[davey o]

Hi all

I haven't been able to find much out about problems people may having with regenerating DPF's.

My Insignia 2.0 CDTI(160) had to go into the dealers yesterday due to it having a code 55 error showing on the dash which means "service diesel particle filter". Vauxhall initially wouldn't cover the work under warranty, but after persuasion from the dealer finally got them to agree to cover the work under warranty due to recall work also being carried out on the same day but that any future DPF problems would not be covered.

The problem I seem to have is that I am not driving the car hard enough or doing the necessary mileage to enable the car to automatically clean the DPF. Since buying the car new in September I have only done 1600 miles and the dealer told me that the 9.5 mile journey from home to work is just not enough to clean the DPF. I don't get any warning lights on the dash to tell me the DPF needs cleaning or that it is in the process of cleaning.

What are your experiences of the DPF.:confused:

[Rockh]

Not noticed it going through it's clean cycle tbh. On the vec I'm sure you got a warning light to say it was cleaning from memory it was about every 1000 miles.

They do need a good run every now and again to allow it to clean it's self.

[mitch1408]

Surely if your only doing a 9 mile trip a day a 1 litre corsa would be better for your wallet and the environment?

But from memory you do get a warning on the dash and you need to keep the revs above 2000 for about 20 mins, difficult considering at 80 in 6th it's still below 2000 rpm. I've done about 4000 miles now and havnt seen the warning or noticed the dpf doing anything.

[Jonnybear]

I hate these filters, can do alot of damage, an they are costly to replace...

the dpf will only regen at certain speeds and with the engine at certain temperature.

after regen keep car away from grass or things with low flash points

you should get a light on dash, might look like an exhaust with dots in it,if ignored this may turn red, and finally bring up glow plug error and engine management and put engine into limp home mode. . . short journeys dpfs suffer

nice long motorway drives high revs

....

dpf injects diesel and burn away soot build up so when it happens youll get a puff of smoke,


dont worry if you think you dont do enough mileage it is possible to do forced regen

where i work (vw) its 50 mph for 20 ish mins

hth

[davey o]

I agree, a smaller car would be better, but I bought this car to tow the caravan. Previously I had a vectra SRi 150 diesel which was my first diesel and thought was great and had no problems with it during the 3 years I had it (Apparently this doesn't have a DPF so the dealer says). I never realised that buying the Insignia would mean driving at high revs for a long period to clean the DPF.

I'll have to keep a look out for the warning lights in future so I don't clog the DPF up again.

Cheers

[lufc]

I have had the DPF warning twice now and only 4300 miles. I travel short distance to work and back. A quick run up the motorway when the error code shows has cleared it on both occassions.

Thing is that NO-ONE mentioned the DPF when buying the car and the fact that low mileage could kill it.

[davey o]

Hi LUFC

Is it after you have had the error code 55 showing that you have been a drive up the motorway? Do you ever get any other warning lights come because according to the user manual the preheating dash light should flash.

Cheers

[lufc]

I have never seen any other warning in relation to this apart from the error code 55. After 1st service on Wednesday I asked the service desk and they were a useful as a chocolate teapot, just making things up as they spoke. Mechanic said that a recent recall meant that it happened at slower speeds and shorter runs, I doubt it though.

"just keep on eye on it", was their advice. "great thanks for that" was my reply.

[simonrh]

DPF on my previous Seat Leon started acting up over a 3 month period and i kept taking it back to be regnerated.

I kept telling the dealer something was wrong with the engine as i had done 50k and only seen the DPF light once.

Dealer kept saying I wasn't driving it precisely right to clear the fault (despite doing 70-75 miles a day, everyday up the A1).

The the engine destroyed itself! New engine and the DPF was fine!!

Talking to VAG dealers afterwards and it seems they are pretty good at trying to identify people who are going to do short trips and trying to make sure people know they will get DPF problems if they do.

[mitch1408]

Had a letter from Vauxhall today saying my car needed its DPF software changing otherwise it could "cause a thermal overload and lead to complete destruction of the DPF". Tried booking it in but they cant get me in until early march, he said there was no rush and it should be fine....... Fingers crossed!

[cerbera147]

I got a recall letter on this, minus the smilies ;).

It has been established that a number of Insignia Models with the 2.0 CDTi engine could be affected by engine hesitation or noise from the exhaust system. In the worst case a thermal overload and subsequent destruction of the the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is possible. :eek:

Your vehicle falls within the chassis range of affected modules and therefore requires programming of the Engine Control Module with modified software by a Vauxhall Authorised Repairer. The work will of course be free of charge. :rolleyes:I haven't noticed any problems :confused: Is this the same thing as others have had?

I got mine in October 2009. I do a fair amount of motorway driving with the usual urban driving.

[mitch1408]

I got exactly the same letter mate, and also got my car in Oct. Most of my driving is motorway and never noticed the DPF doing a regeneration or had any warnings to that effect. Think its just precautionary for those who only drive short distances and are causing damage.

[cerbera147]

I see. Need get it on nice long drive to have the full Insignia experience :D

[Geordieinexile]

When driving the car normally on longer journeys you will not notice the DPF regenerating. If you only do short journeys though, you need to do a drive on a motorway or dual carriage way for about 15-20 miles at least once a week, in order to keep the DPF in good working order. A lot of dealers are now (finally) giving this information to customers who buy a car with a DPf fitted.

[chris66]

Then they tell us to drive 5 miles less a week??
:confused::confused:

Conspiracy theory..... Vauxhall out to sell dodgy filters to make their millions back

[Rockh]

Got my letter from fleet today and the dealer did the update this afternoon.

[mitch1408]

Mine is in all week for this and 9other problems. The dealer rang late this afternoon and said mr mitchell, we have your car here. I know, i dropped it off. We have a list of faults to fix aswel. I know, i wrote the list. Ok then ill ring you tomorrow and let you know what we find. . . . . . That was it! Pointless phone call! Hopefully they will tell me they are all sorted tomorrow!

[thermalactivity]

Received my letter for the DPF recall last week and phoned up today to book it in. Whilst on the phone to the dealers they said I have another recall letter coming my way to replace the EGR Valve so its booked in for this Wednesday to do both.
Has anyone who has had this done noticed a power increase and/or improved mpg as ive heard a few rumours that they may have put the incorrect map on the ECU from the factory? :confused: may all be codswallop though :eek:

[Phil Williamson]

my 160 CDTi insignia gave trouble and the warning lights would not go away despite a 100 mile bash down the A2 in low gears to keep the revs over 2000 as the hand book suggests.

Next came a racing engine 5000rpm and clouds of smoke.

The sensor in the manifold was replaced by my dealer and so far so good and a much more flexible engine the result.

I suspect it never was right!

all the best with it

phil