. Petrol. I have had this message several times during the past few weeks.6500 miles. Service guy at the Ford dealership said that they were totally unaware of this issue. ( Don’t know if he was being honest). Car has been booked in and will be checked out next week.i did several trips up the motorway but often after driving a mile the message comes on.
Have just started recieving this message in my 19 plate 125 ps focus st-line at 4800 miles first appeared a few minutes into driving then about a minute into driving next time. Then started car this morning and message appeared straight away. Have heard if you put the car into sport mode when you start it the message wont appear. All i need to do for message to go away is press ok.
Had this come up first time today, 125 st-line focus 19 plate, 1500 miles, generally push car to its limits anyway as just come out of 22 yr old 1.8 GTi so don’t understand why this has happened
I have now been driving for two weeks after the software update to the PCM and it seems to have cured the issue. The car runs at slightly higher revs which actually makes it feel more responsive although my fuel economy ( in normal mode driving) has reduced from 48 m/g to 47.4 but the filter issue has gone. If you still are driving with the message then it may be worthwhile to ask the dealer if there is an update to the PCM.
i have a brand new 69 reg ford tourneo ( w.a.v. ) and i have had a message about the exhaust filter and now the engine light is on permanantly looked through the manuel but do not understand
That seems very strange. From what we understand Ford resolves these issues.
I’d get it back to your dealership ASAP and let them deal with it. Might even be a fault GPF or a sensor on the unit.
Let us know how you get on.
My tourneo does that as well. 19 reg. 6500 approx miles. Option to reset indicator from menu
Mine came on at 1800 miles the other day. Cleared it in around 5 minutes.
Get in 2nd between 2500-3000 rpm then brake heavily, rinse and repeat.
Obviously need a bit of clear road behind you!!
But it cleared so hopefully won’t come straight back!!
Hey, i was just wondering if this has fixed the problem? Has it come back since?
As of today it hasnt come back since
Hello, how did it go ? Did you get an update? Facing the same problem over here. Made an appointment, they did a regeneration but 3 days later it appeared again.
Hi I have a Ford Focus 2019 1.0 Zetec . I have done approx 6500 miles and I have just received this GPF message. I will ring Marshalls of Cambridge tomorrow to report and see what they have to say about a Power Module software update.
I’m having the same problem with my Focus. I’ve driven it around 6700km when that gpf/ppf message popped up. I have yet to contact the ford dealership. Will be sending updates on the next few weeks.
I have a Ford Focus sti 2018 with 9500 miles. This sign came up for the first time two days ago. I pressed ok and it went away but came back on today. Phoning ford dealership that I bought it from tomorrow
I have a Ford Tourneo. I get a fault warning “Exhaust filter overloaded see manual”. Which says drive steadily and get to a dealer asap. Car is 8 months old and done 6500 miles. Diesel.
Hi – I have Ford Focus 1,0 Ecoboost with 20.000 km. We get the warming now om regular basis and our dealership says we should go for rides on the freeway to clean out the filter???
I will try to update the software asap, but I am
Concerned that the source of the problem is how the GPF is installed or that Ford simply just released a car with which is not up to standards!
You’re absolutely right Niels. I bought 2018 Ecoboost ST Line X with 13000 miles on it. Been throwing this message up constantly despite regular motorway and bypass use at speed. Today I contacted the dealership who sold it to me, Trust Ford in Wilmslow Cheshire who just want to charge me for “static regen” and also have said while it is in they will do a software update which they will also charge me for – well over £200 for this. They’re just after the money!!
Since I bought the car I’ve only done 3000 miles. They sold it to me with a knackered battery which on replacing weeks after I bought the car also threw up that the bonnet couldn’t be opened which didn’t help. Trust Ford Wilmslow did refund the cost of the battery and did replace the bonnet mechanism. This week the window wash mechanism failed and they charged me over £100 to fix this – it failed again on the journey home and is going back in this Monday for them to do properly! They even failed to refill the wash reservoir after their alleged fix which also makes the Ford dealership look the scoundrels they and Ford really and truly are!
I will be selling this car as soon as I can and will never buy another Ford car ever. I’ve had half a dozen very good Fords, the last two were Focus diesel estates – no complaints, but this, although it is a delight to drive has been the worst car of a total of 23 in my life just stinks where my relationship with Ford must now end.
I’m having this issue with my 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TSi Petrol. I can’t get my message to clear. Cars only done 2600mls
I am getting the same message come up after 5700 miles.
2019 Ford Mustang 5.0 V8
I wonder if this is more than just an EcoBoost problem.
I have a Ford Focus ST Line 2018. I emailed Ford about this problem they phoned today and said my first action should be to contact my nearest dealer. Just off the phone with Arnold Clarke who have told me to drive for 20-30 minutes at 50mph in 3rd gear. They said it’s due to short drives and I would need to take up any complaint with Ford!
Car had a regen done by Arnold Clark, after only doing 150 miles the warning came back on, goes in again on 5th January for another regen. Warning is on most of the time, I’m only doing short journeys due to COVID-19. Was told I would need a 50 mile journey to clean it normally.
Found this on Ford Owners Club website
7895 – New Focus with 1.0L Ecoboost engine Drive to clean message illuminating repeatedly.
