New tool removes taboo from diesel filters

As published in the December 2012 edition of Aftermarket Magazine:

Many workshops consider diesel particulate filters as troublesome and regard the component as a “main dealer-only product”.

EEC has developed a DPF Reset Tool to helpindependents feel confident in retaining the profitable work. The serviceable item needs to be replaced after an amount of miles specified by each manufacturer –from 75,000 miles for Fords and up to 150,000 for BMWs – and when DPF’s fail, it is usually down to problems upstream of the filter or within the DPF system. This is where a DPF reset tool comes in.

The light goes on
When the DPF light illuminates on the dash, regeneration is needed.

The manufacturers’ handbooks willinstruct you to ‘Drive for 20 minutes at a constant 65mph’ (over 2,500 RPM) or similar.

If this does not instigate a ‘regen’ or the filter fills to over 90%, or 45grams,the DPF needs replacing and this is not covered under warranty. If the coil and engine management light is on with loss of power, limp home mode will engage with a maximum of 3,000 RPM and the fault code will read ‘DPF soot loading too high’ – a forced regeneration is required.

The DPF tool will walk you through the procedures and help identify the route problems.

• Ensure the vehicle is parked outside, is in neutral and the hand brake is on 
• The engine should be warm, there should be at least a quarter tank of fuel and no stored fault codes 
• If the engine management light comes on first, followed by the DPF light, there’s an issue within the DPF system (i.e temperature, pressure and sensors) 

Useful advice
Check the pressure sensors as there could be a build-up of water, also check for damaged pressure pipes and ensure the EGR system is working as it should.

Make sure the vehicle has the correct spec engine oil and the additive is sufficient.

When the DPF filter load reaches a certain level, the ECU activates a regen to increase the DPF temperature to over 550ºC and the engine is programmed to inject up to 8 times more fuel per stroke to produce a high amount of NO2, helping to oxidise particulates, increasing the temperature as the exhaust gases pass through the catalytic converter.

It is advisable to check the engine oil for diesel contamination as a result of constant DPF regeneration, if this occurs you must carry out a full oil change and replace the oil filter. The ECU must be readapted when replacing the DPF and when topping up the fuel additive Eolys.

New Parts Update from EEC

Good afternoon,

European Exhaust and Catalyst is pleased to announce the addition of 84 applications to our range in the last month.

You can download this list in Excel format from our website for your own systems by clicking here.

Updates to our range of Diesel Particulate Filters
We have just updated the latest DPF part numbers and applications on our website - where you can click through and view 2D and 3D models using our unique tool. Click here to see more.

As the UK's largest manufacturer of Aftermarket catalytic converters, we offer a standard two-year guarantee on over 4,500 different catalytic converter applications, with next day delivery in the UK.

Additionally, we also provide a comprehensive range of diesel particulate filters, lambda sensors, exhausts, front pipes and brakes.

If you would like to find out more or search our catalogue, please visit our website at www.eurocats.co.uk.

To discuss pricing, please email Paul Westcott (pwestcott@eurocats.co.uk) or call +44 (0)23 9220 5300.

We will send out additional updates in the next fortnight via email, and post more information on our Twitter, Facebook and here on our Technical Blog.

If you would like the data in a particular format or file type, please let us know.

Kind Regards,

Duncan Richards
Sales Director.

How to understand Diesel Particulate Filters

EEC has been working hard to increase the industry knowledge of Diesel Particulate Filters, with a number of training days across the UK.

We have been working with our distributors to improve customer awareness of DPF's and how they work with the complete emissions system. One recent session was presented to a sales force of over 100 people, who are now confidently promoting this product group to their customers.

The training covers how the filter works, diagnosing faults, understanding guidelines on how to replace a unit and how to use the EEC DPF Reset Tool most effectively.

Paul Clark, Managing Director, comments: "Correctly diagnosing the fault and following manufacturers guidelines are paramount to ensuring longevity of the replacement unit, and to save on cost by replacing components unnecessary."

Firmly committed to helping our customers learn more about the emission system, EEC technical trainers are available to visit your customers, spend time with your sales and support staff, and visit shows and events to help you. 

