Can DPF cause check engine light?
A diesel particulate filter (DPF) is fitted to diesel-powered cars in order to trap soot from the exhaust and reduce your emissions. It is possible for it to become blocked and subsequently cause your engine management light to turn on, but no need to worry!
What does it mean when the DPF light is flashing?
A flashing orange DPF light (or whatever the primary activation mode is) just tells you that the filter is getting loaded up, and a burn or regeneration is necessary and/or overdue. The car knows this because it measures the pressure drop across the DPF. If the light goes out, it worked.
What will you do if the diesel fuel particulate and engine warning lights come on?
When this light first comes on, continue driving your car like normal and try the active regeneration method by driving on the highway. This should turn off the light as long as nothing is preventing the regeneration from taking place.
Can I drive with DPF light flashing?
Can you ignore the DPF light and carry on driving? Technically yes, but we would not recommend it. If you ignore the DPF light and continue driving, the build-up of soot will soon reach a point whereby your car has to enter ‘limp-home’ mode in order to prevent any damage to the engine.
How do you tell if your DPF is clogged?
If there is black smoke leaving your exhaust pipe, this is an obvious indicator that your DPF filter is not working properly. Like any filter, your DPF will, over time, start to form a blockage from the waste that it holds and will need to be cleaned.
Is a flashing DPF light an MOT failure?
The vehicle will automatically fail the MOT test if the filter had been fitted as standard but is found to be no longer present. The filter works by trapping solid particulate matter from exhaust gases. This change to the MOT tests makes it clear – if you have this filter removed from your car it will fail the test.
How do you know if your DPF is regenerating?
You will know whether active regeneration is taking place by the following symptoms:
- Engine note change.
- Cooling fans running.
- A slight increase in fuel consumption.
- Increased idle speed.
- Deactivation of automatic Stop/Start.
- A hot, acrid smell from the exhaust.
How long can you drive with DPF light on?
10 minutes
If you get a warning light showing that the filter’s blocked, it should be possible to complete an active regeneration cycle and clear the warning light by driving for 10 minutes or so at speeds over 40mph.
Can I clean a DPF myself?
Don’t DPFs clean themselves? In theory, yes. “Passive Regeneration” or if appropriate Active DPF regeneration will take place as part of a healthy diesel engine running cycle, but active regeneration can fail once a blockage reaches a certain level. Sometimes a “forced” regeneration may be carried out by a mechanic.
What causes emission control system malfunction?
Missing, damaged, or incorrect fuel cap – An improperly fitted or broken fuel cap is the most common cause of an OBD code P0440 being triggered. Disconnected or punctured EVAP system hoses – Over time, your car’s EVAP hoses may get brittle and become damaged, allowing fuel vapors to leak.
Why is my emission control system light on?
Most of the time, when an Emissions Light comes on, it is due to either a sensor or a problem with the exhaust gas recirculation valve. It is also possible that you have a vacuum hose that has become disconnected, or has developed cracks.
What to do when your DPF warning light comes on?
If your DPF warning light comes on, here’s what you do. When your DPF warning light comes on, remember this: Orange warning lights are sub-critical events. You need to act, but it’s not life and death for your engine. Red warning lights, on the other hand, are reserved for engine life and death.
Why is the DPF light flashing on my Mazda?
The DPF light flashes on the Mazda when the ECU (Engine Control Unit) registers that the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) is beginning to block. The DPF is a filter located in the exhaust system and is used to filter out soot particles from the exhaust gasses.
What does the DPF light mean on a diesel?
Diesel particulate filters are intended to reduce soot emissions by as much as 80%. When the filter fails, the DPF (diesel particulate filter) light will come on. It indicates a partial blockage in the filter. So, what is the deal with DPFs?
Why is there a warning light on my diesel engine?
Some diesel-powered cars have a specific warning light for their diesel particulate filter (DPF), whereas others don’t and rely on the EML providing a warning instead. The latter is sometimes also illuminated if the car detects a fault with the differential pressure sensor, which determines how effectively the DPF is performing.