Did My DPF Regenerate?

[mrbiscuit]

Hi All.

I recently bought a 2010 V50 1.6D that has been slightly troublesome.
Initially I took it to the garage because the engine was cutting out as I drove it. Just stopping completely. The engine was in limp mode when I took it in.

They diagnosed an issue with the DPF, but could not solve the problem because No.2 plug had snapped off in the head, and No.1 plug was inoperable.
Excuse my naivety, as this is my first diesel car. They told me that they had regenerated the DPF but could not guarantee how long the car would run because the engine would not be able to perform a regen of it's own accord.

They informed me that getting the plugs out would mean a cylinder head removal and a costly bill.

I had the diagnosis confirmed by a second mechanic whom I trust. He measured the pressure on the engine side of the DPF at 30 mbar at idle. Recommended pressure is <10mbar. He advised that the car would need a forced regen if the plugs were finally fixed.

So, I found a mobile technician who came today and drilled out the plugs and replaced them. He also cleared the fault codes. 50 minutes work, and less than half the price the garage quoted me...

After letting the car idle, I noticed a sharp hot smell from the exhaust, which a bit of searcing suggested the engine may be trying to regenerate the DPF.

I couldn't help myself, and took the car out for a good run. I spent 30 constant minutes at 70mph.

Afterwards I noticed the car was significantly more sprightly than it had ever been. Very responsive and quick on the uptake. Actually quite fun. And no engine light...

My question is this - does anyone think the DPF has regenerated now that it can actually do so with the working plugs, or, am I doing more harm than good and should it go in for a DPF clean and forced regen at the garage?

Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

All the best,
Richard.

[XC90Mk1]

Originally Posted by mrbiscuit

Hi All.

I recently bought a 2010 V50 1.6D that has been slightly troublesome.
Initially I took it to the garage because the engine was cutting out as I drove it. Just stopping completely. The engine was in limp mode when I took it in.

They diagnosed an issue with the DPF, but could not solve the problem because No.2 plug had snapped off in the head, and No.1 plug was inoperable.
Excuse my naivety, as this is my first diesel car. They told me that they had regenerated the DPF but could not guarantee how long the car would run because the engine would not be able to perform a regen of it's own accord.

They informed me that getting the plugs out would mean a cylinder head removal and a costly bill.

I had the diagnosis confirmed by a second mechanic whom I trust. He measured the pressure on the engine side of the DPF at 30 mbar at idle. Recommended pressure is <10mbar. He advised that the car would need a forced regen if the plugs were finally fixed.

So, I found a mobile technician who came today and drilled out the plugs and replaced them. He also cleared the fault codes. 50 minutes work, and less than half the price the garage quoted me...

After letting the car idle, I noticed a sharp hot smell from the exhaust, which a bit of searcing suggested the engine may be trying to regenerate the DPF.

I couldn't help myself, and took the car out for a good run. I spent 30 constant minutes at 70mph.

Afterwards I noticed the car was significantly more sprightly than it had ever been. Very responsive and quick on the uptake. Actually quite fun. And no engine light...

My question is this - does anyone think the DPF has regenerated now that it can actually do so with the working plugs, or, am I doing more harm than good and should it go in for a DPF clean and forced regen at the garage?

Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

All the best,
Richard.

I am not sure I totally understand. But it sounds as though the thread was damaged and someone drilled them out, rethreaded with inserts and it’s now burnt the ash off.

I would say it’s ok now. I would also say 50minutes is a good labour amount, I couldn’t do it that quick despite being used to playing with inserts etc.

[mrbiscuit]

Yes,
he drilled into the part of the plug remaining in the head, then threaded that portion of the plug so that he could screw in a removal tool.
Not sure if I'm explaining myself correctly.

[sakm]

The burning smell would have probably been a bit of oil or grease or something from the work that was carried out and not the dpf

They don't regenerate just at idle you have warm them up properly first but it may well have regenerated on the long drive you did

[Simmy]

take the car for a decent run get the car up to full operating temp. exhaust temp is abt 600 deg when regening. and see how it is . no point in paying for some thing it can do its self

[mrbiscuit]

Thanks for the responses.
I took the car out for another run today. I did about 70 miles
It's perfect. Ran well, and was happy in traffic when I was on my way back.
I think it's done the regeneration.

[mrbiscuit]

oh, one thing.
when I put the key in the ignition and turned it one click, all the dash lights came on, as normal.
They all went out after a second or so, but the check engine light stayed on for a few seconds longer before going out.
Should I be concerned?

[Simmy]

eml lights take longer to go out because it takes information from multiple modules

[XC90Mk1]

Originally Posted by mrbiscuit

oh, one thing.
when I put the key in the ignition and turned it one click, all the dash lights came on, as normal.
They all went out after a second or so, but the check engine light stayed on for a few seconds longer before going out.
Should I be concerned?

No, as long as it goes out all is fine!

[AndrasL]

Originally Posted by mrbiscuit

oh, one thing.
when I put the key in the ignition and turned it one click, all the dash lights came on, as normal.
They all went out after a second or so, but the check engine light stayed on for a few seconds longer before going out.
Should I be concerned?

the engine light should only go out 1-2 seconds after you actually start the engine