Environmental standards (Euro 3 and higher) require exhaust filtration from diesel vehicles. To meet these standards, car manufacturers use a special device called a particulate filter. In this article we will talk about what a particulate filter is, how it works and how it works.

What does a diesel particulate filter look like?

During operation of a diesel engine, the corresponding fuel is not completely burned, forming solid particles in the size range between 10 nm and 1 μm. Particulate soot particles are classified as hazard class 3 pollutants.

Upon contact with the human body, they provoke an exacerbation of respiratory diseases and skin cancer, and in the environment they violate climatic conditions. So, rains on weekends in large cities occur, in particular, due to the fact that water droplets in the atmosphere are formed around soot particles.

The presence of a particulate filter reduces particulate matter in the exhaust by 80-90%. However, this result has to be paid for by the technological complexity and high cost of the system. Let's take a closer look at its design and operating principle.

How the particulate filter works

There are several types of filter systems:

• DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
• FAP (Filter a Particules)
• RPF (RussPartikelFilter)

They have some differences in how they work. For example, FAP and RPF systems require the use of special fuel additives that bind the particulate matter. This circumstance is associated with a more complex design (the presence of a reservoir for the additive) and, accordingly, an increased cost of operation due to the need to replenish the additive. DPF filters do not require additives.

The average DPF design includes:

• ECU (electronic control unit).
• Pressure and temperature sensors connected to it at the inlet and outlet of the filter.
• Catalyst block.
• The cermet filter itself.

Models designed for the use of fuel additives are also equipped with a reservoir for storing the used fluid and injectors for injecting it into the fuel tank or into the space between the catalyst and filter.

The catalyst and filter are usually equipped with communicating housings. Some models use a dedicated catalytic coated particulate filter, eliminating the need for a separate catalytic converter unit.

How the particulate filter works

Exhaust gases from the engine enter the exhaust system, pass through the honeycomb catalytic converter and enter the particulate filter. The metal case of this structural element contains a ceramic filtering structure with many blind channels, crypts.

Soot particles settle on their walls, and the remaining components in a gaseous state continue their way through the exhaust system, passing through the filter material by diffusion. This is the main mode of operation - filtration.

Particulate filter regeneration

During operation, the crypts of the filter are quickly clogged with soot. It would be impractical to change it every 600 - 2000 km, therefore the filters are provided with regeneration cycles.

The ECU reads the differential pressure and / or temperature readings at the inlet and outlet of the exhaust system assembly. When the difference in readings reaches a certain level, the system “understands” that the filter is clogged and activates the regeneration process. The regeneration process is possible only under certain conditions: the required engine temperature (at least 80 0 С), speed (at least 80 km / h), time (from 2 to 15 minutes). If such conditions do not arise, the process of so-called spontaneous regeneration is impossible. That is why car filters, which move mainly within the city, get clogged faster.

Filter regeneration involves burning off the accumulated soot. Depending on the model, this is done using an electric heating element or by injecting certain portions of fuel into the exhaust system. During regeneration, the filter heats up to a significant temperature (700 0 С and more), therefore, it is possible only under the conditions indicated above.

There is a forced regeneration procedure, which is performed on special stands in service centers, but due to the significant temperatures, it is dangerous to resort to it and not many SCs are ready to do it. It should be noted that filter flushing is not an alternative to regeneration. If the regular spontaneous regeneration is no longer able to get rid of the settled soot, then it is time to change or remove the filter.

In European countries, they are considered one of the most popular. But in diesel ICEs, as in gasoline engines, the fuel does not burn out completely. As a result, various poisonous gases are formed in the exhaust gases and in addition, they also contain soot, because hydrocarbons do not burn completely. In Europe in the 2000s, environmentalists developed a standard for the level of harmful emissions into the environment. Car manufacturers, in order for their products to comply with these standards, began to install a diesel particulate filter. What it is and how it works, you need to know those who drive diesel engines. Today we will try to answer all these questions.

Main functions

In order to better understand the purpose of these devices, it is necessary to touch on the topic of exhaust gases. Automotive exhaust contains a lot of highly toxic and carcinogenic substances.

So, carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, aldehydes, sulfur oxides, tetraethyl lead have a very harmful effect on the environment. In addition, the composition of the exhaust gases of a diesel vehicle, in particular, heavy-duty trucks, contains a large amount of soot.

