Mercedes-Benz Sprinter How To Fix DPF Filter Clogged
A Diesel Particulate Filter or DPF for Mercedes Benz Sprinter is a device designed to remove diesel particulate matter or aerosolized diesel exhaust pollutant particles from all Mercedes Benz Sprinter diesel-powered automobiles.
Due to incomplete combustion of the fuel and air mixture, a variety of polluting particles, which are often referred to as diesel particulate matter, are formed.
The particle composition varies significantly depending on the engine type, age, and emissions standard; a diesel-powered Mercedes Benz Sprinter with a completely functional DPF filter will not generate visible black smoke from the exhaust pipe.
However, all filters have a limited capacity, and these filters are no exception. With time, they are likely to get clogged, hence hindering the efficiency of your Mercedes Benz Sprinter van.
DPF filters must be kept clean and free of soot buildup. To accomplish this, the Mercedes Benz Sprinter onboard computer system (ECU) continuously monitors the status of the filter by detecting the exhaust pressure entering and leaving the DPF, and can then calculate the filter's state and when it needs to be auto-regenerated.
Table Of Content
- What are the signs that your DPF is clogged?
- How do I unblock a clogged DPF?
- DPF unclogging and cleaning through regeneration
- DPF unclogging and cleaning using additives
- How to avoid a DPF clogging
- Conclusion
What Are The Signs That Your DPF Is Clogged?
- On your Mercedes Benz Sprinter dashboard, a DPF warning light will illuminate (if accompanied by the engine management light, the situation may have become more serious and may need to be diagnosed using a diagnostic scanner).
- Your engine seems to be losing power (limp mode).
- Both passive and active regeneration continue to fail.
- Diesel has a strong odour.
- The Stop-Start system doesn't work
- Your Mercedes Benz Sprinter appears to be emitting excessive amounts of smoke.
- An increase in the amount of oil in the tank.
- You've observed that your gasoline consumption has increased.
How Do I Unblock A Clogged DPF?
There are a few possibilities if a professional diagnosis of the Mercedes Benz Sprinter van fault confirms that the DPF is clogged:
- DPF Regeneration
- DPF Clean
It's important to note that there's no assurance that these techniques will solve your DPF issues. This is related to the type of driving you to do most of the time.
In the end, if you take short trips before you solve the problem, you'll continue to take short trips after you've solved it. If you choose one of the aforementioned alternatives, the dreaded DPF light may appear again.
DPF Unclogging And Cleaning Through Regeneration
1. Automatic Regeneration
The automated regeneration process in the Mercedes Benz Sprinter van works by the ECU, continuously monitoring the passage of exhaust gasses through the filter and initiating the procedure at a certain point. This entails increasing the amount of fuel fed to the induction system, resulting in a fire in the diesel particulate filter (DPF), which burns off the excess soot and blows the ashes out the exhaust pipe.
Long trips at high speeds result in a greater operating temperature and free-flowing exhaust gases, which are incompatible with automatic regeneration. Furthermore, if you, like many others, only use your Mercedes Benz Sprinter for short local distances, the DPF filter is unlikely to regenerate automatically.
This is usually when the DPF light on the dashboard illuminates, however it's worth trying the manual regeneration technique first before spending any money.
2. Manual Regeneration
First, look in the Mercedes Benz Sprinter owner's manual for any instructions on how to regenerate the DPF. If the manual is missing information or you don't have access to one, you can use these seven simple procedures to fix your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van.
- Make sure you have enough fuel. Mercedes Benz Sprinter normally needs at least 25 gallons to start the regeneration process.
- Check for any engine warning lights other than the DPF warning light.
- Warm up the engine to working temperature, then drive it for 15-20 minutes at continuous speed in a lower gear on the highway; the RPM should be around halfway, which for most engines is around 1500-2000 rpm at 40mph.
- For 10 minutes, use a slower speed and lower RPM, then repeat at roughly 2/3 of your RPM range for another 15-20 minutes.
- During this time, try to keep the revs over 1500rpm. The heat generated will aid in the cleaning of the DPF filter, and the Mercedes Benz Sprinter regeneration cycle will normally kick in.
- For best results, keep this cycle going for 45 minutes to an hour and a half. It can be spread out over several drives, but you must make sure the engine is hot by doing at least two sets of 15-minute hot drives each time.
- It's a good idea to incorporate this process into your weekly trip before the DPF warning light illuminates.
If you follow these simple instructions, your Mercedes Benz Sprinter should automatically regenerate the DPF filter, saving you money.
If the DPF indicator remains lighted after manual regeneration, the filter will need to be cleaned by a professional.
If your Mercedes Benz Sprinter is in 'limp' mode, the DPF filter will not be regenerated automatically and will need to be professionally cleaned.
DPF Unclogging And Cleaning Using Additives
STEP 1: To assist clear the ash and soot, purchase a DPF cleaning agent
The purpose of this bottle of fluid is to break down the ash and soot that has clogged the filter. To get a cleaning additive, go to your local auto parts store or go online. These items typically range in price from $13 to $26.
STEP 2: Directly into the fuel tank, pour the cleaning additive
Read the cleaning additive's label on the bottle carefully and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Turn off your Mercedes Benz Sprinter, open the gasoline tank, and insert the cleaning additive nozzle. Replace the gasoline cap and door after adding the proper amount of product to the tank.
STEP 3: To start the additive, drive your Mercedes Benz Sprinter for 15 to 30 minutes
Start driving your Mercedes Benz Sprinter like you usually would. Regardless of engine or vehicle speed, the cleaning chemical begins to act. The symbol should disappear after your drive if the DPF warning light was on before you used the additive.
Important points to note when using unclogging additives:
- Fuel-borne catalysts are present in DPF cleaning additives. To get rid of the soot and ash, these go through a combustion process.
- To keep the DPF clean, use the cleaning ingredient every 3 to 6 months. To find out how often you should use an additive for the Mercedes Benz Sprinter, consult the owner's manual.
- If the warning light does not go away, take the car to a repair to have the DPF professionally cleaned.
How To Avoid A DPF Clogging
- Make sure to use high-quality fuel. The additives in high cetane fuel from major brands help burn up the particulates.
- The problem is generally exacerbated by low-cost fuel. It's best to use high-quality fuels because they burn cleanly and leave fewer deposits in your engine.
- Avoid short excursions where the engine does not have time to warm up entirely and travels where the car cannot maintain 2000rpm for more than 5 minutes.
- To keep your engine clean and efficient, use a high-quality fuel additive recommended for Mercedes Benz Sprinter
Conclusion
If your Mercedes Benz Sprinter DPF continues to become blocked, it could be due to your driving style or the engine running too richly; either situation should be studied further to prevent a clogged DPF from occurring again.
The biggest cause of DPF clogging is driving a diesel-powered Mercedes Benz Sprinter vehicle around town and for mostly short travels without regular motorway traffic. Throughout your short-distance driving, the DPF accumulates carbon deposits, and because you don't drive on the highway, the DPF doesn't have a chance to regenerate.
Unfortunately, a regeneration cycle can only take place if the DPF and exhaust system are kept warm enough to vaporize the solids when Mercedes Benz Sprinter has sat over 2500RPM for 10 minutes or more. This commonly happens while travelling on the highway or a long road.
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