
There are two primary ways to clean a diesel particulate filter. Thermal The thermal cleaning process is also commonly referred to as “bake and blow” and involves baking the DPF filter in an oven which oxidizes the soot and using air to force the ash out of the filter.
Full Answer
What is a diesel particulate filter on a VW Golf?
Euro 5 emission regulations were introduced in 2005, so too was the need for something to stop carcinogenic diesel particulates from spewing out of Golf exhausts across Europe. To keep emissions inline with EU regulations VW had no choice but to fit the Golf with a diesel particulate filter (DPF for short).
How do you clean a diesel particulate filter?
There are two primary ways to clean a diesel particulate filter. The thermal cleaning process is also commonly referred to as “bake and blow” and involves baking the DPF filter in an oven which oxidizes the soot and using air to force the ash out of the filter.
What is a diesel particulate filter?
The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is part of your exhaust and controls the 'soot' that would otherwise be expelled from the system. You may have noticed that modern diesels no longer leave you in a cloud of smelly black smoke when they accelerate off.
What to do when the particulate filter has become saturated with soot?
Diesel particulate filter has become saturated with soot. Drive in 4th gear (manual gearbox) or in selector lever position D (dual clutch gearbox DSG ®) at a speed of at least 70 km/h (44 mph) for approximately 15 minutes. Observe the valid speed limits.

How do you clean the DPF on a VW Golf?
0:532:21What to do When the DPF Light Comes On - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDrive at a speed between 80. And 100 kilometres an hour keeping your revs between 2000 and 2500.MoreDrive at a speed between 80. And 100 kilometres an hour keeping your revs between 2000 and 2500.
How do you clean a TDI particulate filter?
2:093:18How to clean a DPF - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou also want to spray in the opposite direction of the exhaust flow to push the soot and ash backMoreYou also want to spray in the opposite direction of the exhaust flow to push the soot and ash back out the way it came if you're using high pressure don't get too close to the cell walls.
Can I clean my DPF filter myself?
Another option is to clean it yourself with an additive. With Lindemann's Total Care Diesel you can clean your DPF yourself. This product lowers the combustion temperature of soot, making it easier to burn. It also contains a very high level of active cleaning agents.
How do you clean a diesel particulate sensor?
1:242:38Wurth Diesel Particulate Filter Cleaner - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipInsert the special application nozzle through the opening in the direction of the particulate filterMoreInsert the special application nozzle through the opening in the direction of the particulate filter. Move the nozzle around the inside of the DPF. While spraying the chemical.
How do you know if your DPF is clogged?
What Are The Signs Of A Blocked DPF?You feel a loss of power in your engine (limp mode).The DPF light will appear on your dashboard.Passive and active regeneration keep failing.A pungent smell of diesel.Automatic Stop-Start System Not Working.Your car seems to be releasing an excessive amount of smoke.More items...
How much does it cost to clean DPF filter?
Cold starts also create the need for more frequent DPF cleanings, which shorten DPF effectiveness and, ultimately, lifespan. Factor in downtime for cleaning DPFs and replacement costs can range between $2,500 to $8,000 per vehicle.
How do I force a DPF regeneration VW?
1:123:45How to force dpf regen on vw tdi - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd we're gonna select regeneration while standing here we are we'll press the brakes 10 times sorryMoreAnd we're gonna select regeneration while standing here we are we'll press the brakes 10 times sorry one two oh you do what it says there. And it holds the idle up. And it's doing its.
What do you do when your diesel particulate filter is full?
When you first see the light, you can resume normal driving, but when you get a chance, take the car onto the highway and drive it for around 10 minutes at 40+ MPH. This should sufficiently raise the temperature to levels high enough to regenerate the filter, and hopefully the light will turn off.
Is it worth cleaning a DPF?
DPF cleaning is the most effective way to unblock your DPF filter and restore it to full working order. There are a wide variety of ways to service your diesel particulate filter, all the way from standard DPF regeneration to TerraClean processes.
How do I stop my DPF from clogging?
The best way to maintain a DPF is to make sure it's fully able to regenerate itself when it's full of soot (when the warning light appears). There are two types of regeneration: passive and active.
How long does it take to clean a DPF?
A DPF clean can take as little as 20 minutes to complete.
How long should I drive to clean DPF?
To make sure that the regeneration takes place, most manufacturers suggest that every few hundred miles, the car is driven for a period of more than 15 minutes at a consistent speed in excess of 40mph. Doing this should clear the filter.
What is diesel particulate filter?
The diesel particulate filter filters out soot particles in the exhaust gas. The soot particles gather in the filter and are burnt under high temperatures periodically ( regeneration ). Heat produced can warm the engine.
What engine did VW use in the 76 Golf?
Back in ’76 (a full two years after the Golf went on sale) VW equipped the Mk1 with a 1.5l diesel heart. This non turbo charged oil burner managed a whopping 42MPG from its 50BHP power plant. That’s a long way from the triple figure power numbers from present day cars but pretty damn good for a car back in the 70s.
What was the first 2.0L diesel?
The introduction of the first 2.0l diesel into the Golf saw the first DPF strapped to a Golf exhaust. The internet suggests that the 1.9l diesel engine was still available in the MK5 but seems to have escaped the DPF due to it’s amazingly low emissions figures – it was also only a 1.9l.
Does the indicator light on a Volkswagen diesel filter light up?
In vehicles with automatic gearboxes the engine speed can increase while the vehicle is being driven. However, the indicator lamp will not light up.
What is a diesel particulate filter?
The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is part of your exhaust and controls the 'soot' that would otherwise be expelled from the system. You may have noticed that modern diesels no longer leave you in a cloud of smelly black smoke when they accelerate off.
What happens when a VW filter is full?
When the filter reaches a certain percentage full it can no longer clean itself and neither can you by driving in the correct style. At this point the vehicle must be taken to a VW dealer (See - "What happens if I ignore the light")
How long should I drive a car to clean the engine?
How to clean, clear and reset (regenerate) the system. You should drive your vehicle for approximately 15 minutes keeping the engine revs between 2000 - 2500 rpm. This is probably best done on an A road. Keep the car in a lower than normal gear (use 'S' on an automatic) in order to keep the revs up.
How to keep DPF clean?
Use branded, high-quality fuel to help keep the DPF clean. Always use branded fuel, as it contains additives designed to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Avoid unbranded fuel, as it may be lower quality, which can harm the DPF. ...
How often should I use DPF cleaning additive?
DPF cleaning additives contain fuel borne catalysts. These experience a combustion process to eliminate the soot and ash. Use the cleaning additive every 3 - 6 months to maintain the DPF. Check the vehicle handbook to see how often you should use an additive for your particular vehicle.
Can you drive without a DPF?
Driving without a DPF is illegal in many locations and a vehicle without one won't pass inspections. The only time that a DPF can be removed is for repair work by a qualified mechanic. Never attempt to remove the DPF to repair it yourself, as this requires extensive, expert knowledge and equipment.
Can a DPF be cleaned?
If the symbol remains or if a warning lamp symbol lights up, the DPF must be professionally cleaned. Drive immediately to a mechanic before any damage is caused. The mechanic will clean the DPF using forced regeneration. This can be an expensive procedure, however, it's cheaper than replacing the DPF.