In order to reduce the concentration of this component, a diesel particulate filter has been introduced into the design of a modern car. What is this detail? It is something like a catalyst in a gasoline engine.

What the element looks like

So, this device is designed to neutralize soot - a product formed during the combustion of diesel fuel. There are two types - closed (DPF) and closed with the possibility of regeneration (FAP).

For all its simplicity, in fact, these auto parts for foreign cars have a rather complex structure. Regardless of the version, the filter is a metal cylinder. There are nozzles on it - inlet and outlet. The outlet is connected to the exhaust gas cleaning system.

The main filter element is a special matrix made of silicon carbide.

It is enclosed in a metal cylinder. The structure of this matrix is \u200b\u200bcellular. As for the section of the cells, this section is often square. But cells with an octagonal shape are more effective.

In addition, the diesel filter has several sensors in its design. It is a differential pressure sensor and an input and output temperature sensor.

Principle of operation

The size of one carbon black particle is approximately 0.05 μm. In terms of chemical composition, this product is nothing more than ordinary carbon. It is very difficult to retain these particles by conventional means due to the size of the element. To trap soot, the principle of diffusion must be used. To understand what a typical diesel particulate filter is, what kind of device it is, you need to look inside it.

So, the filter inside is a ceramic matrix. This is a whole series of tubes, while the adjacent ends are closed. The exhaust gases come inside this matrix from the side of the motor, however, when the gases enter the tubes, they simply cannot move further. Then, through the walls of the tubes, they enter the adjacent open cavities and then can leave the matrix. During the diffusion process, even the smallest particles remain inside the filter, which means that it fulfills its task.

Where is the particulate filter

Finding this detail is not difficult. The filter is often installed in the exhaust system of a vehicle.

Due to the design, the part can be found between the muffler and the catalyst. In some cases, the device can be combined with a catalyst and located directly behind the exhaust manifold. There is the maximum temperature of gases, and such a filter has a catalytic coating.

Operation methods

To use it effectively on a diesel engine, the price of which is quite high (about 900 euros), it is necessary to operate the car correctly. The thing is that in the process of cleaning exhaust gases, cells and tubes are clogged with soot. This leads to a decrease in the efficiency of the diesel engine.

The throughput of the filter decreases and the resistance to the outlet of exhaust gases increases. Many manufacturers, in order to increase the service life of this stock without the need for frequent replacement, have applied a special filter algorithm when the fill level is controlled. If the filter is full so that engine power is lost, filter regeneration starts.

Reasons for reduced efficiency

There are several reasons why filters are clogged. The main reason is quality When refueling a car with low-quality fuel, a large amount of soot is formed - the filter quickly clogs, which reduces its service life.

Another reason is insufficient temperature. So, the soot does not burn completely.

It's all about what a diesel particulate filter is. What is it? It not only traps particles, but also maintains the temperature to burn them. However, it should be said that this happens when the heating of the exhaust gases is high and is not less than 600 degrees Celsius. At lower rates, the soot will not burn.

Among the reasons for the decrease in the temperature of gases, several are also distinguished. These are driving modes, traffic jams, disruption of the fuel combustion process. Thus, the temperature in the system will not rise if the speed of movement is low, and the movement is accompanied by frequent stops.

Condition monitoring

In order to be able to monitor the condition of the diesel engine path, it is equipped with instrumentation. It includes temperature and pressure sensors. These elements generate signals for the electronic control unit, and it determines whether the filter is full or not yet. When the element is very full, the cleaning process begins.

How to clean

In order to restore engine efficiency with a full DPF, it is enough to use a few simple methods that will help to start self-cleaning. Regeneration can be either passive or active.

In any case, the process takes place through the combustion of soot and the release of tubes and channels.

For the regeneration process, an increase in the level of heating of exhaust gases, additives or washing of the particulate filter can be used. The additives will help reduce the temperature at which the soot will burn. And rinsing with special substances will help clean the filter.

Passive regeneration method

Such cleaning can be carried out directly by a motorist. The corresponding indicator will indicate the need for regeneration. It is also necessary to start this process if the dynamics or engine power decreases.

The most important thing is to ensure the temperature rise for the exhaust gases. This is done by driving the vehicle at full load. It is enough to drive 30-40 km for the filter to be completely cleaned and all the soot burned out. The second option is the use of special fuel additives.

