A Soot Trap That Has to Clean Itself
The DPF sits in the exhaust and catches the soot a diesel engine makes. To stop it filling up, the car burns that soot off every so often in a process called regeneration.
Regeneration needs heat, which means a decent run at highway speed. Cars that only do short trips around town rarely get hot enough, so the soot builds faster than it burns, the warning light comes on and eventually the engine cuts power.
A blocked filter is often a symptom, not the root problem. A leaking injector, a stuck EGR valve, a split boost hose or a faulty pressure sensor can all fill it with soot or stop it regenerating.
Signs Your DPF Is Struggling
Clean It, Then Stop It Happening Again
Diagnose
Scan the codes, read the soot load and back-pressure, and look for the reason it's blocking.
Regenerate
Where the filter is healthy, a forced regeneration with the scan tool burns the soot off in the workshop.
Clean or replace
A filter too full to regenerate is removed and cleaned, or replaced if it's cracked or full of ash.
Fix the cause
Sensors, EGR valves, injectors and boost leaks repaired, then the oil changed if diesel has diluted it.
Fewer DPF Problems
- Give it a 20 to 30 minute run at highway speed every week or two
- Use the low-ash diesel engine oil your manufacturer specifies
- Don't ignore the DPF light, and don't switch off mid-regeneration if you can help it
- Keep up with servicing so injectors, filters and sensors stay in good shape
We won't remove or delete a DPF. It's illegal on a registered road vehicle and causes problems at sale and inspection time. We'll fix it properly instead.
Back to Full Power
“Just had my Ford Ranger Wildtrak serviced here. Very good service. Extremely Helpfull and welcoming. A great find!”
“just hald holden colarado LTZ in for service and cv boots replaced and a full diagnostic check , customer service was second to none , job was done in the time frame i was told , and was very happy with the price”
“Great service from Stephen. Great workmanship from the team. Fair pricing and and a job well done.”
DPF FAQ
Can I keep driving with the DPF light on?
For a short while, and a long highway run can sometimes clear it. If it stays on or the car goes into limp mode, book it in. A filter left to block completely is much harder and more expensive to recover.
How much does DPF cleaning cost?
It depends on whether a forced regeneration is enough or the filter has to come off for cleaning or replacement. We diagnose it first and give you a price before any work.
Why does my DPF keep blocking?
Mostly short trips, but faults like a leaking injector, a stuck EGR valve or a bad pressure sensor are common causes. Fixing the cause is what stops it coming back.
Can you delete or remove my DPF?
No. Removing a DPF from a registered road vehicle is illegal in Australia. We repair or replace it instead.
