Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration Frequency
The particulate filter (DPF) is cleaned by burning off the soot in a “regeneration”. The ECU counts how many kilometres apart it needs to do this.
What the car has detected
Regenerations happen far more often than normal: the engine makes too much soot or the pressure sensor gives false readings.
The car usually keeps running, but it uses more fuel, thins the oil with diesel and the filter may end up clogged. Have it checked soon.
Symptoms
- Engine or DPF warning light on
- Fan running and high idle after switching off, often
- Higher fuel use
Possible causes
- Lots of short trips that do not let regenerations finish
- Engine making too much soot (EGR, injectors or turbo)
- Faulty differential pressure sensor or pipes
Checks for the garage
- Check the oil level: if it rises, it is being diluted with diesel
- Check the regeneration history with the diagnostic tool
- Check the EGR, the injectors and the filter pressure sensor
Next step
Ask for the reason the engine makes so much soot (EGR, injectors, turbo) to be found and the filter pressure sensor to be checked.
Go to a garage in the next few days. A 20-minute road trip at a steady speed helps a regeneration finish.