DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTERS EXPLAINED
Get a clearer view of your Peugeot
DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTERS REDUCING DIESEL SOOT EMISSIONS BY 80%
WHAT IS A DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER?
The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is fitted to diesel models in an exhaust-mounted after treatment device that minimises black smoke and soot being emitted from a vehicle's tail pipe. It is designed to filter out much of the smoke and soot from your car's emissions exhaust system in order to reduce pollution and help protect the environment.
HOW DO THEY WORK?
Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) or 'traps' do just that, they catch bits of soot in the exhaust. As with any filter (think of the bag in your vacuum cleaner) they have to be emptied regularly to maintain performance. For a DPF this process is called 'regeneration' – the accumulated soot is burnt off at high temperature to leave only a tiny ash residue. Regeneration may be either passive or active.
CAN I REGENERATE THE DPF WHEN THE AMBER WARNING LIGHT IS DISPLAYED?
Yes, to start regeneration of the DPF, drive the vehicle, preferably on a main road or motorway at 40mph or more, until the engine temperature reaches its normal operating temperature. The vehicle should be driven for approximately a further 20 minutes or more, preferably at a speed of 40mph, but always observing speed limits and road conditions. Successful regenerations of the DPF are indicated by the warning message and amber priority indicator light being extinguished from the message centre.
If warnings are still ignored and soot loading continues to increase then the most likely outcome will be a new DPF costing around £1000.
WHAT IF I'M STUCK IN TRAFFIC AND UNABLE TO CARRY OUT REGENERATION?
Don't worry, just perform regeneration as soon as you get the opportunity.
WHY MIGHT I NOTICE A CLICKING SOUND AND UNUSUAL ODOUR?
This happens as part of the normal DPF cooling process. The DPF must reach a high temperature to ensure complete soot combustion and the clicking sound comes from the metal contracting as it cools down. Any odour you may smell is consistent with diesel fumes once the soot has been removed. This is similar to the way petrol engines emit a sulphur smell while the catalysts are in operation.
Another important fact to remember is that vehicles that are fitted with a DPF filter use a different specification oil, no ordinary oil will do.
If you have any more questions about the Diesel Particulate Filter in your Peugeot, just contact Westover Peugeot.
