Why Does the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Clog? How to Clean a DPF?

Why Does the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Clog? How Is the DPF Cleaned?

The particulate filter first appeared on some Euro 4 vehicle versions.

Later, to reduce environmental pollution caused by exhaust smoke, use of the DPF system became mandatory on all Euro 4, Euro 5 and Euro 6 vehicles.

The particulate filter looks like a honeycomb.

Because fuel combustion in the engine is not fully complete, it must be expelled as smoke.

Unburned gases get trapped in the particulate filter as they leave. Burned gases pass through the filter's smallest pores and exit. Gases that cannot escape eventually cause problems.

In other words, they cause the particulate filter to clog. Gases that cannot escape harm the engine and reduce pulling power.

Pressure sensors in vehicles are used to prevent this problem. Their sole task is to measure the level of soot building up inside the particulate filter. If the level is very high and clogging has started, regeneration begins.

If soot levels rise excessively, regeneration cannot start and clogging occurs, which causes the engine fault light to come on.

There are actually a few simple points to watch so particulate filters do not clog and you do not eventually lose pulling power.

Points to pay attention to;

• Fuel quality is one of the most important factors. Poor-quality fuel causes clogging over time. Trying to save on fuel can lead to much more serious vehicle problems.
• If the engine oil quality used is not compatible with the particulate filter, it can also cause clogging over time.
• Constant stop-start traffic causes the filter to clog quickly.
• Running the vehicle at idle for long periods also speeds up particulate filter clogging.

How Can a Clogged Particulate Filter Be Cleaned?

A clogged particulate filter can be restored in two ways:

Cleaning the soot inside the diesel particulate filter with special equipment and fluid, or replacing the filter. Because part replacement can cost users very large amounts, cleaning is the more advantageous option.

There are two cleaning options:

• Cleaning at a workshop: With this method the vehicle is connected to a diagnostic tool and commanded to reach maximum temperature. High heat burns the soot inside the particulate filter so it can be expelled and the filter opens up.
• Cleaning at high RPM: This method is useful from time to time. It is the cleanest and lowest-cost way to clear existing soot. On long journeys, drive in 3rd gear above 3000 RPM for about 15 minutes; the soot will burn at high temperature and clear the fault.

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