Frequent questions

How does the DPF particle filter work?

As in the case of any filtration system, the DPF particle filter retains particles, namely those of soot emitted by diesel engines. Consequently, the particulate filter must be cleaned periodically to maintain engine performance. The cleaning of the DPF filter can be carried out through an active, passive or forced regeneration process through which the accumulated soot is incinerated at high temperatures (over 600°C) being transformed into ash and removed from the exhaust system.

Additized regeneration - this mode of active regeneration is based on the addition of fuel in order to lower the combustion temperature of soot particles.

Active regeneration - cleaning occurs by adjusting the fuel injection in order to increase the temperature of the exhaust gases to a value that allows the burning of the deposited soot.

Passive regeneration - this type of system can integrate a catalytic oxidation converter positioned near the engine, where the exhaust gases have a high enough temperature to allow soot to burn.

Forced regeneration - if there were several attempts at automatic regeneration that did not ensure the cleaning of the DPF particle filter, you can opt for its forced regeneration.

Assisted thermo-chemical regeneration - in the event that the on-board computer indicates the failure of the particulate filter, and the automatic regeneration operations prove to be ineffective (the DPF filter is more than 50% clogged), cleaning can be carried out thermo-chemistry of the DPF particle filter.

Why does the DPF particle filter get clogged?

Depending on each vehicle model and engine, different causes may appear that lead to the clogging of the DPF particle filter. The level of noxes generated by the engine, the quality of the fuel, the quality of the engine oil, the style of driving or even the positioning of the particulate filter on the route of exhaust gas can contribute to blocking with soot or its incomplete regeneration.

In general, the problems appear when the car is used mainly in the urban environment, when driving involves frequent starts and stops, so that the regeneration process does not have the time necessary to complete a complete cycle. In the first phase, an indicator on the dashboard will light up or a warning message will appear indicating the abnormal operation of the DPF particle filter.

 If you continue to drive the vehicle, the soot will continue to deposit in the filter which is already partially clogged, until the engine sensors will trigger a procedure to protect it, limiting the power generated and implicitly restricting the speed of the car . At this stage you will have to go to a car service to try to unclog the DPF particle filter by activating the forced regeneration procedure.

If even after the forced regeneration the unclogging did not succeed, the only solution left is to replace the DPF particle filter with a new one or its professional thermo-chemical cleaning.

Why choose chemical cleaning of the particle filter?

The cost of cleaning a DPF / FAP filter is minimal compared to the purchase of a new filter whose price can vary between 1000 and 5000 euros.

The duration of the unclogging of the filter is very short, only 48 hours compared to the several weeks that the process of special ordering a new landmark usually takes, as this is not usually in the stock of service companies.

Even the most clogged filters have chances of regeneration, in 99% of cases the cleaning being a success able to guarantee its use for several tens of thousands of kilometers.

The noxe level will be kept within the quotas indicated by the car manufacturer after cleaning the particle filter so that performing the ITP will not raise any problems.

For each filter, a verification report is prepared that contains its characteristics before and after the cleaning operation, and a warranty certificate and declaration of conformity is issued for the work performed.

How can you avoid clogging the DPF particle filter?

Use only the engine oil recommended by the manufacturer in order to obtain the lowest level of noxes. Incorrect operation of the engine by introducing non-compliant oil can considerably increase the level of soot deposits in the DPF particle filter.

Do not feed with 100% BioDiesel. The full use of biofuels contributes to the increase of soot deposits in the DPF particle filter. Biodiesel produces more particles during combustion than regular diesel fuel. 

Don't use the vehicle only for urban trips.  Every driver uses his vehicle in different ways. If you drive the car only for trips within the city, the deposition of soot in the DPF particle filter will be accelerated because the regeneration process does not have the time necessary to complete a complete cycle.

Regeneration of the particle filter is based on reaching a temperature of approx. 600°C so that it can be done properly. Therefore, using the car only for short journeys and at low speed will not ensure a sufficiently high exhaust gas temperature so that regeneration will not take place and the particle filter will clog faster. Last but not least, the season in which you operate the car must also be taken into account, so it is recommended to add the appropriate fuel during cold and wet periods. In order to obtain the most efficient combustion, you can use JLM Diesel Winter Mix.

In general, the high level of noxes that clog the particle filters is due to various problems that may arise in ensuring proper combustion. In order to prevent the decrease in engine power by clogging the DPF filter above a level of 30%, with residues resulting from an incomplete combustion, it is advisable to ensure, after every 5000 km traveled, the periodic cleaning of the combustion system related to diesel engines. Cleaning of diesel injectors can be done with JLM Diesel Fuel System Cleaner, and maintenance of the air intake and EGR system is done with JLM Air Intake EGR Cleaner.

As the car equipped with a DPF particle filter has a greater number of kilometers and implicitly a higher level of wear, the regeneration process will be more difficult to ensure properly.

Like any other part of the vehicle, the DPF particulate filter is exposed to wear and tear and may reach a stage where it can no longer be repaired.

What should be done when the DPF particulate filter malfunction indicator lights up?

Comply with the vehicle manufacturer's instructions regarding the procedure for unlocking the DPF particle filter. If such problems have not been reported previously, it may be sufficient, to ensure complete regeneration, to drive the vehicle for 20 minutes, at a speed greater than 60km/h.

At this stage it is recommended to add a dose of 100ml of JLM DPF Cleaner to the supply with a full tank of fuel (approx. 60 liters).  The additive will potentiate the regeneration and after a few hundred kilometers the DPF fault indicator will go off. Depending on how clogged the particle filter is, if necessary, add the second dose of JLM DPF Cleaner to a new fuel supply.

There are situations where the DPF particulate filter has become clogged even if the vehicle has generally been driven in extra-urban mode (highway). In the case of cars that have a 6-speed transfer box, it is possible that the temperature generated in the exhaust system of the burnt gases is too low, even if they are operated in this way. For these, it is recommended to run occasionally at higher revolutions (3000-3500rpm) in order to evacuate the soot from inside the DPF filter.

If you continue to drive the car in a START/STOP mode that does not allow regeneration and you ignore the DPF damage indicator, the soot will continue to accumulate. When the clogging exceeds a level of 50%-75% (depending on the vehicle model), it will no longer be possible to clean the particle filter except by forced regeneration or professional thermo-chemical cleaning.