THE SYMPTOMS OF A BLOCKED DPF
If you’re aware of what the causes of DPF malfunction are, your issue is – how do detect it? It is good to know that there are many easy-to-spot symptoms indicating the DPF is blocked.
Here are a few:
WARNING LIGHT ON YOUR DASHBOARD
Nowadays, diesel cars have multiple sensors that measure the performance that the engine is running. When they notice issues with the performance of your engine they will report them to the computer system in your vehicle. That’s when the warning signs in orange on your dashboard light up.
Although seeing your car’s dashboard shine like a Christmas tree unpleasant, it can help you identify DPF-related problems and fix them before they escalate.
INCREASED FUEL CONSUMPTION AND REDUCED ENGINE POWER
An increase in the use of fuel is among the most obvious indicators of DPF failure. The primary function of your diesel filter is to get rid of exhaust fumes from your vehicle’s engine, and also to trap soot particles. Therefore, when the DPF is blocked, exhaust gasses cannot escape the engine in the speed they should.
The accumulation of exhaust gases can affect the performance of the engine, making it feel weaker. In this scenario, drivers typically push the gas in order to increase the vehicle’s power. However, this tactic does not seem to work. The engine is consuming more energy to remove gases that are released from the DPF and leaves less energy for acceleration.
THE ENGINE WON’T START
The build-up of exhaust gasses can stop the engine from starting. The engine won’t start until the pressure is decreased.
But, this doesn’t have to necessarily mean bad. This is the vehicle’s method to protect your engine and diesel particulate filters. Your next move? Consult a mechanic as soon as is possible.
TURBOCHARGER PROBLEMS
A blocked DPF results in various turbocharger issues including gas or oil leaks. That is, the gas which builds up in the engine has nowhere to go. This is why it begins to leak right from the turbocharger. This may further result in leaks of oil and reduce the overall efficiency of the turbocharger.
DPF MAINTENANCE TIPS
To ensure the health of your diesel particle filter and extend the life of its filter it is necessary to ensure it can regenerate itself when overflowing with soot. There are two main types of DPF regeneration: active and passive.
PASSIVE DPF REGENERATION
Passive regeneration occurs at the point that the engine’s temperature gets that is higher than 350 degrees. These temperatures enable the dpf clamps to eliminate the accumulation of soot while the vehicle is normally driven.
One of the major benefits in passive regeneration is it is a completely automated process. It’s almost invisible to a driver. But, passive DPF regeneration can only be achieved when the engine attains the temperature that is required, generally over longer distances and at higher speeds.
ACTIVE REGENERATION
When the levels of soot within the DPF get to the level that is 45% the sensors that measure pressure register this. This is when the engine management system triggers the injection of raw fuel into the diesel oxide catalyst (DOC). That way, it increases the exhaust temperature and creates the ideal conditions for active regeneration.
Similar to passive regeneration, active regeneration also is an automated process. It requires zero effort from the driver. Like its passive counterpart active generation, active generation is only possible when the car is driven for a longer duration and at greater speeds.