With over 24 years experience of manufacturers training throughout Europe, we are the fully qualified experts.  All our training programmes are tailored to the customers skill set, with all delegates receiving a certificate and bespoke email and telephone technical support ongoing.

For more details on our training, our DPFs and the industry unique EEC DPF Reset Tool, please visit www.eurocats.co.uk. 

Understanding DPF Regeneration - part 1

Did you know that:

- A new DPF will run for approximately 300-1000 miles before it first regenerates? But after then, it should happen around every 200 miles if the operating conditions require it, and the vehicle is functioning correctly.

- If a DPF is more than 80% blocked within 200 miles, there is almost certainly a problem with another part of the emissions system that caused the filter to originally block and no longer function correctly.

- A new DPF is not a flow through device like a catalytic converter. Exhaust gases pass into the filter and the gases must be able to flow through the internal cell walls in order to exit the filter. The DPF cell walls are porous to allow the gases through and are designed to trap any particulate matter (soot). This matter ends up deposited on the cell walls.

- If the vehicle is parked before regeneration has been completed and this process is repeated over a period of time, the soot deposits built up can reach a level where regeneration is no longer sufficient to clear the blocked filter. The resulting back pressure will cause poor vehicle performance or breakdown.

New Parts in the EEC range - June 2012

European Exhaust and Catalyst is pleased to announce the addition of 80 applications to our range in the last month.

You can download this list in CSV format from our website for your own systems by clicking here.

Updates to our range of Diesel Particulate Filters
We have just updated the latest DPF part numbers and applications on our website - where you can click through and view 2D and 3D models using our unique tool. Click here to see more.

As the UK's largest manufacturer of Aftermarket catalytic converters, we offer a standard two-year guarantee on over 4,500 different catalytic converter applications, with next day delivery in the UK.

Additionally, we also provide a comprehensive range of diesel particulate filters, lambda sensors, exhausts, front pipes and brakes.

If you would like to find out more or search our catalogue, please visit our website at www.eurocats.co.uk.

To discuss pricing, please email Paul Westcott (pwestcott@eurocats.co.uk) or call +44 (0)23 9220 5300.

We will send out additional updates in the next fortnight via email, and post more information on our Twitter, Facebook and Blog. 

If you would like the data in a particular format or file type, please let us know.

Checks before fitting a new Diesel Particulate Filter

Before fitting a new Diesel Particulate Filter, you should check the following components on a vehicle:

* EGR valve or EGR pipe blockage
* Oxygen sensors
* DPF pressure pipes and valves
* Air flow meter
* Intake manifold
* Pressure switch
* Engine temperature sensor
* Engine oil - is it the correct specification for the engine?
* Intake manifold
* Turbo charger function
* Engine wear
* Fuel pressure
* Heater / Glow Plugs
* Leaking Injectors
* Blocked sensors
* ECU Malfunction
* Air filter condition

The above are just some general points, but it's recommended that a full service is carried out at the same time as installing a new DPF, and remember that most diesel engines fitted with a DPF require a specific low ash oil.

Some vehicles also require a special additive in the oil at the same time a DPF is replaced, and each vehicle will require an individual diagnostic investigation and testing procedure.

For more information, contact the EEC Technical Team on +44(0)23 9224 5300 or email technical@eurocats.co.uk.

Major Update to the EEC DPF Reset Tool

A major update has been announced for the new EEC DPF Reset Tool - the specialised aftermarket diagnostics tool that allows garages to perform a regeneration and perform maintenance on Diesel Particulate Filters.

From the 23rd March, the tool will now cover the entire VAG Group, allowing independent garages to service and diagnose issues with VW, Audi and Seat vehicles.

The EEC DPF Reset Tool allows technicians to:

- Rgenerate Diesel Particulate Filters

- Reset the EOLYS additive light

- Identify DPF fault codes

- Filter replacement function

- Perform a static regeneration

Existing customers will be able to download the update direct to their tools via www.eurocats.co.uk from the 23rd March, by connecting their computers to the USB port on the tool.

