Diesel Particulate Filter

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WHAT IS A DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER?

A Diesel Particulate Filter (FAP) is part of the vehicle’s exhaust system. It traps “soot” particles created during the normal operation of the diesel engine. These are the particles which used to be visible from the exhaust pipes of older diesel vehicles as “black smoke”.

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WHAT IS A DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER?

WHY IS A DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER FITTED?

In order to meet European emission legislation, it is necessary for all vehicle manufacturers to fit a filter that cleans up the exhaust gasses leaving the engine.

HOW DOES A DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER OPERATE?

The filter is made up of a ceramic core which the exhaust gasses are forced through by the temperature and pressure created as they leave the engine. The “soot” particles are trapped in the filter until a predetermined level is reached. At this point the filter will clean itself by a process called regeneration, which increases the temperature inside the filter and incinerates any trapped soot particles inside the filter.

DOES HOW I DRIVE AFFECT THE PROCESS?

In order to complete the regeneration process the temperature of the Diesel Particulate Filter needs to be increased and maintained. When driving on A-roads and dual carriageways, the temperature and pressure of the exhaust gases is sufficient to complete the process without any assistance. If, however, the vehicle is operated in an urban environment, with frequent stopping and starting of the engine and long periods at idle, the temperature and pressure of the exhaust gases is considerably reduced. In this situation, the filter might not regenerate without assistance from the driver. If this situation occurs the driver is informed by the illumination of a warning lamp and a message in the vehicle’s information screen.

ALL MODELS (except Boxer & Bipper LCV’s)

When the warning lamp show above is illuminated, it is important that the actions below (as detailed in the vehicle’s handbook) are carried out as soon as possible.

As soon as the traffic conditions permit, assist the regeneration of the filter by driving at a speed of at least 40 mph until the warning lamp goes off. If this action is not carried out, the Diesel Particulate Filter will start to block up and a point will be reached when the engine management warning lamp will also be illuminated and the vehicle could go into the “limp home mode.” This could result in the need to replace the filter.

FOR BOXER & BIPPER LCV’s

When the warning lamp shown above is illuminated and a message is also displayed, it is important that the actions below (as instructed in the vehicle’s handbook) are carried out as soon as possible. This will assist the filter to complete the regenerate process.

To regenerate the filter, the vehicle should be driven as soon as possible, at a speed of at least 40 mph and an engine speed of over 2,000 rpm for about fifteen minutes (until the warning lamp and/or message disappear). If, possible avoid switching off the engine before the light and message have disappeared.

If this action is not carried out, the Diesel Particulate Filter will start to block up and this could result in the need to replace the filter.

What happens if two warning lights are illuminated?

If both warning lights shown above appear, the regeneration of the Diesel Particulate Filter cannot occur and the vehicle will need to be taken to the nearest PEUGEOT Authorised Repairer.

If the filter is blocked to a point that the PEUGEOT Authorised Repairer cannot regenerate the filter it will need to be replaced.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?

Driving style is the major factor affecting the correct operation of the Diesel Particulate Filter:

Make sure routes and driving conditions are suitable for the regeneration of the filter
Avoid, where possible, short stop and start journeys, low speeds and long traffic jams
If these journeys cannot be avoided, try to find a different route home or to work using faster A-roads and dual carriageways

If the Diesel Particulate Filter needs to be replaced or a PEUGEOT Authorised Repairer has to regenerate the filter, the costs associated with these actions are not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

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