DPF Cleaning, Diagnostics and Forced Regeneration

Usually a dashboard warning light, noticeably reduced power or a limp mode, higher fuel consumption, a longer idle after you switch off, or a smell of burning. Some vehicles also show a message asking you to drive at sustained speed.

In most cases yes. On-vehicle cleaning combined with a forced regeneration deals with the majority of soot-loaded filters. If diagnostics show the filter is ash-loaded rather than soot-loaded, cleaning will not restore it and it needs replacing.

It is a regeneration cycle commanded through the ECU with the vehicle stationary, rather than waiting for the car to run one itself. It raises exhaust temperature deliberately to burn off trapped soot. It is only appropriate when the filter is within a load range the vehicle can safely clear.

Most often because the vehicle does not get hot enough for long enough to regenerate, which is common on short urban journeys. It can also be caused by a faulty EGR valve, injector problems, a failing sensor or a turbo issue. Diagnostics tell us which.

No. Removing a DPF from a road-going vehicle is an MOT failure and it is unlawful to use the vehicle on the road afterwards. We diagnose, clean and repair these systems instead.

It can. Diesel vehicles are checked for visible smoke and for evidence that the filter is present and intact, and a heavily loaded or faulty filter can push emissions outside the limits.

Sometimes. A valve that is sticking because of carbon build-up can often be cleaned and freed. One that has failed electrically, or where the internal seat is damaged, needs replacing.

AdBlue is a urea solution injected into the exhaust to reduce nitrogen oxides on many modern diesels. Common faults are crystallisation in the injector or lines, pump failure, heater faults in cold weather, and quality or level sensor failures.

Yes. Vans do a lot of the motorway and stop-start mileage that causes DPF problems in the first place, so they are a large part of this work.

Not usually. This is a mobile service within roughly 25 miles of Rugby and Lutterworth, so we can come to your home or your yard. A workshop visit is available if you would rather.

Diagnostics are usually well under an hour. A forced regeneration typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes once it starts. Repairs depend entirely on what the diagnosis finds.

If the filter was restricting flow, often yes, because the engine is no longer working against a blockage. If your economy problem has another cause, clearing the filter will not change it, and we would rather find that out first.