Active regeneration

This mode can be started automatically by the ECU controller. For this, the electronics analyzes the information from the temperature sensor and the pressure sensor. It informs the electronic control unit that the filter is clogged, and the sensor reports the temperature. If it is not enough for the soot to completely burn out, then the ECU can additionally inject fuel in the process of exhausting exhaust gases. This will burn the soot in the exhaust. It also allows you to raise the temperature to the desired level.

If there is other equipment in the exhaust tract that also increases heat, then the ECU can use them too.

Flushing

This procedure requires special fluids.

The procedure itself as a whole depends only on the type of product.

So, the filter is removed and its openings are closed. Then the cleaning liquid is poured inside so as to fill the entire volume of the filter. Next, the product must be left alone for ten hours, while shaking the filter from time to time. After that, the part is washed with warm water and installed back on the car. There are several types of fluids, each with its own flushing method. This should be remembered before performing these procedures.

Flushing and cleaning will help prolong the life of the element, because replacing the particulate filter is a very expensive pleasure.

But sooner or later, the time will come. It is recommended to change filters after 180 thousand kilometers.

The wear of this structure is influenced primarily by driving conditions, fuel quality, and driving style. If the machine is experiencing significant loads, then the replacement of this element may be required earlier.

So, we found out what this part is for in the car. The particulate filter, like other auto parts for foreign cars, is an important part of a modern car. This element improves the ecological situation in the world, and this is the health of people. High-quality ecology - healthy society and happy children.

Almost all over the world there is an active struggle to reduce emissions of harmful substances into the environment. In order to reduce the negative impact of car exhaust on the environment, in 2000, the introduction of a new component into the exhaust system of passenger diesel cars began - the installation of a particulate filter (SF). Thus, the Euro-4 environmental standard appeared. In January 2011, with the introduction of the Euro 5 standard, the use of a particulate filter on diesel passenger cars became mandatory. Now, many car owners are thinking about how to remove the particulate filter and whether it is worth doing it. To make the right decision, you should thoroughly understand the topic.

General information, design features, types of devices

During the operation of a diesel internal combustion engine, diesel fuel always does not completely burn out, as a result of which nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides, and also soot directly are formed, the particles of which have a size from 10 nm to 1 micron. Each particle contains a carbon core with which hydrocarbons, metal oxides, sulfur and water are combined. As the name implies, the task of the particulate filter is to reduce the emission of soot particles into the atmosphere along with the exhaust gases.

Structurally, the device is a metal flask, inside which there are small cells, similar to a multilevel grid. Due to the porous structure of the walls, harmful substances are retained and deposited on them. Also, the device is equipped with sensors that monitor temperature, differential pressure and the amount of oxygen. The filter is located behind the exhaust manifold, not far from the exhaust pipe of the muffler. The use of SF is very effective, since it allows to achieve almost complete purification of exhaust gases - about 90 - 99% of particles are retained.

Particle filters in modern diesel engines can be divided into three main groups:

• PM (Particulare Matrix) - open type filters;
• DPF (Diesel Particulare Filter) - closed type filters;
• FAP (Filtre a Particules) - closed-type filters with active regeneration function.

It should be noted that PM, in fact, are not even filters, but traps of soot particles, and are installed optionally. Due to imperfections and the presence of various side effects, currently open-type filters are practically not used and therefore do not require detailed consideration.

Filters of the DPF type have a catalytic coating and are installed on cars manufactured by Volkswagen concern, as well as some other manufacturers. Such devices cannot be cleaned and must be replaced if clogged. The only way to restore and clean the filter is passive regeneration, which occurs when the engine is running at full load. This is due to the fact that when the exhaust gases reach a temperature of 400-600 degrees, the accumulated soot burns out.

FAP filters are the development of the French concern PSA (Peuqeot-Citroen), and are also used in cars of Ford, Toyota, etc. The accumulated soot is removed from the device in a similar way to the DPF, however, the regeneration process is forced. The system uses a special additive containing cerium and stored in a separate tank. During combustion, cerium releases a huge amount of heat - the temperature can reach 700-1000 degrees, which is not enough to destroy the device itself, but more than enough to eliminate soot. When the FAP filter is filled, the control system sends a command to inject the additive into the fuel, due to which the particulate filter is actively regenerated.

What determines the service life of the filter?