Customers purchasing the tool for delivery after 23rd March will have the new updates already applied to the tool.

If you're interested in discovering the opportunities available for your customers, please visit www.eurocats.co.uk/dpftoolwww.eurocats.co.uk/dpftool where you watch our new video showing the operations and benefits of the EEC DPF Reset Tool.

DPF's - The Aftermarket opportunity at Mechanex

Visitors to the regional Mechanex Trade Show in Manchester will be learning about the aftermarket opportunities for Diesel Particulate Filters from EEC.

Our Technical Trainer Stuart Still, will be hosting a seminar that provides advice for garages and mechanics wishing to understand and create a competitive advantage by offering a more comprehensive service to their customers.

Stuart says: "Diagnosing DPF faults is often viewed as a main-dealer only procedure and the independent garage sector is missing out on an important sales and profit opportunity. Given that DPF's were fitted to some cars in the late 1990's, these vehicles are firmly within the aftermarket sector and it's important to understand where we can help consumers."

EEC will also be exhibiting at the Exeter Mechanex show for motor professionals between Tuesday 17th April and Wednesday 18th April.

Held at the Westpoint Arena, we will have a special offer on our new EEC DPF Reset Tool - a unique hand-held specialised diagnostics tool which allows you to regenerate Diesel Particulate Filters.

The Manchester event takes place on Tuesday 22nd May and Wednesday 23rd May at Event City in Trafford Park.

You can find out more about the EEC range of DPF's by clicking here, and watch a video of the EEC DPF Reset Tool by clicking here.

Why do you need our EEC DPF Reset Tool?

As published in February 2012 PMM Magazine.


How and why Diesel Particulate Filters fail and the procedures involved with diagnosis and rectifying faults has led to many garage technicians suffering ‘head-scratching’ moments.

Fear not though, as European Exhaust & Catalyst (EEC) has just brought a fantastic new solution to market. Stuart Still, Technical Trainer, tells us more….

Last year, on my visits to various customers, I made enquiries about the general demand for Diesel Particulate Filters. I was staggered at the lack of DPF knowledge, especially the procedure regarding installation, encountering answers such as: “We regard it as a main dealer product” or: “We need specialist diagnostic tools”.

EEC subsequently decided to eliminate one of these major objections. We contacted a diagnostic tool company and discussed the opportunity of becoming our partners in a venture to create a specialised hand-held DPF diagnostic tool.

After many months of hard work collating all of the data required to deliver an easy-to-use, hand-held solution, the EEC DPF Reset Tool was born.

Why would you need one?

The DPF is a filter that removes particulates and soot/carbon from the exhaust gases and is a serviceable item that needs to be replaced at the end if its life.

This varies with each vehicle manufacture (for example Ford requires replacement at 75K and BMW at 150K) and main dealers account for the majority of DPFs fitted within our market.

The OE manufacturer warranty does not cover ‘over-filling’, as this is regarded in the same way as oil, fuel or air filters – the warranty only covers mechanical failure.

As such, the aftermarket is missing out on an opportunity to increase their sales and profit margin because DPFs are a high ticket product.

There does however seem to be some confusion as to why a DPF could over-fill and how to diagnose faults. It is extremely unusual that a DPF will fail on its own (the problems are usually upstream or to do with the actual system) so this is where the EEC DPF tool becomes a necessity.

Diagnosis sequence

The majority of vehicle manufacturers have the same warning light sequence but you should always check the vehicle handbook to be safe.

The sequence generally consists of the following steps:

a) If the DPF light comes on this means ‘regeneration’ is needed.

b) Once again, read the handbook for instructions. For example ‘Drive for 20 minutes at a constant speed of 65mph’.

c) If the DPF is not regenerated at this stage and fills to over 90% or 45g, the DPF will need replacing. This is not covered under warranty.

d) If the coil and engine management light is on with loss of power, ‘limp home mode’ will engage with a maximum of 3000 RPM. The fault code will read: ‘DPF soot loading too high’. ‘Forced regeneration’ is now required.

