Many drivers who have diesel cars have faced this problem: clogged DPF. This does not mean, however, that the car has broken down and must necessarily be taken into service. Here’s how to regenerate the particulate filter, what is the minimum travel speed and how many revs should the engine be kept at.
Car manufacturers have fitted modern diesel cars with devices to reduce emissions. One of these is the diesel particulate filter (DPF).
Its role is to destroy the particles resulting from diesel combustion.
How a particulate filter works
The particulate filter is part of the car’s exhaust system. Its role is to capture the soot particles resulting from fuel combustion and destroy them.
In general terms, the role of the particulate filter is to reduce noxious emissions.
While driving, the car’s computer constantly monitors the level of soot accumulated in the filter. When the level reaches a certain threshold, the active regeneration process begins.
Which means that the temperature inside the particulate filter is increased, with the help of the exhaust gases, and a process of burning the particles begins.
But if the vehicle does not reach high enough speeds and the engine speed is not right, the soot will not be able to be destroyed.
Thus, regeneration will not be possible, and more and more residues will accumulate inside the filter. Which will invariably lead to DPF clogging.
When the particulate filter becomes clogged or stops working properly, the check engine light will come on in the dashboard. Or, on newer models, a text message will be displayed and a dedicated filter light will illuminate.
How to regenerate the particle filter?
You don’t necessarily need to go to a mechanic to regenerate a clogged particulate filter.
„The regeneration is done automatically, if you go at the right speed, have the right revs and run for a certain time. In general, you need to ride 20-40 kilometers with an engine speed between 2,000 and 2,500 RPM at a speed of at least 60 km/h. So it’s best to go on the highway to do a DPF regeneration. Keep the car at a constant speed of around 2,200 RPM and drive like this for 10-20 minutes”, mechanic Robert Marin explained to ProMotor.
When the regeneration is complete, the DPF warning light will turn off by itself. Which means the particulate filter has been cleaned.
So, to regenerate the particulate filter you must:
- maintain a constant speed between 2,000 RPM and 2,500 RPM;
- you have a minimum speed of 60 km/h;
- run this way for 10-20 minutes.
If the warning light does not go out during this time, it is possible that the problem is of a different nature. Which means you’ll have to take the car to a mechanic for a full diagnosis.
Source: www.promotor.ro