According to manufacturers, the service life of particulate filters is 100-150 thousand kilometers. However, it is important to take into account that, as is often the case, the data are given with the expectation of using the car in literally ideal conditions. As practice shows, in domestic realities, device cells are clogged much earlier. Hence, questions arise about how to properly turn off the particulate filter.

The quality of diesel fuel and the quality of engine oil have the greatest impact on the life expectancy of the unit. The fact is that oil always penetrates into the cylinders, even in an unworn engine, and it contains all kinds of additives. And if this problem can be solved by using exclusively suitable lubricants with the designation "DPF" or "FAP", then there are practically no effective ways to change the composition of diesel fuel. All diesel fuel poured at Russian filling stations is characterized by a high sulfur content. It is for this reason that the performance of the filter decreases extremely rapidly.

Signs of a clogged filter

Typical symptoms of a particulate filter failure include:

• A tangible increase in fuel consumption;
• Raising the engine oil level;
• Significant decrease in acceleration dynamics, lack of traction;
• Unstable engine idling;
• The occurrence of unnatural sounds and hiss during the operation of the internal combustion engine;
• Periodic excessive acridity and smoke of exhaust gases;
• Turn on the warning light on the dashboard.

It should be understood that all of the above factors may be present separately and irregularly, up to the absence of any of them.

Self-cutting of the particulate filter

The particulate filter is undoubtedly a good thing for the environment, but the inconveniences arising from clogging up often push car owners to eliminate the device. One very dubious, but common way to try to solve the problem is to cut out the particulate filter with your own hands or with the involvement of "experts" from a nearby garage.

It should be noted right away that for both FAP and DPF systems, the shutdown process includes two stages. First of all, the filter is removed programmatically, that is, changes are made to the car system, and then it is physically cut out.

Of course, mechanically removing the soot cleaner is quite simple, and this procedure does not take much time. At the same time, in artisanal conditions, a piece of pipe will most likely be simply soldered in place of the filter. In this case, you can forget about temperature and differential pressure sensors - they will either be broken, or they will not be able to connect them back. But this is far from the worst thing. Physical removal is still only a minor part of the operation, since it makes no sense without disconnecting the device from the computer. But with the introduction of changes in the software component, the situation is much more complicated.

There is a colossal risk that private auto mechanics who take a modest fee to reflash an on-board computer will do the owner of the car a disservice. For each car model with SF, manufacturers have developed the corresponding software. Incorrect interference in a complex system and the use of cheap software downloaded from the Internet on the principle of "similar approximately" or "like it" is a guarantee of a disastrous result and huge financial costs for correcting the error. The result of such manipulations is:

• Inability to monitor the performance of sensors;
• Incorrect engine operation;
• Removing the error card, as a result of which the machine loses the ability to detect errors even when connecting a dealer scanner. In fact, this means the impossibility of repairing the car in the future.
• Activation of the emergency mode "Check Engine" with limitation of vehicle power.

It follows from this that disabling the particulate filter with your own hands, unprofessional and hardly of high quality due to the lack of serious knowledge in programming, is the right step towards problems and constant headaches. To then return "as it was", it will take incredible efforts, a lot of time and a solid investment.

Replacing the particulate filter

Before damping the particulate filter, you must definitely take into account that the most correct way to solve the problem is to simply replace the device. Installing a new original product with an international quality certificate is an ideal way to deal with SF malfunction. The key drawback in this case is only the high cost of the spare part. Depending on the make and model of the car, the price of a part can fluctuate between 1000-3000 dollars. Such repair turns out to be, if not overwhelming, then at least undesirable for the majority of domestic drivers. The situation is also darkened by the fact that replacement of the filter will not affect the quality of the filled diesel fuel. Therefore, it will be possible to forget about the difficulties only for the next 100-150 thousand kilometers.

The optimal compromise

The diesel particulate filter problem is now widespread. This led to the development of a truly effective solution, implying the physical removal of the device, the EGR valve plug and a delicate software flashing.

How to properly remove a particulate filter, only narrow-profile specialists know, since working with an electronic control unit requires conscious actions, the presence of certain experience and skills, as well as certified software. The whole operation consists of:

1. Computer diagnostics (error reading). First of all, the true cause of the malfunction, the disappearance of traction, the increase in smoke, etc. is determined. If the problem lies in the SF, the procedure continues.
2. Reprogramming the ECU. The file is read from the car's ECU (via the OBD connector or by soldering the chip), the necessary files are changed in it, the data is corrected, after which the resulting software is installed on the car.
3. Mechanical cut filter, EGR valve plug. Depending on the specifics of the car, this stage can take from 1 to 6 hours. Then all sensors are connected back.
4. Erasing errors and control computer diagnostics.