Performing a ‘forced regeneration’

Step-by-step instructions are included with the EEC DPF diagnostic tool, but in basic terms, to carry out a forced DPF regeneration you need to:

a) Ensure the vehicle is parked outside in park/neutral, the hand brake is on, engine warm, with at least a quarter tank of fuel, and check there are no fault codes stored.

b) If the engine management light comes on first, followed by the DPF light, it indicates an issue within the DPF system, for example
temperature, pressure, sensors etc. Use the EEC DPF tool to identify this.

Useful checks and advice

1. Check pressure sensors as there could be a
build up of water;

2. Examine pressure pipes for damage. They
must be clean or they could freeze in extreme
temperatures due to water build up;

3. Check that the EGR system is working
correctly;

4. Check that the vehicle has the correct
specification engine oil;

5. Check the Eolys/Cerine additive (active
system);

6. When the DPF filter load reaches a predetermined level, the ECU activates a regeneration process to increase the DPF temperature to over 550˚C.

The engine is set to run in a certain specific way and can inject up to eight times more fuel per stroke to produce a high amount of NO2, which will help oxidize the particulates, increasing the temperature as the exhaust gases pass through the catalytic converter;

7. It is advisable to check the oil for diesel contamination as a result of constant DPF regeneration. If this occurs you must carry out a full oil change and replace the oil filter;

8. The ECU must be readapted when replacing the DPF and when topping up the
Eolys fuel additive.

The DPF will not regenerate if:
■ The engine management light is on for any
fault;

■ There is a faulty EGR valve;

■ There is less than 20 litres of fuel in the fuel tank, if the fuel light is on or the engine management light is illuminated.

Please note: Data and procedures may vary between manufactures.

Tips on Performing a DPF Regeneration

Before performing a Diesel Particulate Filter regeneration, you should always:

* Check pressure sensors as there could be a build up of water.

* Examine pressure pipes for damage. They must be clean or they could freeze in extreme temperatures due to water build up.

* Check that the EGR system is working correctly.

* Check that the vehicle has the correct specification engine oil.

* Check the Eolys/Cerine additive (active system).

* When the DPF filter load reaches a pre-determined level, the ECU activates a regeneration process to increase the DPF temperature to over 550degC. The engine is set to run in a certain specific way and can inject up to eight times more fuel per stroke to produce a high amount of NO2, which will help oxidize the particulates, increasing the temperature as the exhaust gases pass through the catalytic converter.

* It is advisable to check the oil for diesel contamination as a result of constant DPF regeneration. If this occurs you must carry out a full oil change and replace the oil filter.

* The ECU must be readapted when replacing the DPF and when topping up the Eolys fuel additive.

Regenerating the aftermarket industry for DPFs

A specialised hand-held Diesel Particulate Filter diagnostics tool has been launched by EEC to meet the growing demand for DPF services in the aftermarket industry.

The unique and new-to-market EEC DPF Reset Tool allows garages to regenerate Diesel Particulate Filters, reset the EOLYS additive light, identify DPF fault codes and perform a filter replacement function and static regeneration - without needing assistance from a main dealer.

Simple to operate, the bespoke tool uses a push-button operation and supports vehicles from 2000 onwards. 

The EEC DPF Reset Tool initially covers a substantial range of application numbers in the EEC range, and this will be quickly and greatly increased through updates that customers will be able to download from the EEC website.

Paul Clark, Managing Director, comments: "When talking to many different stakeholders in the aftermarket industry, we were staggered by the lack of DPF knowledge. We found that many garages regarded Diesel Particulate Filters as a main-dealer only product, that they are particularly complicated to install and that specialist diagnostic tools are always required." 

"The main dealers account for the majority of the DPF's fitted and replaced within our market place. Garages do not usually understand that the DPF is a serviceable item, and there is often confusion surrounding diagnosing faults."

"After months spent collating all the data required to deliver such a useful tool, we are immensely excited to see garages taking the opportunity to increase their service offering to customers, build their knowledge about DPF's and help to increase profitability."

