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 and similar short runs. The DPF self-cleaning system functions optimally on the highway, over longer distances, at around 80km/hr for 30 minutes or more. If the vehicle is not run at optimal DPF self-cleaning conditions, the system may not get the opportunity to complete a proper self-clean and the DPF can 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 itself that caused the blockage. It is usually 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 that 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 around $580 plus freight.
For a fuller price guide, visit our DPF Cleaning Cost Australia page.
Is DPF Cleaning Cheaper Than DPF Replacement?
In many cases, yes. If the DPF is blocked with soot and ash but the internal components are still structurally sound, cleaning is usually much more affordable than buying a new DPF. If the internals are cracked, melted or otherwise damaged, replacement may still be necessary.
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 process longer.
Do You Offer A Warranty?
We offer a 6 month warranty against defects on the cleaned DPF unit. Warranty details are available on our Warranty Against Defects page.
Can I Clean My DPF Myself?
There are chemical products on the retail market that claim to be able to clean blocked DPFs. These may not work and can end up costing you time and money. If you are unsure, phone us for advice before using them.
Do I Need To Remove The DPF Before Sending It?
Yes. The DPF, sensors and pipework need to be removed before the unit is sent or dropped off for cleaning. You can see the booking steps on our Book A DPF Clean page.
Can You Clean DPFs From Outside Brisbane?
Yes. Our workshop is based in Rocklea, Brisbane, but we clean DPFs for customers from elsewhere in Queensland and from around Australia. You can call us for advice, arrange freight, or drop the unit off in person. For local details, see our DPF Cleaning Brisbane page.
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 helps make sure the DPF self-cleaning system is activated and the soot is burned off. Also make sure the vehicle is serviced at the correct intervals and that the correct engine oil is used.
Try to find a mechanic that knows your vehicle and is experienced in servicing modern diesels. We recommend using an independent repairer that specialises in your make of vehicle. This will improve fault finding and reduce the risk of the DPF blocking again.
Can Any Mechanic Repair My DPF?
DPF systems are technical and some mechanics may not fully understand their complex operation. In our experience, that can also include some dealerships. Some workshops use the “keep replacing parts until the problem stops” method, but this can cost you a lot of money.
Try to find a diesel specialist workshop that regularly deals with DPF systems and understands how they work. They should be able to pinpoint the 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 may also void 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 emission requirement levels. The relevant ADR for light vehicles is ADR79 and for heavy vehicles ADR80. In addition to commonwealth legislation, each state and territory also has additional legislation requiring DPFs to be fitted and operated in accordance with manufacturer requirements.
For a Queensland-focused explanation, read our Is It Legal To Remove A DPF In Queensland? page.
How Do I Book A DPF Clean?
You can call us on (07) 3277 7550, use our Book A DPF Clean page, or contact us through the Contact page. If you want to understand the cleaning process first, read our DPF Cleaning Technology page.
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.