DPF problem

joolsveer

I have a 2009 Subaru Impreza diesel. It has about 60,000 km on the clock.

Yesterday the dpf warning light started to flash. This has never happened before as it would come on and stay on. I would then take the car for a spin on the motorway at 3,000 revs and the light would go out after 10 km.

I drove the car yesterday on the motorway at 3,000 revs (120 km per hour in fourth gear) for 60 km and the light went out. Today it is back again. The fuel consumption is 6.0 litres per 100 km which is very good for motorway driving. The engine sounds fine with no signs of overheating.

Have you any advice as what my options are to clear the filter or remove it?

mikeecho

You need to drive your car more often.

Longer harder drives, more often should sort things out.

Failing that the dpf may need to be washed out.

Darsad

If it is flashing then its a dealer visit im afraid
Flashing indicates that the soot level has gone above what the engine ecm can
regenerate and you will need to have a dealer forced regeneration carried out.
No amount of driving will rectify a flashing DPF light as regen is switched off

Get a Prius !

bazz26

Deleted User wrote: »

Get a Prius !

HAHAH bazz, not likely.

No DPF problems for me, nor DMF. Prius just goes forever.

joolsveer

Thanks for your comments. Has anyone experience of having a dpf removed? Would it cause NCT issues?

listermint

I suppose the more realistic question is.


Why did you buy a diesel ? Do you do large mileage? Do you drive long spins ?


Or did you just fall for the Diesel hype and car tax ?


DPF might be the start of issues if you realistically dont require such a motor for your daily driving needs.

bazz26

joolsveer wrote: »

Thanks for your comments. Has anyone experience of having a dpf removed? Would it cause NCT issues?

The NCT currently don't check test DPFs but that could change in a few years as they are now standard on all new diesel cars since 2011.

joolsveer

I have had the car checked on a diagnostic computer. The problem was the onboard system thought the car was overdue a service. It seems that my car needs to be connected to a Subaru dealer's computer to zero the servicing information when a service is carried out. Do independent garages have the necessary software?

Shadow Dancer

Hi OP.
I too have a 09 diesel Impreza. There are a few reasons why the DPF light would flash. I have posted this link, as these guys have done a lot of research with the diesel Subaru engine.
http://subdiesel.wordpress.com/ecu-analysis/dpf-management/

You as far as I know have a Euro 4 engine. I'm not sure where you get the car serviced, but when servicing this engine, the Oil Dilution Ratio needs to be reset. If not done, over time the car may eventually go into limp mode. Before that, a flashing DPF light is one symptom. Unfortunately, it looks like only main dealers have the software for the reset. I could be wrong.

I service my car with my own independent mechanic. I resent the fact that only Subaru can reset this. So, what I do is every maybe 3 services I get the oil dilution ratio reset by main dealer and continue to use my own mechanic for all servicing etc.

On the newer Euro 5 engine, the oil dilution ratio can be reset manually by the owner. It means taking a series of steps like turn on lights, turn on demister, etc. etc.

Anyway, I hope you get sorted and all is ok. I only found out all of this when my car was back to Subaru on a different issue under warranty. Anyway, those guys I posted on the link have some great info.

Shadow Dancer

joolsveer wrote: »

I have had the car checked on a diagnostic computer. The problem was the onboard system thought the car was overdue a service. It seems that my car needs to be connected to a Subaru dealer's computer to zero the servicing information when a service is carried out. Do independent garages have the necessary software?

Just saw your post when I had hit the submit button

TGi666

If I were you I'd be looking into getting the thing deleted probably cost a few hundred but at least you'll never have to worry about it again