The EEC DPF Reset Tool has been competitively priced to ensure that it is available for small factors and garages for a small initial outlay, and comes complete with a protective plastic case.

As the UK's largest supplier of aftermarket catalytic converters, including an extensive and ever-growing range of Diesel Particulate Filters, EEC is committed to providing training and education within the aftermarket industry, helping technicians understand, evaluate and diagnose emission problems.

For more information about the EEC Diesel Particulate Filter Reset Tool and to watch a brief introductory video, please visit www.eurocats.co.uk/dpftool or call us on +44(0)23 9224 5300.

New additions to the EEC range - November 2011

European Exhaust and Catalyst is pleased to announce the addition of 37 applications during the month of November.

You can download this list in CSV format from our website for your own systems by clicking here.

As the UK's largest manufacturer of Aftermarket catalytic converters, we offer a standard two-year guarantee on over 4,500 different catalytic converter applications, with next day delivery in the UK.

Additionally, we also provide a comprehensive range of diesel particulate filters, lambda sensors, exhausts, front pipes and brakes.

If you would like to find out more or search our catalogue, please visit our website at www.eurocats.co.uk.

To discuss pricing, please email Paul Westcott (pwestcott@eurocats.co.uk) or call +44 (0)23 9220 5300.

We will send out additional updates in the next fortnight via email, and post more information on our Twitter, Facebook and Blog.

If you would like the data in a particular format or file type, please let us know.

Kind Regards,

Duncan Richards
Sales Director.

The new EEC DPF Reset Tool

We previewed the launch of the new EEC DPF Reset Tool at Equip Auto 2011 last month.

For those who couldn't attend, why not watch our introductory video showing the exciting new tool, which helps you save time and increase profit margins by performing reset functions, previously only available from the main dealer.



More details about the EEC DPF Reset Tool will be available shortly through our website at www.eurocats.co.uk.  If you'd like more information, why not call our sales or technical team on +44(0)23 9224 5300?

DPFs on BBC Watchdog

Last week, the BBC programme Watchdog showed an interesting film about consumers who felt they were mis-sold diesel vehicles, and didn't know about the DPF in their cars.

EEC is happy to provide advice and support to our customers and garages, which can be passed onto consumers.

Our Technical Team can be reached by calling +44(0)23 9224 5300 or emailing technical@eurocats.co.uk.

You can read the full article on the BBC Watchdog website by clicking here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/watchdog/2011/10/diesel_particulate_filters.html

A DPF will not regenerate when....

The DPF will not regenerate if:

■ Engine management light is on for any fault.
■ Faulty EGR valve.
■ If there is less than 20 litres of fuel in the fuel tank or if the fuel light is on then regeneration will not take place.
■ If you drive with your foot on the clutch pedal.
■ In order to carry out a static DPF regeneration use the correct diagnostic machine. Ensure the vehicle is in park/neutral, and the hand brake is on. The bonnet must be closed, and the foot pedals should not touched, as the diagnostic machine will keep the engine at 1,500 RPM until the operation is complete.
■ This operation could take up to 40 minutes

Talking down the particulates

Since the ECE103 legislation came into effect in 2009 making it illegal to fit a non-type approved catalytic converter to vehicles registered after March 2001, the industry has struggled to understand the law on defining a ‘Type Approved DPF’.

The law was quite unclear, but when a Diesel Particulate Filter is combined with a catalytic converter, the DPF also needs to be type approved because it is seen as just one product.

The law states: “To keep pace with European requirements, vehicles approved to EU Regulation 715/2007 (Euro 5 and Euro 6) need to have a Type Approved Diesel Particulate Filter.”

When the ECE103 legislation is amended, it’s likely the same approval number will cover both the DPF and the catalyst, despite using a different test procedure. Until this point, ECE103 only covers the testing of the catalyst.

Future Approval Procedures

Nothing new has been proposed for the new test procedure that could apply to the future approval of DPF’s, and therefore EEC believes that the particulate mass levels and regeneration characteristics are the criteria likely to be measured.

This makes these tests quite complicated yet thorough, ensuring that the filter element performs strictly to the OE standard of regeneration.

