Everything You Need to know about Diesel Particulate Filters
If you own a diesel vehicle, you most likely have a diesel particulate filter, but you may not know what it is. Diesel particulate filters (DPF) have been installed in diesel-fuel vehicles for nearly two decades, but if they are not maintained or tampered with, they can have serious consequences for your vehicle. In this article, we will explain what a DPF is and what causes them so many issues.
What are Diesel Particulate Filters?
The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) captures particulate matter (PM) in exhaust gases, preventing it from entering the atmosphere. As a result, diesel vehicle emissions are lowered. This is critical, especially for a better and healthier urban lifestyle. To reduce CO2 emissions and improve air quality, DPFs must comply with European emission regulations. As a result, this filter can be found in almost every car we drive today.
What Causes Diesel Particulate Filters to Block?
Short trips at low speeds are the most common cause of clogged diesel particulate filters. This is why car manufacturers frequently recommend that city-bound short-trip drivers opt for a petrol car rather than a diesel (and why diesel is a rarity in the city car sector). Poor servicing is another thing that is bad for DPFs. A diesel particulate filter in a poorly maintained vehicle may fail sooner than one in a well-maintained vehicle. However, they should last at least 100,000 miles.
What is DPF Removal?
Normally, the internal filter is removed from the exhaust system, leaving only the outer casing. The procedure begins with the disassembly of the vehicle’s exhaust system. After a small window is cut on the top of the engine facing side of the DPF canister, the internal filter is removed. When the internal filter is removed and the DPF canister and exhaust system are reinstalled, the window is welded back into place.
After the actual filter is removed, the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) is remapped, and any DPF-related structures are removed from the vehicle’s software. This will prevent the car from detecting the missing filter, as well as future DPF regeneration and DPF-related warning lights. Learn about the benefits of DPF removal by reading our previous article.
Is it Illegal to Remove a Diesel Particulate Filter?
Yes, DPF removal is illegal. If caught, drivers can face fines of up to £1,000 for cars and £2,500 for vans, and removing a DPF may invalidate your car insurance policy. Since February 2014, a diesel particulate filter check has been included in the MOT test. If a filter is removed, the vehicle will fail its MOT.
Removing the DPF may cause the warning light to illuminate, which is an MOT failure point. Also no dashboard warning lights should remain illuminated during the test.
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Here at ECU Flash, our specialists have years of experience with remapping engines, speed limiters and DPF removal. Our experts fully understand the regulations against removing these parts, making sure all procedures are within the law. For more information, or to arrange a date for us to remap your ECU, why not fill in our online form? One of our team will shortly be in touch to see how we can help you. You can also find us on Facebook.
