What is a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)?

A diesel engine produces diesel particulates, also referred to as soot particles, during normal operation. A DPF is fitted in the exhaust system to filter soot out of the exhaust gases to ensure that the vehicle complies with the relevant EURO emission standards (Australian Design Rule: ADR 79/01-Emission Control for Light Vehicles). Unlike a normal filter, the DPF has been designed to regenerate, or clean itself, to maintain operating efficiency. The process takes place automatically. For more details, please refer to your Owner's Manual under the section "Diesel Particulate Filter".

For the regeneration to occur, certain drive cycle conditions must be maintained. For example, if you drive only short distances, or frequently switch the ignition on and off, or your journey has a high level of acceleration and deceleration, it's likely your vehicle will have trouble completing the required parameters to achieve a DPF regeneration. This can result in a potentially costly DPF blockage and likely failure, which is very expensive.

It is advisable that you carry out occasional trips with higher vehicle speeds (such as on a highway, main road or freeway) for a minimum of 20 minutes and avoid turning off the ignition, but be sure to maintain engine speed at between 1500 RPM and 3000 RPM.

DPF are a filter and do not last forever. There is no prescribed service interval for DPF replacement, and it's likely that if you maintain the conditions to meet regeneration regularly, you will have many years of trouble-free motoring. However, if you drive only short distances, or frequently switch the ignition on and off, or your journey contains a high level of acceleration and deceleration, it's likely that your DPF will require replacement sooner than expected. 

If you think your vehicle's DPF requires regeneration, speak to your local Ford Dealership.