Diesel Particulate Filter
Cleaner driving with diesel
For more than a decade, Volkswagen Diesel vehicles have been engineered to run with Diesel Particulate Filters. Diesel Particulate Filters are an advanced technology that helps modern diesel engines run cleaner and more efficiently.
What is a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)?
Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) are an important component in your diesel engine that ensure your engine runs much cleaner than older engines. DPF are extremely effective at trapping even the finest soot particles that are produced as the engine burns diesel fuel. The result is less soot particles entering the atmosphere.
How do Diesel Particulate Filters work?
DPFs work by trapping and storing soot and ash contained within the exhaust. This is achieved through the use of a ceramic substrate within the filter that is formed into a honeycomb structure. While the exhaust gas can flow through this structure, the soot and ash particles are trapped within the filter pores. Passive regeneration then converts the particulate matter trapped in the DPF into CO2. This process takes place at temperatures between 350 and 500°C and can run continuously, particularly if you drive your car mainly on long runs.
Volkswagen Cars & Utes With DPF
Volkswagen Diesel vehicles have been engineered to run with DPFs for more than a decade, ensuring less pollution enters the atmosphere. Unsure if your Volkswagen has a DPF? Check our list below to find out if your Volkswagen is running with a Diesel Particulate Filter.
Volkswagen Diesel Models With DPFs
- Golf
- Amarok
- Passat
- Tiguan
- Touareg
- Multivan / Transporter
- Caddy
- Crafter
Diesel Particulate Filter Warning Light & Cleaning
Thanks to advanced DPF technology in your Volkswagen Diesel vehicle, cleaning and maintaining your DPF is easier than ever. Read on to learn about your DPF warning light, cleaning & the regeneration process.
The DPF Warning Light
The DPF light turns on in your Volkswagen to indicate that your Diesel Particulate Filter is around 45% full of soot. This is an indication to you that the engine is actively trying to reduce the levels of soot through DPF regeneration. While you don’t have to act on this straight away, it is important that you follow the DPF regeneration steps below as soon as possible after the light turns on to ensure smooth and efficient operation of your Volkswagen.
Don’t ignore the DPF light
If you ignore the DPF light for too long, soot will continue to build up until your Volkswagen enters limp mode. Your vehicle will automatically enter limp mode after soot build-up has reached high levels to try and prevent further damage to your car. If your Volkswagen enters limp mode, you should immediately take your car to a Volkswagen service centre to run a forced regeneration program to try and save the filter.
Volkswagen DPF regeneration
If your DPF light has turned on DON’T PANIC. This is just an indication that your Volkswagen needs to go through a DPF regeneration cycle. You can regenerate your Volkswagen’s DPF through the following steps.
Volkswagen DPF Regeneration Process
- Take your Volkswagen out to the highway to ensure that you can travel above 60 km/h for an extended duration without having to stop.
- Drive your Volkswagen above 60km/h under a higher engine load (2,500-3,000 RPM) for approximately 25-30 minutes. You can ensure you reach higher rpms by using the Tiptronic function of the gearbox. Driving at this higher RPM for an extended period of time will help your DPF reach temperatures between 350-500°C, which allows DPF regeneration to take place.
- Once your DPF light turns off, continue driving for 10 minutes to ensure the regeneration is able to complete in full.
Note: The DPF regeneration will not activate if the fuel tank is less than ¼ full. If this occurs, please refuel your vehicle to above ½ full and complete the action described above.
Further information can be found in your owner’s manual.
DPF Cleaning
If you complete the above DPF Regeneration process and the DPF light remains on, it may be time to get your Diesel Particulate Filter professionally cleaned. Contact your local Volkswagen Dealer to get your DPF cleaned and serviced today.
