THE SYMPTOMS OF A BLOCKED DPF
After you have figured out what the causes of DPF malfunction are, your question is how to identify it? It is good to know that there are many obvious signs that indicate that your DPF has become blocked.
Here are some of them:
WARNING LIGHT ON YOUR DASHBOARD
Nowadays, diesel cars are fitted with multiple sensors that measure the performance in the engines. When they recognize problems with the engine they notify your vehicle’s computer. That is when the orange warning icons on your dashboard flash.
Although seeing your car’s dashboard shine like a Christmas tree not a pleasant sight, it can assist you in identifying the cause of your DPF and have them fixed before they escalate.
INCREASED FUEL CONSUMPTION AND REDUCED ENGINE POWER
Rapidly increasing the amount of fuel used is one of the most evident indicators of DPF failure. For starters, the principal function of your diesel particulate filtration system is to remove exhaust fumes that are escaping from your engine, while also capturing soot particles. So, when the dpf filter is blocked exhaust gases are unable to escape the engine as quickly as they ought to.
The accumulation of exhaust gasses alters the overall performance of engines, making them feel weaker. When this happens, motorists typically use gas to boost the power of their vehicles. But this method does not seem to work. For instance, the engine requires more energy to clear the emissions gases from the DPF and leaves less energy for acceleration.
THE ENGINE WON’T START
The build-up of exhaust gasses could prevent the engine from beginning. The engine won’t begin until pressure has been decreased.
It doesn’t have to necessarily mean bad. This is the vehicle’s method to mitigate fatal damage to your engine as well as the diesel particulate air filter. The next step? Talk to a mechanic as soon as possible.
TURBOCHARGER PROBLEMS
A blocked DPF is the cause of numerous turbocharger issues like gas or leaks of oil. In particular, the gas that accumulates in the engine doesn’t have a place to go. That is why it starts leaking right from the turbocharger. It could also lead to oil leaks, which can reduce the overall efficiency of the turbocharger.
DPF MAINTENANCE TIPS
To improve the condition of your diesel particulate filter , and to extend its lifespan it is necessary to ensure it’s able regenerate itself when overflowing with soot. There are two types of DPF regeneration: passive and active.
PASSIVE DPF REGENERATION
Passive regeneration occurs when the engine’s temperature is greater than 350 degC. This allows the DPF to expel the accumulation of soot while the vehicle is normally driven.
One of many benefits from passive regeneration is the fact that it is a fully automated process. It is not even noticeable to the driver. However DPF regeneration is passive. DPF regeneration can only be achieved when the engine reaches the temperature that is required, generally during longer rides and at higher speeds.
ACTIVE REGENERATION
The moment the levels of soot in the DPF get to the level of 45% the sensors detect this. That’s the time when the engine management system initiates the injection of raw fuel to the diesel oxygenation catalyst (DOC). This increases the temperature of the exhaust and creates the optimal conditions for active regeneration.
Like passive regeneration, active regeneration functions as an automated process. It does not require any effort from the driver. Similar to passive generation it is feasible when the vehicle is driven for a longer time and at higher speeds.