EdupradaThe particle filter limits polluting emissions from your vehicle by retaining particles in the exhaust. These then form soot which can accumulate until it clogs the filter. Symptoms of a clogged DPF include a drop in engine power and the DPF light coming on.
Clogged FAP: what is the role of the particle filter?
The particle filter , also called FAP, is an anti-pollution system which retains polluting particles in the exhaust to limit your car’s emissions. In 2011, it was made mandatory on new diesel engines , but it is also found on certain gasoline vehicles.
The FAP operates in two stages:
- Filtration , during which the filter collects polluting particles before they can pass into the exhaust and be released;
- Regeneration , during which the FAP rises to a temperature above 550°C to trigger the combustion of these particles, which, by dint of accumulating, form a layer of soot capable of clogging the FAP.
However, soot can accumulate and clog the DPF to the point of blocking it. In fact, the combustion temperature of the particles is only reached at a minimum speed of around 3000 rpm . Short and/or urban journeys do not allow this speed to be reached and therefore to trigger the regeneration of the FAP. Therefore, the particle filter is more likely to become clogged. The particle filter offers several important advantages in terms of reducing polluting emissions and protecting the environment:
- Reduction of particle emissions : The main advantage of DPF is its ability to reduce emissions of polluting particles from the exhaust gases of diesel and gasoline vehicles. It captures and retains solid particles, such as soot, ashes and combustion residues, thus preventing their dispersion into the atmosphere;
- Improved air quality : By reducing fine particle emissions, the FAP helps improve the quality of the air we breathe. Fine particles are known to have a detrimental impact on human health, particularly on the respiratory tract and the cardiovascular system. By filtering these particles, the FAP helps reduce the health risks associated with air pollution;
- Compliance with environmental standards : Particulate filters are often made mandatory by environmental regulations and emissions standards. They enable vehicles to comply with air pollution standards, which is essential for reducing the environmental impact of road transport;
- Preservation of the environment : By reducing emissions of polluting particles, the FAP contributes to the preservation of the environment, by limiting air pollution and its harmful effects on ecosystems, biodiversity and natural resources;
- Engine durability : DPF can also play a role in the preservation and durability of engines. By capturing harmful particles, it helps prevent engine fouling and maintain long-term efficiency and performance.
It should be noted that the specific benefits of DPF may vary depending on the vehicle type, fuel used and operating conditions. However, generally speaking, the particulate filter plays an important role in reducing air pollution and protecting human health and the environment.
What are the symptoms of a clogged DPF?
You will recognize a clogged DPF by the following symptoms:
- A loss of engine power : the accumulation of soot in the DPF causes a restriction of exhaust flow, which reduces engine performance. You may experience a decrease in power when accelerating and less efficient engine response;
- Engine stalls , especially when starting : a clogged DPF can cause engine stalls, especially when starting. This is due to poor circulation of exhaust gases through the DPF, thus disrupting the operation of the engine;
- The DPF light or engine light comes on : when the DPF is clogged, it can trigger the DPF light or engine light on the dashboard to come on. This indicates a malfunction of the particle filtration system;
- Excess fuel consumption : obstruction of the DPF can lead to increased fuel consumption. The engine must work harder to compensate for the restriction in exhaust flow, which results in increased consumption;
- The engine goes into degraded mode and operates at idle : in certain cases, when the DPF is heavily clogged, the engine can go into degraded mode. This limits the vehicle’s power and performance to protect the engine and exhaust system .
If your DPF is clogged, your engine will have difficulty operating normally. When starting and accelerating, you will feel a lack of power. You will feel like the engine is choking and it may even stall.
As a direct consequence of this drop in power, since you will have to use the engine more, you will also increase your fuel consumption. Finally, the FAP or engine light will come on to indicate a FAP malfunction.
How to prevent clogging of your DPF?
Even if you mainly only drive in town or on short journeys, it is possible to prevent your DPF from clogging. This mainly involves driving preventively in order to trigger the periodic regeneration of the particle filter .
To do this, go to the highway from time to time and drive at an engine speed of at least 3000 rpm . This will allow the temperature necessary for the combustion of the particles retained by the FAP to be reached. There are also additives which allow you to clean the FAP. To use a FAP additive, simply pour the contents of the bottle into the fuel tank of your vehicle.
DPF clogged: what to do?
If your car shows the symptoms of a clogged DPF, do not continue to drive like this. You risk damaging the particle filter itself, but also your engine. The DPF must be cleaned urgently , otherwise you will have to change it.