What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
Solving DPF problems
My son, who lives in Switzerland, has recently swapped a UK registered Mercedes-Benz R-Class to a locally registered diesel Range Rover. He is now having DPF problems, with the warning message displaying on the dashboard.
The selling dealer has advised a regular 'thrash' on the nearby German Autobahn to clear this problem, but this sounds somewhat extreme to me. Do you have any knowledge of this problem with the model and are there any less extreme fixes he could try?
The selling dealer has advised a regular 'thrash' on the nearby German Autobahn to clear this problem, but this sounds somewhat extreme to me. Do you have any knowledge of this problem with the model and are there any less extreme fixes he could try?
Asked on 7 November 2013 by N Webster
Answered by
Honest John
If a diesel engine with a DPF, especially a large diesel engine, is repeatedly driven short distances from cold starts then the DPF will clog up with soot. The purpose of a DPF is to collect the soot from a cold start then burn it off later in the car's journey.
It cannot do this if there is no 'later'. So the car needs a regular drive of 30 - 50 kilometres at a constant engine speed of 1750-2000rpm (not high revs) to regenerate the DPF.
It cannot do this if there is no 'later'. So the car needs a regular drive of 30 - 50 kilometres at a constant engine speed of 1750-2000rpm (not high revs) to regenerate the DPF.
Looking for a garage you can trust? Honest John's Good Garage Guide has thousands of reader recommended garages, plus how-to guides and tips on servicing.
The Good Garage Guide
Our Fuel Cost Calculator shows you which will be the best choice for you.
Compare the running costs of petrol, diesel and electric cars to make the right choice for you.
Similar questions
I bought a brand new diesel Volkswagen Golf in January. There was a series of minor problems at first; tyres at the wrong pressure, pulling left, a burning smell next to the front passenger wheel arch,...
My 2011 Hyundai i20 CRDi 90PS diesel has developed sluggish starting and oil splashed 3/4 way up the dipstick (checked after overnight standing). Coolant level remains normal. The engine has often cut...
I recently bought a 2007 Audi A6 Avant 2.0 TDI. It had previously been sitting idle for a month or two, but drove fine on the trip home. However, after a few days it struggled to start, before braking...
Related models
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Vastly improved handling compared to the previous model, impeccable interior, as superb off road as always.
Elsewhere on 
.jpg)
