As published in the December 2012 edition of Aftermarket Magazine:

Many workshops consider diesel particulate filters as troublesome and regard the component as a “main dealer-only product”.

EEC has developed a DPF Reset Tool to helpindependents feel confident in retaining the profitable work. The serviceable item needs to be replaced after an amount of miles specified by each manufacturer –from 75,000 miles for Fords and up to 150,000 for BMWs – and when DPF’s fail, it is usually down to problems upstream of the filter or within the DPF system. This is where a DPF reset tool comes in.

The light goes on
When the DPF light illuminates on the dash, regeneration is needed.

The manufacturers’ handbooks willinstruct you to ‘Drive for 20 minutes at a constant 65mph’ (over 2,500 RPM) or similar.

If this does not instigate a ‘regen’ or the filter fills to over 90%, or 45grams,the DPF needs replacing and this is not covered under warranty. If the coil and engine management light is on with loss of power, limp home mode will engage with a maximum of 3,000 RPM and the fault code will read ‘DPF soot loading too high’ – a forced regeneration is required.

The DPF tool will walk you through the procedures and help identify the route problems.

• Ensure the vehicle is parked outside, is in neutral and the hand brake is on 
• The engine should be warm, there should be at least a quarter tank of fuel and no stored fault codes 
• If the engine management light comes on first, followed by the DPF light, there’s an issue within the DPF system (i.e temperature, pressure and sensors) 

Useful advice
Check the pressure sensors as there could be a build-up of water, also check for damaged pressure pipes and ensure the EGR system is working as it should.

Make sure the vehicle has the correct spec engine oil and the additive is sufficient.

When the DPF filter load reaches a certain level, the ECU activates a regen to increase the DPF temperature to over 550ºC and the engine is programmed to inject up to 8 times more fuel per stroke to produce a high amount of NO2, helping to oxidise particulates, increasing the temperature as the exhaust gases pass through the catalytic converter.

It is advisable to check the engine oil for diesel contamination as a result of constant DPF regeneration, if this occurs you must carry out a full oil change and replace the oil filter. The ECU must be readapted when replacing the DPF and when topping up the fuel additive Eolys.