DPF Problems? Why You Need Our DPF Service Solution Which Also Saves You Money

The DPF works to trap and remove diesel particulate matter from the exhaust gasses of the diesel engine before it exits the exhaust. This is removed into the atmosphere, simply removed from the gasses that flow through the exhaust to help lower emissions. Imagine, a DPF is like a honeycomb on the inside, similar to the Catalytic Converter (CAT) of a petrol engine. As the gasses flow through it, the DPF will trap the harmful diesel particulate matter and with it’s advanced technology break it down to remove as much of it as possible normally (between 80%-100%). The diesel particulate matter is burnt off at very high temperatures in the DPF and left behind is a very fine soot residue. The problem is this soot, it has no-where to go and so will then begin a blockage in the DPF system and this is how common DPF Problems occur. The soot and matter will partially block your DPF causing the DPF light to illuminate on the dash (normally when 45% blockage is reached) at which point regeneration is required to get the DPF back in to it’s safety zone. Regeneration is the DPF’s way to clear the blockage through continuously burning it at higher temperatures and allowing the now harmless produce to escape through the exhaust system. There are two types of Regeneration processes which will be explained further below. Sometimes the DPF light will appear on the dash intermittently, this does mean there is a partial blockage in your DPF and a regeneration process is required. You should make yourself aware of this process but many people are unsure or have no idea of this DPF system as it’s still very new and not explained to everyone. If you bought your vehicle from new at a dealership, then this would have most likely been explained at the point of sale but in the second hand car trade, you can’t expect this type of information to always be passed on. What happens is drivers see the light, then see it go off and ignore it – not knowing it’s a partially blocked DPF. They continue to drive and again it will illuminate the DPF light on the dash and go off again but eventually it will stay on permanent and in most severe cases bring on the Engine management light and even the Coil Light which could start blinking. If this happens, you will lose all power and the vehicle will fall into “Limp home Mode”. This is the automatic reaction of the Engine Management ECU and if you’re at this stage then unfortunately it will be a costly repair. You could be looking at having to replace the DPF unit and having your Engine Management ECU reprogrammed. A DPF replacement will cost you between  $4,000 – $10,000 ( + Labour ) from the manufacturers, depending on the Make and Model of your vehicle and location. Dealers in Wollongong NSW have been found to add an extra $3,000 per job!!! Resetting the ECU light will cost you a further $150 – $250 and then you will have to be on the lookout for the next time the DPF light comes on to take the appropriate action to ensure the damage is not done all over again as if you fail to act, then you could potentially void any warranty given with the new DPF unit costing you double.