FAQ - Diesel Particulate Filters

Lately, we've had a lot of questions about exhaust systems, but more notably, DPFs.

The DPF or Diesel Particulate Filter acts as a part of exhaust system for the diesel-oriented vehicles to trap smoke (soot) and heavy particulates produced by the combustion of the engine. The DPF is very important component for manufacturers to maintain and meet the Euro emission standards which are becoming more stringent, although these filters have some drawbacks as well. The DPF block causes back pressure that can lead to decreased performance and increases in fuel consumption.

Why?

The DPF is considered to be "blocked" when the DPF of the vehicle becomes clogged with particulates or heavy particles, soot. The vehicle ECU often measures this by the amount of particulates in the DPF measured in grams. Once this value exceeds that of the value pre-determined by the manufacturer inside the maps of the ECU that control this, a MIL Code (Malfuntion Indicator Lamp) often dispalys as a result of this. often accompanied by and an orange DPF light displayed on the dashboard as a kind of warning that vehicle’s DPF is blocked.

How?

Most often caused by short distance journeys at low pace. (ie school runs and home)
Poor servicing of the vehicle.
Not using correct oil specified for the vehicle. (often a low-ash/high detergent type)

"Deleting" the DPF

It is now quite common knowledge that when the DPF becomes blocked, it has a lot of disadvantages for certain vehicles, so a DPF Delete solution can be beneficial to overcome the drawbacks that vehicles can attain when this system fails. An increasing question from our clients who have been lead to this, is generally due to Facebook Forums. "Deleting" the DPF is possible, and involves altering and/or removing the DPF, and its functionality from your factory ECU.

Benefits:

Improvement in engine performance. Reduced backpressure results in better air flow (volumetric efficiency) which assists in improving torque and power.
Fuel economy can be improved due to the reduced back pressure and the lack of raw fuel being used to "burn off" soot while in DPF regeneration mode.
Reduces the dyanmics and complexity of an engine when tuning.
Inexpensive repair bills when compared to OEM unit replacement.

Drawbacks:

This, by law, is permitted for off road use only, as tampering or removing Emissions Control Devices is not only illegal, but

Can render a vehicle un-roadworthy.
In the event of an accident on a public road, a vehicle found to be un-roadworhty can also void your insurance.
Laws of the Australian government state that, driving a vehicle without having DPF that was released and approved under Austrlian Design Reulation and EURO Emission standards is a criminal offense in itself.
Euro 5 legislation applies on all Diesel vehicle models released before the year 2010 and sold before 2011 are legally required to have a catalytic reserved converter and/or particulate filter fitted to meet emissions standards. If the DPF is released with the vehicle at the point of sale, by law it is an offence to to remove and drive on public roads.
Fines of approximately $10,000 to $12,000 if you are caught driving a vehicle without DPF that is fitted with one from factory.

Basic schematic of a Euro5 System. Image from Peugot Citreoen

ECU Remap with DPF still in place

With our professional ECU Remaps, we have achieved excellent performance imporvements with vehicles such as late model Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Nissan Navara NP300, with the DPF filter still in place.

With our experience and technology, we are able to achieve the same and/or very comparable results with your DPF FIlter still in place

We always recommend to retain your DPF for warranty and insurances and have a custom ECU remap which gives you: