Some vehicles will clearly indicate a DPF fault as shown below:
Unfortunately, not all vehicles have the specific DPF warning sign and will only illuminate the check engine light as shown below.
If only the check engine light is on, get to your nearest workshop and have them perform a diagnostic scan. The check engine light can indicate any issue related to the vehicle’s injection system, so it is not necessarily the case that the DPF is at fault. That is why a diagnostic scan is essential — to retrieve fault codes and a description of the issue. We can also assist in performing a diagnostic scan for you.
Once it is established that the DPF is causing the fault — or if you have a clear DPF warning — the following options apply:
Let’s have a look at the options:
1. Buying a new DPF
2. Forced regeneration
3. Cleaning of the DPF
4. Clearing fault codes with a diagnostic machine
5. Buying a used or second-hand DPF
6. Removing the DPF
Replacing DPF
Buying a new DPF is extremely expensive. Most people cannot afford a new one. Replacing a DPF can cost as much as R100,000.00, with average prices between R40,000.00 and R50,000.00. The worst part is, if you drive the car long enough, it will simply get blocked again — and you will have to spend the money all over again.
Forced Regeneration
Forced regeneration is an option, and it will work if the DPF is not too blocked. However, the average price for this procedure is about R1,500. The problem is that it will not work at all if the DPF is severely blocked. Even if it does work temporarily, the issue will likely arise again. So, you will probably keep spending R1,500 until the DPF is completely blocked, making forced regeneration no longer viable. That is money down the drain — funds you could have spent on a more permanent solution.
DPF Cleaning
Cleaning a DPF is, in most cases, a waste of money. Ask these companies if they are willing to do it free of charge if it does not work. Even if it does work temporarily, ask if they are willing to offer a guarantee — and for how long. It is highly unlikely they will offer a one-year, three-year, or five-year guarantee. And think about it: you will continuously spend money getting the DPF cleaned, throwing cash into the endless DPF money pit.
One method of cleaning involves pouring a liquid into the exhaust system and driving the car aggressively. This, in itself, is ill-advised. If your DPF is blocked, the last thing you should do is drive aggressively. There is a very real risk of damaging the turbo and other components.
Clearing fault codes
Do not fall for this one. We have heard of people and companies charging R2,000 just to clear DPF fault codes or reset the DPF ash and soot counters. If the vehicle’s DPF is blocked, this will not work. Just a few kilometres down the road, the problem will return — guaranteed.
Buying a used or second hand DPF
This is strongly discouraged, as it is almost impossible to determine the condition of a used DPF. Imagine spending thousands of rands only to discover — after installation — that you have the same problem again, or that it reappears a few months later.
DPF Removal
Removing the DPF completely — meaning both the physical diesel particulate filter and the DPF function on the vehicle’s engine control unit (ECU) — is the option we prefer and recommend. We offer a lifetime guarantee, meaning you will never have to throw money into the endless DPF money pit again. Removal and deletion of the DPF costs a fraction of the price of replacement. Pricing starts from R4,000 and includes removal of the actual filter as well as software modification to delete the DPF function from the vehicle’s ECU.
Please note: Removing the DPF is a two-part process. You cannot simply remove the physical filter and expect the problem to be solved. This is because the DPF system is monitored by the ECU. Likewise, you cannot perform a software modification without removing the physical filter — doing so risks damage to the turbo and other components, since a blocked DPF severely restricts exhaust gas flow.
Are There Any Negative Effects of Removing the DPF?
No. In general, engines are much happier without DPFs. Remember, vehicle manufacturers do not willingly install catalytic converters or diesel particulate filter systems — they are required to do so due to first-world emission laws.
Will the Vehicle Smoke?
The short answer is no. If the vehicle is in good condition, you may see a bit of smoke on startup or a puff of smoke during a hard pull-off. If components like injectors are no longer in good condition, then yes — the vehicle will smoke.
Conclusion
If you want to avoid the endless DPF money pit, the best option is to completely remove the DPF system. You will never have to worry about the DPF system, regeneration, or the costly replacement of DPF sensors when they fail.
For bookings, please contact Marli @ 082 716 8142
DPF Fault codes
Below are some of the most common DPF related fault codes:
P2002 Diesel Particulate Filter Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1
P2003 Diesel Particulate Filter Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 2
P200C Diesel Particulate Filter Over Temperature Bank 1
P200D Diesel Particulate Filter Over Temperature Bank 2
P242F Diesel Particulate Filter Restriction – Ash Accumulation
P244A Diesel Particulate Filter Differential Pressure Too Low Bank 1
P244B Diesel Particulate Filter Differential Pressure Too High Bank 1
P2452 Diesel Particulate Filter Pressure Sensor “A” Circuit
P2453 Diesel Particulate Filter Pressure Sensor “A” Circuit Range/Performance
P2454 Diesel Particulate Filter Pressure Sensor “A” Circuit Low
P2455 Diesel Particulate Filter Pressure Sensor “A” Circuit High
P2456 Diesel Particulate Filter Pressure Sensor “A” Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
P2458 Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration Duration
P2459 Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration Frequency
P245E Diesel Particulate Filter Pressure Sensor “B” Circuit
P245F Diesel Particulate Filter Pressure Sensor “B” Circuit Range/Performance
P2460 Diesel Particulate Filter Pressure Sensor “B” Circuit Low
P2461 Diesel Particulate Filter Pressure Sensor “B” Circuit High
P2462 Diesel Particulate Filter Pressure Sensor “B” Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
P2463 Diesel Particulate Filter Restriction – Soot Accumulation
P2464 Diesel Particulate Filter Differential Pressure Too Low Bank 2
P2465 Diesel Particulate Filter Differential Pressure Too High Bank 2
P246B Vehicle Conditions Incorrect for Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration
P246C Diesel Particulate Filter Restriction – Forced Limited Power
P246D Diesel Particulate Filter Pressure Sensor “A”/”B” Correlation
P260E Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration Lamp Control Circuit
