What year did they start fitting DPF filters?
Emily Cortez
Published Mar 01, 2026
What year did they start fitting DPF filters?
Hear this out loudPauseManufacturers began fitting DPFs to all diesel cars from 2009 onwards as a way of reducing the emission of toxic particulates from their exhausts. Many drivers still don’t know how they work, how you can tell if your DPF is clogged or how you can unblock a DPF.
Where is the DPF pressure sensor located?
engine compartment
Hear this out loudPauseThe DPF differential pressure sensor is usually mounted in the engine compartment to protect it from heat. The sensor is connected to the engine control unit (ECU) by an electrical connector and connected to the DPF via two silicon hoses.
How do I turn off the DPF light?
Hear this out loudPauseIf 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.
How do I manually start DPF regeneration?
To kick off a manual DPF regeneration you should
- Put the vehicle in neutral.
- Put on the hand brake.
- Leave the pedals alone!
- Press and hold the DPF button for 2 seconds or longer.
How long should a DPF filter last?
around 100,000 miles
Hear this out loudPauseHow long should a DPF last? A DPF can last up to around 100,000 miles if maintained properly.
How do you know if your DPF is clogged?
What Are The Signs Of A Blocked DPF?
- You feel a loss of power in your engine (limp mode).
- The DPF light will appear on your dashboard.
- Passive and active regeneration keep failing.
- A pungent smell of diesel.
- Automatic Stop-Start System Not Working.
- Your car seems to be releasing an excessive amount of smoke.
How do you know if your DPF is working?
Hear this out loudPauseIf 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 it OK to drive with DPF light on?
Hear this out loudPauseCan 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.
Can I clean my DPF myself?
Hear this out loudPauseDon’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.
How do you clean the DPF on a motorway?
Hear this out loudPauseWarm up the engine to operating temperature, then drive it for 15 minutes at constant speed on a motorway. Aim to keep the revs above 2000rpm for this period. The heat generated will help clean the DPF filter and the cars Regeneration cycle will usually kick in under these circumstances.
Can a DPF filter be replaced by the manufacturer?
Should the DPF need to be replaced, most manufacturers’ warranties will not cover the cost if the fault is deemed to have been caused by the owner’s driving style and not by a fault with the filter itself, leaving you potentially facing a four-figure bill.
Can a diesel particulate filter be left on for too long?
If left for much longer, the DPF won’t be able to regenerate itself and will need to be cleaned or even replaced.
How long does it take for the DPF to regenerate?
If the DPF can’t regenerate passively, the car’s onboard computer will have to take measures to prevent the filter from clogging. When the computer detects that the filter is becoming blocked, it will raise the temperature of the exhaust gases to start the regeneration process, which will then take about 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
What do you need to know about the DPF?
A Quick Guide to the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). What is it? The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is a device designed to reduce emissions by removing diesel particulate matter (or soot) from the exhaust gas of a diesel engine. It is required for your vehicle to meet Euro 5 Emission Standards. What do you need to know about the DPF?
How does the Diesel Particulate Filter ( DPF ) work?
The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is a device designed to reduce emissions by removing diesel particulate matter (or soot) from the exhaust gas of a diesel engine.
When to switch off the DPF warning light?
Once you have run the car very hot for a sustained period pull over and immediately switch off the car. Wait for five minutes before restarting your car to find that the DPF warning light, glow plug light or engine management light switched off!
How to use a manual DPF regeneration button / switch?
Firstly make sure you are in a well ventilated area, preferably outside. Make sure that your vehicle is not parked over dry grass or any other matter that may burn or catch fire. The DPF regeneration process will cause the filter to get EXTREMELY hot. Leave the pedals alone!