Did my Honda CR-V's DPF cause a hesitation under acceleration?

NB of Littlebourne’s email was timely for me since, that very day, whilst driving my 2010 diesel automatic Honda CR-V in sub zero conditions, I experienced hesitation seemingly from the gearbox. I set out from cold and after about two miles (say 10 minutes) of 30mph limit, was trying to accelerate, when the limit changed to 40 mph. At first the car hesitated for a few seconds, then accelerated well, with my right foot strongly on the pedal.

Does the CR-V have similar problems of interference from its electronics as the Scenic? All this took my mind back to the days when diesel engines were more basic and were supposed to be the panacea for pollution problems. In its quest to bring down pollution levels, has government legislation gone a step too far with diesel particulate filters, and introduced a new potential danger (and considerable expense) to driving a diesel car?

Asked on 5 December 2012 by BC, Potters Bar

Answered by Honest John
The problem was probably caused by the diesel particulate filter now fitted to all new diesel engines. Regard it as a sort of dirt box that gathers unburned hydrocarbons (the black smoke) from a cold start, then incinerates them later in the car's journey. But to do that it has to get very hot, and on this occasion it was unable to do so.

You are absolutely right that its quest to bring down pollution levels, EC legislation gone a step too far with diesel particulate filters, and introduced a new potential danger. And a costly one. Replacements of DPFs between years three to six of a car's life is costing readers £1000 - £2000. Takes a lot of 'diesel economy' to make that up.
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