When the filter is turned off by professionals, the control unit is flashed in such a way that the device itself and the USR are completely removed from the software algorithm of the car. In parallel with this, the standard injection map is being edited, which allows you to remove the fuel post-injection and the regeneration function, and readjust the sensors.

Advantages and disadvantages of removal

Like any compromise solution, removing soot with flashing has its strengths and weaknesses. The most significant disadvantages of removing a particulate filter are:

• Problems with the operation of the vehicle in countries with mandatory compliance with environmental standards. If, upon entering Europe, border or patrol services want to check the condition of the internal combustion engine for compliance with the Euro-5 class, then the absence of a filter will immediately be detected and such a car will not enter the European Union. In extreme cases, you will have to go to the service station to carry out an expensive installation of equipment.
• A sharp deterioration in environmental performance, an increase in the amount of harmful emissions, a detrimental effect on the environment. The level of soot emissions into the atmosphere will indeed increase sharply, but it will still be possible to pass a technical inspection.

The list of the benefits of disabling the particulate filter is more impressive. These include:

• Getting rid of similar problems in the future. The need to replace the device will disappear forever;
• Restoration of the dynamic characteristics of the engine, since excess resistance for the exhaust gas system is eliminated;
• Decrease in average fuel consumption, decrease in engine sensitivity to second-class fuel;
• No need to use special expensive motor oils;
• There will be no black or gray smoke when driving in heavy traffic, since the regeneration is no longer activated;
• The cost of the removal and reprogramming procedure is many times lower than the price of a new filter.

With the correct disconnection of the device, a working diesel engine works as stable as with it. Most of the world's car manufacturers have exported diesel engine modifications without a particulate filter. With a competent shutdown of the unit, specialists take factory samples as a basis.

If you have made the decision to remove the particulate filter and want to get rid of the problems associated with it forever, we know how to help you. Our company has developed progressive technical and software solutions that allow you to quickly make the ECU "forget" about the existence of a particulate cleaner. In their work, our experienced craftsmen use only licensed equipment and strictly compatible software. With us, you can professionally disable and cut out the particulate filter of almost any car, without any unpleasant consequences throughout the entire service life. Both passenger cars and diesel trucks are accepted for work. The prices we offer are as affordable as possible, and a guarantee is provided for all work performed. You can find out the cost of the procedure for your brand and car model on the page.

The introduction in 2005 of the EURO-4 environmental standard, which regulates the amount of harmful emissions into the environment by cars with internal combustion engines, forced car manufacturers to apply a technical solution that would significantly reduce emissions of substances harmful and hazardous to human health (soot, nitrogen oxide NOx , carbon monoxide, etc.)

It is for this reason that most modern diesel vehicles manufactured since 2004 are equipped with a soot neutralization system, the main element of which is a “particle filter”.

The name itself - "particulate filter" - explains its purpose: to trap soot particles, which are a product of diesel fuel combustion.

The most widely used diesel particulate filters are:

1) DPF (Diesel Particulare Filter) closed type particulate filters
2) FAP (Filtre a Particules) closed-type particulate filters with regeneration function

How the particulate filter works

The particulate filter is a metal cylinder filled with a special heat-resistant ceramic material with a cellular structure, which is able to trap fine particulate particles. The engine control unit monitors the throughput of the particulate filter and initiates regeneration if necessary, i.e. the process of cleaning the filter from soot accumulated in it. Regeneration is passive and active. With passive regeneration, soot is burned while the car is moving under load, for example, when driving on a highway, when the temperature in the filter reaches 350-400 degrees and above. When driving around the city or over short distances, in the case when it is not possible to warm up the particulate filter to the desired temperature, and the sensors record that the filter is above normal, the process of active regeneration is started. To do this, after the main portion of fuel, another additional fuel is supplied to the engine cylinders, the EGR valve is closed, if necessary, the turbine geometry control algorithm is changed. The incompletely burnt mixture enters the catalyst, which is installed in front of the particulate filter, through the exhaust manifold, and it is burned there. In this case, the temperature of the exhaust gases passing through the catalyst increases significantly. Further movement of heated gases along the exhaust tract leads to an increase in the temperature in the particulate filter up to 500-700 degrees. The soot begins to burn off. This may be evidenced by black smoke coming out of the chimney. Instantaneous fuel consumption and idle speed are increased.

