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