Internally Combusted

I have a 15,000-mile Vauxhall Combo 1.3 diesel that has blown up its engine because the particulate filter was supposedly not regenerated. Vauxhall will not cover the cost under warranty citing driver error. I am waiting for a detailed report/reason including diagnostic report before pursuing the matter. I wondered if you have had any experience of this yet? I have spoken to British Telecom, the previous owners, who now only use this model in the countryside. I find it incredible that the vehicle does not go into limp mode when it needs to be regenerated but continues to drive normally then blows itself up. I believe Vauxhall have a problem here because I have been told they are remapping vehicles so they do not do this. At the moment I am £3,500 out of pocket plus van hire.

Asked on 21 November 2009 by

Answered by Honest John

What has happened is that the excess diesel fuel that was supposed to burn hotter and regenerate the DPF did not and instead seeped into the sump, gradually raising the level of sump oil to the point that your engine started to run on it, could not be stopped and therefore self-destructed. There should be a dashboard warning of oil contamination, which also indicates a rising level. If not, you may have a case against the supplying dealer. This is happening to 1.3 Multijets with DPFs in FIATs as well (including the 500), and in Mazda 6 2.0 litre diesels and in Subaru Legacy 2.0 diesels. It is vital that drivers pay attention to dashboard warnings and check the oil level at least weekly and if they notice a rise in the level of oil get the car to a dealer as soon as possible.

Tags: dpf technical issues owning

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