If a customer complains about above concern even when driver follows the instructions in the owners manual, please note that an improved engine calibration is available. Symptom hierarchy is e.g. Driver aids & information – Warnings (lamps, msgs, chime) – lamps & warnings – Other – Constant follow standard warranty procedure.
Ford puma 20 plate, did 700 miles from new and message “exhaust filter over limit service now” appeared,. Had a regen. 300 miles later, the same thing happened again. Strait to that without a “drive to clean” message both times. Had another regen, but a new car with a 1000 miles on im not happy. Was queried on my driving style/ distances by the dealer as I rarely drive more than 20 miles at a time and much shorter drive to work. Thats why I drive a petrol!!! So I’ll give it a good run of 30 miles on the bypass once every 2 weeks to see if it helps ( I wonder if ford will pay my extra petrol!! )
Andrew, I have EXACTLY the same problem with my Oct 72 plate Puma. After about 650 miles I got this warning message. Took it to the garage and was told its because I only do short journeys (again for me thats Covid related) and to give it a good run for 20-30 miles once a week to get the engine fully up to temperature (again like you say, wasting time and money on petrol) . I’ve done this but now two months later and also at 1000 miles (like you) the message has just come back on again!
A brand new £30K car has now had to be back into the garage twice already, and have had to call out the AA for a completely dead battery too!.
I’m supposed to be driving 150 miles next week but now I don’t know if i dare! These sort of issues should not be happening on a brand new, expensive car. Sick of it!
Hello. My car Ford Grand C-MAx 1.0 Ecoboost 2018
1 times written after 10000 km, GPF in the limit, clean by driving.
After 40 km drive cleared. 2 times at 19,000 km and now it is picked up regularly every month.
Is there any software update?
Picked up my 68 plate Focus with 10000 miles on on 28th March, drove it home from Birmingham to the north east and within a week I’d had the yellow warning and then the red.
Drove it for an hour, mostly on the motorway and then back a couple of hours later. Didn’t come on for the trip home but came back the next morning on the way to work.
Been advised not to drive it until I can get it to the garage next Friday so will see what happens.
My new fiesta 70 plate has been bringing up this message on and off for couple of weeks now it’s only done 600 miles I’ve only had car a couple of months
My fabia (Sept, 2018) 1.0 tsi was in the dealers today and it was diagnosed with a blocked gpf They said they could sort it in the workshop at a cost of nearly £200….. alternately I could do it myself by driving to get it up to temp but no mention about over run…… an hours drive (and petrol) wasted.
I just got this message up on my ford Kuga it’s less than a week old and less than a hundred miles driven
[email protected]-i experienced the exhaust filter limit problem when i was about five miles from home.By the time i arrived at home the message had disappeared and i did not know that the problem had been sorted. i booked an appointment at my nearest Ford trust dealership which was meant to be on 2/07/2022 which they cancelled today.I called my nephew and was planning to call the dealers on my Friday 30/06/22and my nephew emailed me this website which explained what needed to happen. After reading the comments from this website i drove around my block and the message on the dash board and this saved me from visiting my dealer!!!!!! whichh has saved some pounds for now.
I have a 2018 Astra Elite Turbo 1.6 which showed warning several times after short journeys and even on a long trip would appear after driving through town traffic. I added a fuel cleaner and this helped a little but eventually tried the super petrol and discovered that Tesco “millenium” has practically solved the issue. It occasionally reappears after being stuck in town traffic but clears within 5 minutes of normal driving.
Hi I’ve had problems with my Ford focus 1.0 Ecoboost 68 plate. With this message coming up. I’ve done the giving it a run up the bypass and it clears for a while. At present it hasn’t been on BUT took my car for its MOT today and it’s failed on emission!!! I’m gutted. The local garage are having it back in to do a static regeneration the retest. If that doesn’t work they are recommending a full service. If that fails they are saying they are at a loss and suggest I speak to Ford. I decided to try and get a price for supply and fit of a new filter from Ford. I got a very unhelpful parts person who told he had never heard of one for a petrol car and it was probably one of two of the catalytic converters at a price of £1099. And £399. Hence I put the phone down.
I’m returning to local garage on Wednesday for regeneration and will have everything crossed it passes. After that who knows!!!
I bought 2018 Ecoboost ST Line X with 13000 miles on it from Trust Ford in Wilmslow, Cheshire. The car has been throwing this message up constantly despite regular motorway and bypass use at speed. Today I contacted the dealership who sold it to me. Trust Ford in Wilmslow Cheshire just want to charge me for “static regen” and also have said while it is in they will do a software update which they will also charge me for – well over £200 for this. They’re just after our money!!
Since I bought the car I’ve only done 3000 miles. They sold it to me with a knackered battery which on replacing weeks after I bought the car also threw up that the bonnet couldn’t be opened which didn’t help. Trust Ford Wilmslow did refund the cost of the battery and did replace the bonnet mechanism. This week the window wash mechanism failed and they charged me over £100 to fix this – it failed again on the journey home and is going back in this Monday for them to do properly! They even failed to refill the wash reservoir after their alleged fix which also makes the Ford dealership look the scoundrels they and Ford really and truly are!
I will be selling this car as soon as I can and will never buy another Ford car ever because of this. I’ve had half a dozen very good Fords, the last two were Focus diesel estates – no complaints, but this, although it is a delight to drive has been one bad car out of a total of 23 other good ones where this issue never arose in my life and just stinks where my relationship with Ford must now end.