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A DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) also known as FAP on some French vehicles, is a device fitted to the exhaust system of modern diesel vehicles to reduce emissions and meet European emission standards. It does this by trapping Soot (Particulate Matter – PM) from the exhaust gasses as they flow out of the exhaust.
They have been in common use in passenger cars and light commercials from around 2003 in preparation for Euro 4 regs in 2005. Peugeot, Renault, and BMW were early adopters. Euro 5 emissions regulations in 2009 made it compulsory for diesel cars and light commercials to have a DPF fitted, and the 2014 Euro 6 introduced further emissions restrictions.
If regeneration doesn’t function properly it leads to a build-up of soot affecting performance and fuel economy, left unattended this will result in a Blocked DPF which can ultimately cause very expensive damage to other engine components. A blocked DPF is also potentially dangerous as it can cause overheating in the exhaust system and cause a fire risk. To prevent this damage most new vehicles will go into “Limp Home” safety mode at this stage, meaning the vehicle will have minimum power barely sufficient to crawl home.
For regeneration to take place it requires the vehicle to be driven regularly at some speed on open roads e.g. motorway driving, typically driving at around 2500 RPM for approx. 15-30mins at least once a month, this will keep things working.
If your DPF warning or Anti-Pollution warning lamp is illuminated, do not ignore it. Get professional advice, consider your options carefully, and attend to the problem. Leaving it will ultimately cost you much more in additional repair bills and it can be dangerous.
By the time your DPF warning lights are visible it will already be significantly blocked. Forced regeneration by a garage, or a “blast down the motorway,” is not likely to cure the problem as this only works as preventative maintenance. At this stage you have the following options:
Our team are available to answer any questions you might have throughout the sales process.