17/11/2015
The function of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) is to trap exhaust emissions and filtrate them leaving less pollutant exhaust fumes being passed into the ozone.
Vehicles equipped with DPF systems regularly go through a process called regeneration, this process is where the engine attempts to burn off and clear the exhaust filter system to allow the exhaust and engine to breath in its correct manor.
So if this is the case why do cars suffer from blocked DPF systems causing a vehicle to enter limp home mode and shut off power ???
Firstly like any filter system it does have a life expectancy and could require replacement throughout its life.
Secondly the ECU (electronic control unit) is designed and set up to regenerate providing all the necessary elements of your engine are working correctly, if this is not the case it will stop regeneration from occurring and lower the life expectancy of the DPF.
Thirdly once the DPF system reaches a set level of back preasure that once read by the ECU via a preasure sensor, the ECU shuts down engine power (limp mode) to be protect your vehicles engine.
What is the purpose of limp mode ???
A engine that is running at full power without the correct exhaust gas flow will return and trap heat within the engine, this will cause the possibility of damage to seals and parts that were not designed to run above certain operating temperatures, the reduction of power creates a reduction of flow and allows heat transfer to be flowed through the remaining flow.
So as annoying as loss of power caused by activated limp mode is, this fail safe process could save you ££££'s in repair bills.
Now if I have you to a point in which you feel you understand your problem better, let me tell you about the possible solutions to your problem and how you could get your car back to full health again.
Option 1 you have your DPF removed and replaced, if you choose a genuine filter the repair could run into ££££'s and if you use a none genuine part the work could cost you in the high £££'s when you take into account parts and labour charges.
Secondly you could have the DPF gutted and the software removed, this however is illegal and would realistically leave your vehicle Un road worthy, as well as cost a few £££''s.
You could also remove the DPF and try cleaning it out using old wife's tales of jet washing or oven cleaner, yes we have heard and seen all the Google treatments that if they worked then a lot of garages would be a DPF specialist.
Lastly you could realise that the only people to trust with this issue on your pride and joy is the people who are trained specifically in the testing and repair (cleaning) of DPF systems.
Why should you trust us and what stands us apart from every other garage ???
Firstly we shall not offer a service that will officially make your vehicle illegal to drive on the road.
Secondly we will not just plug a diagnostic kit in and then try and frighten you with fault codes and their meaning.
Thirdly we shall not offer a service that your vehicle does not require, a DPF fault may be as simple as a glitch in the software or a sensor issue.
Forth reason is that if we can't fully diagnose the fault due to a poor range of information then we will offer a few options, all of which will have a reduction in price if the work carried out is unsuccessful.
Fifth of all we will not perform work on a DPF system if other faults that effect the regeneration process are present on the vehicle, reason for this is if it can't regenerate the filter will block again and we can offer no assurance on our work.
And last but not least we always choose the process with most guaranteed results and performance in the fastest time period, keeping a vehicle off the road for least amount of time is our aim for our customers.
Call us today for a no obligation quote on your do system repairs on
01952872422 or 07534027489
