How To Fix DPF In Car? All in One Solution At One place!!!!

Diesel cars are being loved by the car enthusiasts from past but now a days these cars are suffering from a popular problem known as DPF issue. Here are some solutions we have come with to answer question on how to fix DPF in car. What are the reasons that cause DPF block and what measures we should take preventively so that the DPF problem do not occur in future.

What is a DPF and why has it been introduced into cars

First of all we need to understand what this system is and why this system has been introduced in a car? DPF stands for Diesel Particular Filter. Its an equipment which is used to filter the particulate matter that comes out after the burning of diesel fuel inside a car. Basically Indian government came with BS6 norms in year 2020 under which DPF was made compulsory to install in all new Diesel cars.

A Soot mass comes with the output of burning of diesel fuel. It is basically the mixture of particulate matters which pollute the environment. The carbon produced from these cars was earlier being exposed out directly. Now using DPF this particulate matter will be burned inside the car itself.

Why DPF gets blocked

What happens if DPF is blocked ? First we need to understand why DPF gets blocked. So if there is only city driving of a diesel car or any electronic component of DPF stop working properly like any system problem inside a car or or running the car at slow speed for a long period of time are the reasons why DPF gets blocked.

What happens if DPF is blocked?

If A DPF gets blocked then there will be a financial loss. There will be DPF light indicating when DPF is blocked. There will be loss of pickup and engine will not take load car will start giving black smoke from exhaust. Eventually engine failure may occur or it can damage the turbo system also. So heavy loss can occur. It is a costly system that’s overall cost can go upto 1 Lakh rupees.

How to clear DPF in diesel cars

There are two methods through which the DPF can be cleared

One is VLPI (Very Late Post Injection)- In this system ECU connected with the injection sends signal to piston and eventually increase the temperature inside DPF that helps to burn the particulate matter.
UREA Filling System (Add Blue or DEF System) – Its a mixture of water with UREA in the ratio of 67.5% water and 32.7% UREA is filled in the container in the car. In this system ECU sends message to a motor connected to the UREA container to mix it with the out coming air from piston. This mixing converts the Particulate Matter into Ammonia which eventually break down it into less harmful gases .

How to fix DPF issue in car

DPF issue can be fixed by using regeneration system. This system works automatically in the car. It is triggered when there is signal form ECU unit. So when ever there is pressure difference the signal goes from ECU to the injectors which eventually increase the temperature to a set limit which help in burning the particulate matter there itself.

Passive Regeneration– Which is done over the time when the car is running on highways properly. Because it maintains proper temperature and burn the fuel as well. It is automatically done and at a time when the soot mass is at or below 10-20gms.

Active Regeneration– It is also done by DPF system inside the car specially when the car runs in city and at low RPMs. It is done by sending high amount of fuel through the injector which raise the temperature and burn the Particulate matter. At this time the soot mass weight becomes higher and it is little above 20gms.

Parked Regeneration- This can be done only when the car is parked and locked with hand break. It can be also be done at home when the DPF light start appearing in car’s meter . There is a dedicated button to perform regeneration through which the ECU gets signal to perform regeneration. This has three stages

When the light is ON and not blinking-Then parked regeneration can be performed.
When the light is ON and starts blinking – This is more important and at this time the regeneration is must. Passive regeneration can also work. Don’t Ignore this indication.
When DPF light is ON and OBD/Check Engine Light is also ON- This is more serious indication the car may not take load, the RPM hover around 2000-2500 only, pickup drops sharply and black smoke comes out from the exhaust pipe. The car may need to go to the service center for regeneration. Using meter and other tools overall diagnosis will be done. At this time the soot mass weight crosses 40gms.

But to dive deeper to the question on how to fix DPF issue in car we need to check following pattern.

Driving pattern– This is important to fix DPF issue in a car. Equally driving in city and highways. Which will help in maintaining high temperature because of higher speed and higher RPM and thus DPF will work well.
Emission system– Routine Check up of the inlet and outlet emission system.
Electronic problem– There are electronic sensors which communicate with each other. So to fix DPF issue we should check the electronic part working properly.

How to fix dpf at home (preventive measure)

So there are advices which will help fix the issue

Do not do hard acceleration it causes high generation of soot mass. Usually normal accelerate causes less than 1gm of soot mass generation in every 10km run but pressing accelerator high will Approximately cause 4gm in every 10km.
No rough driving which causes less mileage means high fuel consumption and large particulate matter in DPF and eventually choke the DPF.
Driving pattern should be for every 300km city drive at least 60-70 km highway drive is must.
Do not skip gears or do not jump the gear in between running. Try to maintain right gear at right rpm this will reduce load on engine and will take appropriate fuel.
Naver run car on 4X4 mode for long time. It should be applied only when required like running on hills and bad roads. Running on 4X4 takes more load and same problem occurs.
Stop switching on AC in a standing car for a long time. Because it will double the soot mass production. Approximate 20gm generation in just 2hr standing.
Also do not put extra load on a car. Overloading eventually causes heavy load on engine.

How to fix dpf light

To fix DPF light we need to check the important points that will help us to indicate where is the exact problem.

Check if there is leakage in fuel injector or any damage is there. Because it will not inject proper fuel.
If there is any turbo damage will cause DPF block and DPF light.
Check for blocked EGR. It takes unburned fuel and back to engine. If its blocked it will stop working properly and again extra fuel will start burn.
Check for any leakage in intercooler. Whether working properly or not.
Air mass sensor and O2 sensor problem can also block DPF. So keep check it also.
Engine Back compression is also a cause.
Differential pressure system failure. When there will be inaccurate reading of the pressure then there will be again DPF issue.
Check for clutch switch and break switch working properly. These switches are used to help regeneration system. And if regeneration system fails then DPF blocking will occur for sure.
Never ignore ABS light.
Check for Urea tank leak. If proper Urea will not be injected then DPF will again create problems.

How do I unblock my DPF filter without removing it?

By doing highway running regularly to boost regeneration.
Can use DPF cleaning additive mix in the fuel that can help to some extent.
Also there are DPF cleaner in spray form so that should be used but only under experts supervision.