Why Has My DPF Blocked Up?
The DPF catches soot particles that all diesel engines emit. If the engine is running correctly then the particles emitted are minimal and the DPF will self-clean as the vehicle operates. If the engine develops a problem, then the soot particles emitted by the engine could increase. This increase in soot particles can overwhelm the DPF causing the self-cleaning system to reduce its efficiency and sometimes completely fail causing the DPF to block.
Another reason for the DPF to become blocked is that the vehicle is being driven on lots of short trips – to the shops and back, to drop the kids off at school etc. The DPF self-cleaning system functions optimally on the highway, over longer distances (ie. over 80km/hr for 30 minutes). If the vehicle is not run at optimal DPF self-cleaning conditions, the DPF system will not get the opportunity to undertake a self-clean. and the DPF will block up.
Will Cleaning My DPF Work?
You should not clean your DPF until you have diagnosed and fixed the reason it is blocked. It is typically not the DPF that has caused the blockage. It is typically a fault with the DPF operating system or the way the vehicle is being used. Use our checklist to help diagnose why your DPF is blocked.
Once the root cause of the problem is solved, you can have your DPF cleaned and it will function properly. In rare cases, the internal components of a DPF are damaged. In this case, a DPF clean is not useful and a new DPF will be required.
How Much Does It Cost To Have My DPF Cleaned?
From $450 plus freight. DPF cleaning costs vary depending on the vehicle and the way the DPF is constructed. The average car DPF clean costs $580 plus freight.
How Long Will The DPF Cleaning Process Take?
Cleaning takes 1 to 2 business days from when we receive the DPF. Some commercial vehicle DPFs unbolt making them much easier and quicker to clean. However, most car DPFs must be deconstructed before the clean and reconstructed after the clean, making the cleaning process longer.
Do You Offer A Warranty?
We offer a 6 month warranty against defects on the cleaned DPF unit. Warranty details are available here.
Can I Clean My DPF Myself?
There are some chemical products on the retail market that claim to be able to clean blocked DPFs. These may not work and end up costing you time and money. Phone us for advice before using.
How Can I Prevent My DPF From Blocking In The Future?
To help prevent the blocking of your DPF again, try to drive the vehicle at least once a week on the highway for 30 minutes or more. This will ensure that the DPF self-cleaning system is activated and the soot gets cleaned from your DPF. Also make sure that the vehicle is serviced at the correct intervals and the correct engine oil is used. Try to find a mechanic that knows your vehicle and is experienced in servicing modern diesels. We would recommend that you use an independent repairer that specialises in your make of vehicle – Google search “Subaru Mechanic” or “Nissan Mechanic” and find a repairer that only repairs your type of vehicle. This will ensure that they have a thorough knowledge of your vehicle and will know all the tips and tricks in fault finding any problems.
Can Any Mechanic Repair My DPF?
DPF systems are very technical and some mechanics may not fully understand their complex operation, and in our experience that also includes some dealerships. Some workshops may use the “keep replacing parts until the problem stops” method, but this will cost you a lot of money. Try to find a diesel specialist workshop that frequently deal with DPF systems and understand how they work. They will be able to pinpoint the exact fault and replace or repair only the parts that are necessary. Download our diagnosis checklist and hand it to your chosen mechanic to help diagnose the cause of your DPF system.
Can I Permanently Remove Or Delete My DPF?
No, it is illegal to remove or delete your DPF. Your vehicle has been designed by the manufacturer to operate with a DPF system. It is illegal and also voids the manufacturer’s warranty and Australian consumer law protections. Removal or deletion of your DPF may also impact vehicle insurance claims.
DPFs are fitted to enable the vehicle to comply with the Australian Design Rules (ADR) emission requirement levels. The relevant ADR for light vehicles is ADR79 and for heavy vehicles ADR80. It is illegal to operate a vehicle that does not meet the ADR and removing or deleting a DPF will result in non-compliance with the ADR. Both the ADRs can be found on the commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development & Cities website.
In addition to commonwealth legislation, each state and territory also have additional legislation that require DPFs to be fitted and operated in accordance with manufacturer requirements.
Do You Stock Or Can You Supply Any Other Auto Parts?
Yes, through our sister site, Quick Auto Parts. You can browse our full range and buy your car parts online here.