In the exhaust system of turbo diesel vehicles complying with the Euro-4 standard, there are usually three sensors: a temperature sensor, an oxygen sensor and a differential pressure sensor. If the engine control unit detects incorrect operation of any of the components of the system responsible for controlling the correct mixture formation, oxygen sensor, flow meter, EGR system, fuel level sensor, reagent (urea) level sensor, fuel level sensor in the tank, and some others, this will lead to the impossibility of regenerating the particulate filter. As a rule, in such cases, the emergency operation of the engine is activated (a warning symbol will light up on the instrument panel, the engine will lose traction, maximum speed will drop to 2500-3000 min-1, fuel consumption will increase and the smoke of the exhaust will increase) It is important to note that numerous unsuccessful attempts the regeneration of the particulate filter does not leave a trace for the car. During the regeneration process, the enriched air-fuel mixture does not completely burn out, and some of the unburned fuel still gets into the engine oil, and thus dilutes it. Over time, you will notice that the oil level has become significantly higher than the “max” mark. This not only reduces the lubricating and protective properties of the oil, which can harm the engine. Low viscosity oil overcomes seals more easily and leaks can be detected in the most unexpected places. And the ingress of oil into the intercooler, and then together with the forced air into the engine cylinders, can cause an uncontrolled combustion process, up to the physical destruction of the engine.

The consequences of operating a car with a clogged particulate filter

Volkswagen Multivan particulate filter clogged, but the car continued to operate further, which led to the destruction of the filter. Debris from the filter was blocked by an exhaust gas temperature sensor, resulting in a complete blockage of the exhaust system. In the exhaust manifold, a high back pressure of the exhaust gases was created, from the high temperature and pressure, its surface led and the gases began to break through the exhaust manifold gasket. As a result, the turbine, exhaust manifold and EGR valve had to be replaced. The diesel particulate filter was removed and the engine management program was replaced for correct operation without a filter.

Often, a blockage in the particulate filter and high pressure inside the exhaust tract causes the EGR valve of the EGR valve to fail. Conversely, a faulty EGR valve can be the root cause of a DPF failure.

Identifying a problem with the particulate filter

The sooner a DPF problem is identified, the better. Regular diagnostics and timely maintenance will help solve the problem at an early stage.

The symptoms of particulate filter problems are:

Reduced engine thrust
- periodically appearing increased smoke of exhaust gases
- increased fuel consumption
- unstable idle speed
- increased engine oil level in the engine
- unnatural hissing sound when the engine is running
- warning signal in the form of a DPF filter icon on the instrument panel

What are the "advantages" of removing the particulate filter?

Lack of similar problems in the future
- restoration of engine traction characteristics
- reduction in average fuel consumption
- there is no need to use expensive motor oils
designed for vehicles with particulate filters
- no need to refill with reagents (AdBlue, EOLYS, etc.)
- the cost of the removal procedure is many times lower than the cost of a new particulate filter, the service life of which, when operated under our conditions, is significantly lower than that specified by the manufacturer

Note

The service life of a new particulate filter (FAP / DPF) when using our diesel fuel and when operating in our climatic zone is approximately 20 ... 120 thousand km.

The price of a new particulate filter is in the range of 900… 3000 euro.

If the economic component of repairing your car is important for you, and buying a new particulate filter does not suit you due to the high cost, then the option of prompt removal of the particulate filter is the optimal and most profitable solution for both you and your car.

Owners of foreign cars are often interested in what are the consequences of removing a particulate filter on a diesel engine. After all, such an action has to be performed on many machines, including fairly new ones. The reason for this is usually the poor quality of the fuel. Difficulties can also arise due to incorrect and / or untimely maintenance. Therefore, there are plenty of reasons to figure out whether it makes sense to remove this filter, and what consequences it might have. Still, the engine of a modern car is quite an expensive device, the repair of which can result in a serious amount.

There are, of course, the consequences of removing the diesel particulate filter on a diesel engine. This must be taken into account when making a decision. But in order to understand exactly what is at stake, you must first understand the features of this part, and also clarify what it affects.

Why is it used?

