It’s an increasingly common occurrence to find yourself with a customer describing a DPF related issue but often the cause of the problem lies elsewhere, according to European Exhaust and Catalyst’s (EEC) technical advisor, Stuart Still.
An illuminated DPF warning light, fault codes showing an excessively blocked DPF and a reduction in power are often triggered by poor driving practise or a damaged component upstream of the DPF.
“Start with the basics,” Stuart advises.
“Check the mileage and ask the owner about how he drives the vehicle.
“Often these vehicles are driven on short or stop-start journeys which fail to provide the necessary conditions for the regeneration process.”
Diesel owners should drive their vehicle at over 2,500 RPM for 20 to 25 minutes at least once every few weeks to trigger regeneration.
Stuart said: “Workshops can undertake a forced regeneration to clear the blockage but they should also advise customers about best driving practice.”
A faulty EGR valve, injectors, glow plugs or inlet manifold may also cause DPF problems.
If the DPF has been damaged because of a component failure elsewhere, Stuart says it’s likely the DPF will need to be replaced.
For more information contact Stuart Still on 023 9224 5300 or click ‘more details’ below to find out more about EEC.