EEC already selects the same volume catalyst and filter for each application, as the OE part, and the potential legislation will mean all other manufacturers will have to do the same.


Sic and Cordierite

Many different factors affect the regeneration of a DPF, including its configuration, temperature resistance, thermal shock resistance, expansion and conductivity.

In preparation for the proposed forthcoming legislation, EEC has researched and developed a Silicon Carbide (SIC) DPF system based primarily on OE technology, because this is the standard all main European OEM producers use.

This complements our existing cordierite-based offering to provide a product that reduce corrosion, increase resistance to sulphuric acid corrosion, and allows for better mechanical strength at higher temperatures.
Our SIC based systems have been thoroughly tested in a variety of conditions using the criteria of particulate mass levels and soot regeneration characteristics, ensuring we fit the Euro V standards.

Meeting the Legislation

Having researched both types DPF systems fully, EEC can offer the correct application for each vehicle, and by using our expertise, knowledge and experience, we’re confident our products will comply with the future legislation.

We’re pleased to offer technical advice for our industry, and to support our customers wherever possible. Our technical team is available via telephone and email, and we write tips and articles on our blog: http://eec-technical.blogspot.com, where readers can sign up to receive posts via email and social media channels.

EEC

EEC has been manufacturing quality automotive products such as catalytic converters, DPFs, lambda sensors, exhausts, front pipes and brake pads since 1997. Based in two locations in Hampshire UK, we also have a manufacturing base in Hilton, along with a number of other sister companies.

Independent dealers, motor factors, wholesalers and buying groups across Europe benefit from a two-year guarantee on most products, a standard next-day delivery in the UK and significant business support.

If you would like to like to discuss how the forthcoming legislative changes could affect you, please get in touch with James Slade – jslade@eurocats.co.uk or call 023 9224 5300.

Find out more information at www.eurocats.co.uk.

DPF failure reasons

Did you know DPF's can fail because:


- Poor engine maintenance
- Malfunctioning pressure sensors/pipes (condensation in the pipes)
- Faulty temperature sensors
- Incorrect oil temperature
- Faulty EGR valve
- Damaged exhaust system
- Corrosion/fractures
- Incorrect fuel
- Short runs (lack of temperature).

Remember, regeneration will not take place when the fuel light is on, or if there is less than 20 litres in the tank, or if your foot is resting on the clutch pedal.

DPF Regeneration Tips and Advice Checklist

Are you looking for tips and advice on regenerating a Diesel Particulate Filter DPF?

■ If the DPF light comes on, it needs regenerating (see manufacturer’s hand book).
■ If the engine management light comes on and the glow plug light flashes then you will not be able to regenerate the DPF by driving.
■ ‘Limp home’ mode will engage, with a maximum of 3,000 RPM.
■ Check pressure sensors. There could be a build up of water.
■ Examine pressure pipes for damage. They must be clean or could freeze in extreme temperatures due to water build up.
■ Check that the EGR system is working correctly.
■ Check that the vehicle has the correct spec engine oil.
■ Check the additive (active system) Eolys/Cerine.
■ If the DPF is not regenerated and fills to over 90% or 45 grams, the component will need replacing. This is not covered under warranty.
■ It is advisable that the ECU is readapted to zero when a new DPF is fitted. This is to ensure that the ECU knows that the DPF is now empty, otherwise the ECU will be recording the soot values of the old DPF.


The DPF will not regenerate if:

■ Engine management light is on for any fault.
■ Faulty EGR valve.
■ If there is less than 20 litres of fuel in the fuel tank or if the fuel light is on then regeneration will not take place.
■ If you drive with your foot on the clutch pedal.
■ In order to carry out a static DPF regeneration use the correct diagnostic machine. Ensure the vehicle is in park/neutral, and the hand brake is on. The bonnet must be closed, and the foot pedals should not touched, as the diagnostic machine will keep the engine at 1,500 RPM until the operation is complete.
■ This operation could take up to 40 minutes

Are you faulty fitting cats?