At the moment, manufacturers are fighting to improve the level of environmental safety of cars. The consequence of this was the mandatory installation of diesel particulate filters on vehicles equipped with diesel engines. This is a prerequisite for trucks since the introduction of the protocol EURO 4, and since 2009, after the introduction of the protocol EURO 5... The rule also applies to all vehicles with diesel engines.

This reduces the level of soot emissions into the atmosphere, which are inevitably formed during the combustion of diesel fuel. But, the consequence of this was some complication of the design. Still, the additional pribluda in the exhaust system affects the power and efficiency of the engine.

Technical features

There are several types of such filters. All of them are used in modern vehicles, so it makes sense to understand their features in more detail. The main differences between different types of such filters are in the cleaning features. These are the types that can be found on passenger cars:

• DPF Is a closed filter. For cleaning, a passive regeneration method is used. They cannot be cleaned. Usually used on cars of the Volkswagen concern, as well as on some of their partners;
• FAP - means a closed filter with forced regeneration. Developed by the Peugeot-Citroen concern. Typically, when the filter becomes clogged with soot, the engine control unit issues an additive injection command, which causes the filter to be cleaned. In general, the service life of such a device is higher. It is widely used on cars of Ford, Toyota and some others.

Malfunction symptoms

First, let's figure out when you need to replace this filter, or rather, analyze the symptoms of a malfunction. This will allow you to respond to the problem in a timely manner. In fact, the problem is defined quite simply:

• First of all, we look at the dashboard. If there is a problem with the filter, the engine trouble warning lamp will come on. If you carry out a diagnostic scan, then an error of the sensor that controls the operation of the particulate filter will be displayed. With the further operation of the car, the control unit will limit the functionality of the motor;
• When the engine is running in different modes, malfunctions may occur;
• Significant decrease in dynamics... The car begins to dull noticeably;
• The lubricant level in the engine may increase.

All of the above will tell you that it is time to replace the particulate filter. Moreover, in order to maintain the vehicle's performance, it is better to do this as quickly as possible.

Change or throw away?

It is worth noting that the particulate filter is quite expensive. Depending on your car model, the purchase may cost from $ 200 to $ 2500... This is quite a lot of money, which is spent on consumables.

Therefore, drivers begin to think about whether it is worth buying and installing a new filter, or whether it is possible to completely remove it. In fact, there are many things to consider here. This is the need to solve the problem with the addition of the missing segment of the exhaust pipe (on some models). You will also need to solve the problem with disconnecting the sensor. After all, if you just turn it off, then the car simply won't start. Let's look at the nuances in more detail.

Pros and cons of removal

To begin with, we will carefully analyze the positive features that await you in the event of such a revision:

• You are guaranteed to eliminate the possibility of this problem appearing in the future;
• Average fuel consumption will decrease slightly;
• The dynamic characteristics of the car will be fully restored, you will definitely like it;
• For engines with particulate filters, specialized oils are recommended, which are quite expensive. Removing this part will allow the normal filling of the engine;
• You do not need to periodically fill the filter with expensive reagents;
• The cost of removing a part is significantly lower than buying a new part. Even if you do not do this work yourself.

As you can see, there are a lot of positive features from this revision. But there are a number of complications that arise from removing the filter.

Minuses. There are plenty of disadvantages to this conversion. For some people, the restrictions that have appeared make this modification completely meaningless. Therefore, you need to know what such a repair can turn out to be. The disadvantages are as follows:

• The car will not be allowed into Europe. After removing the particulate filter, the car will not pass the exhaust gas control at customs. If you often travel or plan a trip to Europe, do not remove this part;
• If the car on guarantee, you will lose it;
• When the engine is running at high rpm, you will notice that the smoke from the tailpipe will be much darker than it should be;
• The turbine may whistle;
• ... Therefore, the vehicle may not be able to pass the technical inspection;
• As a result of malfunctions in the engine control unit, negative consequences may occur in the form of damage to the exhaust system.

findings

The particulate filter is an important part of a vehicle's exhaust system. Therefore, when deciding to remove it, it is worth carefully weighing all the pros and cons of this action. At the same time, it is worth noting that the positive consequences do not quite balance the disadvantages, and you need to look at it taking into account your requirements for the vehicle.

It must be understood that the work of removing the filter also costs money. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account all the features and consequences of removing a particulate filter on a diesel engine, and only after that make a decision on dismantling.