If you own a diesel car, then you’ve probably seen the “DPF” warning light come on from time to time. But what does this light mean, and how can you clear it? In this blog post, we will explore what the DPF warning light means and how you can clear it. We will also discuss some of the common causes for the light to come on in the first place and how you can prevent it from happening again.
What is DPF Warning Light?
A DPF warning light is a quick way for your car to tell you that the filter needs to be cleaned. When the filter becomes clogged with soot, it can’t do its job properly and will cause the engine to run less efficiently. The light will usually come on when the filter is about 75% full.
If you see the DPF warning light, it’s important to take action right away. The sooner you clean the filter, the less likely it is that you’ll damage your engine. There are a few different ways to clean the filter, but the most effective way is to use a professional service.
If you don’t take care of the problem right away, the filter can become completely clogged. This will cause your car to go into “limp mode,” which means that it will only be able to run at a very low speed. In some cases, limp mode can damage your engine permanently.
The best way to avoid all of these problems is to get your car serviced regularly. This way, you can make sure that the DPF warning light never comes on in the first place.
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What causes the DPF warning light to come on?
There are a few different things that can cause the DPF warning light to come on in your car. The most common reason is that the DPF filter is getting full and needs to be emptied. Other reasons can include a faulty sensor or a blockage in the exhaust system.
If you see the DPF warning light come on, it’s important to take action right away. If you don’t, the filter can become so full that it will cause damage to your engine. To clear the warning light, you need to empty out the filter. This can be done by taking your car to a specialised workshop, or by doing it yourself if you have the right equipment.
Once the filter is emptied, the warning light should go off and your car will be back to normal. However, if the light keeps coming on, there may be a bigger problem with your exhaust system and you should take your car to a mechanic for further investigation.
How to clear the DPF warning light?
If your DPF warning light is on, it means your diesel particulate filter needs to be cleaned. Here’s how to clear the warning light and get your car back to normal:
- Park your car in a safe place and turn off the engine.
- Locate the DPF sensor and clean it with a wire brush or other suitable tool.
- Clear any debris from around the sensor so that it can work properly.
- Restart your engine and check the warning light again. If it’s still on, take your car to a mechanic for further diagnosis.
How to prevent the DPF warning light from coming on?
If your DPF warning light is coming on, it’s important to take action to prevent it from happening again. Here are some tips:
- Have your DPF system serviced regularly. This will help to keep it clean and functioning properly.
- Avoid running your engine at low speeds for extended periods of time. This can cause the DPF to become clogged.
- Make sure you’re using the correct type of fuel for your vehicle. Some fuels can damage the DPF system.
If your DPF warning light is on, there are a few things you can do to try and clear it. First, make sure you’re driving enough to allow the DPF to regenerate. If that doesn’t work, you can try a DPF forced regeneration cycle. And if all else fails, you may need to replace your DPF filter altogether.
FAQs About How To Clear DPF Warning Light?
How can I clear my DPF at home?
Driving an automatic car with manual transmission mode can be a great way to initiate a regeneration cycle and clean the DPF. Simply move the gear shift gently and drive for at least 30 minutes – there’s no need to use the speed limiter as it serves no purpose in this situation. Following this, your DPF should be cleaned, making sure your vehicle runs smoothly.
How long do I need to drive to clear DPF?
It is recommended that drivers of diesel vehicles take a proactive approach to their vehicle’s maintenance and performance, by regularly taking them on 30-50 minute runs at a sustained speed on motorways or A-roads. Doing so helps to clear the filter and optimise the overall running of the car. It is an important part of keeping your car in good condition, so it should be done as often as possible.
Can a DPF clear itself?
The build-up of soot and/or ashes in the diesel particle filter (DPF) can cause blockages if they are not cleaned or changed regularly. To prevent this, self-regeneration is used during normal working condition to keep the DPF clean. However, after each regeneration cycle some ash still remain in the filter which leads to shorter regeneration intervals.
This blog post was extremely helpful to me! As a diesel car owner, I have seen the DPF warning light come on many times and had no idea what it meant. Now that I have read this article, I feel much more informed about how to handle the warning light and even how to prevent it from coming on in the future. Thank you for taking the time to write this great post!
The difference light keeps coming.ing on. Had it cleaned and driven on motorway way a few times since, but still the light comes on after driving for about 10 minutes. It doesn’t keep flashing or pop up again until 10 minutes into a new journey. What do you think this could mean? Thanks
It sounds like you've taken the right steps so far by cleaning the DPF and driving at high speed on the motorway to try and clear it. However, the recurring warning light might indicate a few potential issues:
Sensor malfunction: The sensor that triggers the DPF warning light might be faulty. This can cause the light to come on even when there's no real issue with the DPF.
Incomplete regeneration: Despite driving at high speed, it's possible the DPF regeneration process wasn't completed. If the journey ends before the process is finished, the light might come back on during the next drive.
Underlying mechanical issues: There could be other mechanical problems affecting the DPF system, like issues with the EGR valve, turbo, or injectors. These could prevent the DPF from cleaning itself properly.
Since the issue persists, I'd recommend taking your vehicle to a professional mechanic who can run a diagnostic test and identify the root cause. They might need to manually force a regeneration or look into potential faults in the system. Good luck!