 When fitting a DPF, it's extremely important to make sure that all connections are sealed and air tight. 

The picture below perfectly illustrates an incorrectly fitted pressure sensor, and it's possible to see where exhaust gases have been leaking due to a damaged seal, which may not have been tightened correctly.

The Next Regeneration - How to perform a forced regeneration

Stuart Still, Technical Trainer for EEC, explains why garages are missing out on a real goldmine when it comes to Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) replacement and how you go about performing a forced regeneration.

Over the past few months on my visits to various garages and motor factors, I have been asking a couple of questions regarding DPFs, they are: a) “how many do you sell or fit?” and b) “do you actively promote them?”.

The majority of answers were along the lines of: “We regard it as a main-dealer only product and don’t want to get involved with DPFs as it is too complicated.” Another popular reply was: “We just can’t get the supplies” – I was staggered!

I explained that a DPF is only a filter which removes soot/carbon from the exhaust gases, and is very easy to fit. You would never have guessed this however, judging by the fact that main dealers still account for the majority of the DPFs fitted within our market place.

Most of them are chargeable to the vehicle owner, even if they fail within the manufacturer warranty period, and they are regarded in the same way as an oil, fuel, or air filter, as the warranty only covers mechanical failure.

A high ticket product

With that evidence in front of us it is clear that the aftermarket is missing out on an opportunity to increase sales and profit margin. DPFs are a high ticket product, for example an OE Mazda 6 DPF is £1,800, and an OE Vauxhall Zafira DPF costs £750.

In the April edition of PMM, I explained about the different types of DPF, their construction and how they work. This time I thought it may be useful to share information that can help you to feel more confident when discussing DPFs.

How and when to ‘regenerate’

1) There seems to be some confusion about why they fail and how to diagnose faults – it is extremely unusual that a DPF will fail on its own! The problems are usually upstream of the DPF or due to an issue with the DPF system.

2) If the DPF light comes on this means ‘Regenerate’. The majority of vehicles have the same warning light sequence as show in Fig 1 but always check the vehicle’s own handbook to be safe.

3) Once again, read the hand book for instructions, for example: ‘Drive for 20 minutes at a constant speed of 65mph’.

4) If the DPF is not regenerated at this stage and fills to over 90% or 45 grams, the component will need replacing. This is not covered under warranty.

5) If the coil and engine management light is on with a loss of power, ‘limp home mode’ will engage with a maximum of 3000 RPM and the fault code will read ‘DPF soot loading too high’ – a forced/emergency
regeneration is required.

6) In order to carry out a forced/emergency static DPF regeneration, use the correct diagnostic machine.

7) If the engine management light comes on first, followed by the DPF light, it indicates an issue within the DPF system, for example temperature, pressure, sensors etc.

8) Ensure the vehicle is parked outside, in park/neutral, the hand brake is on, engine warm (with at least a quarter tank of fuel) and that there are no fault codes stored. A step- by-step guide is supplied with a suitable reset/regenerate tool (Fig 2).

Useful advice and checks for DPFs

■ Check pressure sensors. There could be a build up of water.
■ Examine pressure pipes for damage. These must be clean or could freeze in extreme temperatures due to water build up.
■ Check that the EGR system is working correctly.
■ Check that the vehicle has the correct spec engine oil.
■ Check the additive (active system) Eolys/Cerine.
■ Fiat has a service indicator which tells the owner they need an oil change after 15,000 miles. They were then finding that if the vehicle had a DPF and was doing lots of regenerations, the oil quality would degrade quickly, meaning the vehicle required an oil change before the advised 15,000 miles.
■ Check the oil levels because some levels can rise due to regeneration as fuel gets into the oil. Oil and oil filter must be changed before replacing the DPF.
■ The ECU must be ‘readapted’ when a new DPF is fitted and also when the fuel additive Eolys/Cerine is topped up.

A DPF will not regenerate:
■ If the engine management light is on for any fault.
■ If there is a faulty EGR valve.
■ If there is less than 20 litres of fuel in the fuel tank or if the fuel light is on.
■ If you drive with your foot on the clutch pedal.