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A Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF or FAP for short) is a filter found in the downpipe section of the exhaust and is specifically designed to reduce the amount of Diesel Particulate Matter (Soot/Ash) passing through.
A Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF or FAP for short) is a filter found in the downpipe section of the exhaust and is specifically designed to reduce the amount of Diesel Particulate Matter (Soot/Ash) passing through. The objective of this filter is to create cleaner / more eco friendly exhaust gases being released into the atmosphere.
A diesel particulate filter will gradually become restricted and more clogged up as a normal part of it’s service life. A process called regeneration is designed to occasionally ‘clear out’ the particulate filter. Unfortunately this needs specific driving conditions and when these are not met, the degree to which the filter is blocked can surpass the engine managements ability to regenerate the filter – leading to problems with power loss (see detailed list below) and even in the absolute worst case, risk to the car due to overheating of the filter.
The images on the right show different examples of the a DPF, as you can imagine with the first image this is very restrictive and easy to block causing fault codes and running problems on the car.
A blocked DPF can cause many problems including loss of power, economy and throttle response. With more extreme cases, filters that are extremely blocked can cause the engine not to start at all.
Generally speaking a blocked DPF is usually caused by another underlying issue. It is worth undertaking further diagnostics to find the route cause of the blockage.
Things what could lead to a blocked DPF:
There are multiple faults codes and symptoms that can point towards a faulty / blocked DPF.
Symptoms:
Warning Lights:
There are 4 main solutions when you experience a blocked DPF. It is also worth diagnosing the vehicle as a lot of the time a blocked DPF can be caused by another issue. (Check DPF Sensors, EGR Valve and Swirl Flaps).
The first solution is to try a forced regeneration. This is for cars that have only just started to show symptoms that the DPF is blocking. If this fails to work the DPF may be too far gone for this process.
Pro’s
– If the forced regeneration process is successful this is the cheapest way to cure a blocked DPF.
Con’s
– A forced regeneration cannot always be preformed, depending on how blocked the DPF is.
The second solution would be to clean the DPF using latest advanced carbon cleaning technology break down carbon and soot deposits.
Pro’s
– The price of this is a fraction of a replacement unit.
– The vehicle may respond well and get 1,000 of more miles with any issues. .
Con’s
– After testing a cleaned DPF it made no difference in power, compared to a blocked DPF (150k Miles).
– In term of tuning, a DPF filter (cleaned or blocked) is a massive restriction to Air Flow and EGT’s (Exhaust Gas Temperatures) resulting in lower power figures.
The third solution would be to replace the DPF. Generally speaking, these can be very expensive from the dealers, some costing upwards of £1500 + VAT.
Pro’s
– The vehicle will remain as it came from the factory meaning it will stay within the manufactures warranty.
Con’s
– A new unit plus the labour is an expensive job to undertake.
– In terms of tuning, a DPF filter (new or blocked) is a massive restriction to Air Flow and EGT’s resulting in lower power figures.
The forth solution is to remove the DPF all together eliminating the problem with no risk of the same problems occurring in the future.
We must advise that in the UK this is illegal and it’s the customers responsibility to ensure they comply with rules and laws relating to their home country)
Pro’s
– A DPF Delete including software is usually around half the price of a new replacement unit.
– Eliminates all chances of the DPF blocking again in the future and further expenses.
– Removing the filter element will increase air flow and lower EGT’s resulting in better performance and economy.
Con’s
-If removal of DPF is detected it may affect manufactures warranty and MOT .
After deleting the DPF you are also able to delete the EGR Valve, this valve is used to lower the emissions of the car but are often prone for failing. The valve works by recirculating some of the exhaust gases back into the engine through the air intake system, reducing the amount of emissions that exit the car.
The problem lies with the exhaust fumes that contain carbon deposits, these fumes are constantly being recirculated through the engine which over time will cause a build-up of the carbon deposits in the intake manifold and other in other parts including the EGR valve. This build up in the valve is often what causes them to fail.
There are two ways of removing the EGR System from the vehicle. The first way is by using one of our EGR Delete Race Pipe Kits,
Some cars may have a different EGR Valves or ones that are built into the inlet manifold. If this is the case you can still remove the EGR using blanking plates.
Once the valve is either removed or blanked off the vehicles ECU will no longer get a signal from the EGR Valve causing the emissions workshop light to appear on the dash board. Custom Remaps can reprogram the ECU to remove the software faults stored on the cars memory.
We offer FINANCE on all our services from power runs on our dyno to repairs to custom tuning.
Workshop: Monday – Saturday (8am – 5pm)
Office: Monday – Friday (9am – 5pm)
Sunday: Closed