Particulate filter problem - can it be fixed?
In November I purchased a SEAT Ibiza from the Car Shop. Around a month later the DPF warning light came on. I consulted the handbook and took on the advice to drive at constant high speed for 15 minutes. A few weeks later, the light came on again and I did the same. A few weeks later it came on again and I left it for a couple of days (as couldn't drive to unblock it).
Then, all at once, the glow plug light came on, flashing, and another engine light. I immediately took it to a garage where a diagnostic was run but they were unable to go any further. I then booked it in to a SEAT garage which is where it is now. From reading around the issue, I am concerned that a whole new filter will be needed at a massive cost.
Then, all at once, the glow plug light came on, flashing, and another engine light. I immediately took it to a garage where a diagnostic was run but they were unable to go any further. I then booked it in to a SEAT garage which is where it is now. From reading around the issue, I am concerned that a whole new filter will be needed at a massive cost.
Asked on 10 February 2014 by JBran
Answered by
Honest John
Every time you start a diesel engine from cold the DPF collects the smoke and soot that would otherwise be emitted into the atmosphere. The idea is that once the engine and exhaust system are hot, the particulates will be safely burned off at high temperature reducing their size.
Obviously if the engine suffers repeat starting from cold and the DPF never gets a chance to regenerate it will eventually clog up. There are DIY fuel additives to help clear DPFs such as Cataclean. There are cleaning processes from Caramex and Terraclean. The final option is replacement, which is normal at about 80,000 miles.
Obviously if the engine suffers repeat starting from cold and the DPF never gets a chance to regenerate it will eventually clog up. There are DIY fuel additives to help clear DPFs such as Cataclean. There are cleaning processes from Caramex and Terraclean. The final option is replacement, which is normal at about 80,000 miles.
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