If there’s one car component that’s been hotly debated in recent years, it’s definitely the diesel particulate filter. Of course, there are companies that offer its removal or any other modifications. We will look together at the procedure of repairing the particulate filter. It may happen that something is wrong with him. We can recognize it primarily by the fact that the engine light is on on the dashboard. This is subsequently manifested in the fact that the engine does work, but at the same time it cannot be revved to higher speeds. So it only works in limited mode.
So the first step is to connect the car for diagnostics. Let us remind you that a given light can signal a number of different problems. Only diagnostics will help us find out if it is really a defect in the DPF. If so, repairing the particulate filter doesn’t have to be that complicated. Of course, it primarily depends on how extensive it is and what is the main cause of individual problems.
Using a special liquid
Today on the market we can buy a special liquid that is intended for the regeneration of the particulate filter. How is it used? It is relatively simple, as its use consists in pouring it into the tank and then driving in the classic way. Of course, it can also be used preventively. In this case, we will use it as one of the steps of the overall repair. If the car does not allow higher revs, it is ideal to drive it on the highway, where at the highest speed we can drive at the given revs for a longer time, thanks to which the given liquid, i.e. the substances in it, will work. It is ideal to drive a relatively long distance, from fifty to a hundred kilometers.
After driving, it is a good idea to connect the diagnostics and then find out whether the repair of the particulate filter was successful and whether the problem was really in its regeneration. If everything is currently fine, we can erase the faults as part of the diagnostics and continue to drive without problems. If the given repair did not take place in this way and the filter did not regenerate, it is necessary to continue with the service operations.
Use of filter flushing fluid
The above liquid is not the only one we can use today. If we look at the individual options, let’s not forget that there are also special liquids designed for flushing the particulate filter. Their price is certainly not high and they are available in a number of places in connection with the sale of various auto parts and other things that you will appreciate in the field of the automotive industry. Here, it will be necessary to take several steps related to the disassembly of the given filter. We dismantle it from its place and then the ideal step is also to remove the probe itself from it. Disassembly should be relatively easy and even a less experienced skilled person should be able to handle it. We simply lift the car, find the place where the filter is located, loosen the connections and dismantle the filter. There is absolutely no need to remind us that we should not do this immediately after driving, as the pipe and filter will be very hot. It goes without saying that you have to wait for everything to cool down properly.
Now we can place the filter in any container and apply the liquid. We regularly flush the particulate filter with it. Specific instructions on how to do this should always be part of the particular liquid we buy. It is ideal to continue rinsing overnight, as this is the only way to guarantee really high-quality results. After flushing with the given liquid, the filter itself must also be properly cleaned. The pressure of hot water with which the filter is thoroughly washed will help with this. After that, we don’t forget about more thorough drying.
Installation of the filter
Once the particulate filter is completely dry, it can be remounted. So the first step is logically to connect the probe itself. Only then can the assembly itself be carried out. Subsequently, it is possible to drive off with the car and, preferably with the first liquid in the tank, set off again on the highway to thoroughly clean the filter.
While driving, it is ideal to stop at a rest stop, turn off the ignition and start again after a while. If the check engine light goes out, it means that everything is fine and the diesel particulate filter repair was successful. If the light does not go out, we continue to drive and after that we connect it again for diagnostics.
Subsequent inspection
If the diagnostics no longer reports any malfunctions, we can delete the warning lights and try driving again, during which we no longer expect them to light up. In the same way, it is possible to delete the given defect so-called hard and test the ride again as such. If all is well, flushing the filter helped. Of course, it is important to keep in mind that after such a deletion of the fault, the light may come on again in a few days or weeks. It is therefore better not to take the car on long journeys until you are really sure that everything is in order. It is ideal to continue to use the fluid intended for regenerating the filter to ensure that it is thoroughly cleaned and that it really works as it should.
Service visit
If even the third procedure doesn’t work, it may be necessary to visit a service center where they can have sufficient experience with the solid particle filter. Such that they can use much higher quality fluids than are normally available, as well as having experience in how to disassemble it ideally and correctly. If the procedure associated with the service takes, you win. If it doesn’t work, there are essentially two other possible paths you can take. The first of them is connected with the fact that you will have to invest in a new particulate filter. The second way is subsequently associated with having it permanently dismantled. But don’t forget the problems that will result from this when you visit the technical inspection station with the car.
