DPF & EGR Solutions

2 Words that cause more problems probably than they solve!

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Removal and DPF Removal Remap, DPF Cleaning along with DPF Regeneration, These are all different terms associated with the dreaded DPF and one should understand what these different terms mean!

We can cater for most problems associated with the emissions side of the dreaded MOT but it’s important to know that removing the DPF either by removing the internals as a whole or indeed replacing the whole unit with an aftermarket replacement pipe will result in not only an MOT fail but also/possibly your vehicle being confiscated!

WHAT IS A DPF?

A Diesel Particulate Filter also known as FAP on some vehicles, is a filter fitted inline with the exhaust system of modern diesel vehicles to reduce emissions and meet European emission standards. It does this by trapping Soot from the engine while letting the exhaust gas flow through the system.

As with any type of filter a DPF needs to be emptied regularly to function properly. With a DPF this is done by a process known as Regeneration which is a combination of a Catalyst type function within system and burning the soot at a very high temperature leaving behind an Ash within the DPF. Regeneration should be an automatic process in the normal day to day use of your vehicle and you may witness the odd blast of white smoke form the exhaust while its functioning properly.

DPFs have been in common use in passenger cars and light commercials from around 2003 in preparation for Euro 4 regs (2005), with Peugeot, Renault and BMW being early takers. Euro 5 (2009) made it compulsory for diesel cars and light commercials to have a DPF fitted and Euro 6 2014 has tightened this up still further.

PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED WITH DPF

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. 15-30 mins at least once a month, this will keep things working.

Many diesel vehicles are used primarily in urban areas or on short stop start journeys e.g. local deliveries, taxi’s, school runs etc and many have auto gearbox, so the vehicle does not get the chance to heat up sufficiently and is unable to carry out a full regeneration process.

Even if the regeneration functions as it should, over time the Ash Residue will build up in the DPF and have the same affect ultimately resulting in a blocked DPF. For this reason a DPF is classified as a Serviceable Item by the vehicle manufacturers like brake pads or air filters etc and not covered under warranty. DPF systems therefore need to be maintained properly.

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

If your DPF warning light or Anti-Pollution warning is on, please do not ignore it (typical dash warning symbols below). 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 your DPF will already be significantly blocked. Forced regeneration by a garage or a “blast down the motorway” is not likely to cure the problem, these only work as preventative maintenance. So at this stage realistically you have the following options:-

• DPF Regeneration – Remap-UK dealers can offer a regeneration service
  
• DPF Replacement – Remap-UK dealers can replace the DPF, normally at a fraction of the main dealer cost.
  
• DPF Cleaning – Many Remap-UK dealers offer a DPF cleaning service
  
• DPF Recalibration – If you have had your DPF core removed, your Remap-UK dealer may be able to re-calibrate your vehicles ECU to stop your engine going into limp-home mode and clear the DPF warning light. Consumers must be aware of the legal implications (as above) of this being carried out.
  
• DPF removal is legal in certain countries and when used for off-road or motorsport – if in any doubt please take advice.

The ideal DPF solution for you depends on your circumstances e.g. type & condition of your vehicle, your usage, your future plans i.e. whether you intend to keep or sell the vehicle etc and your budget