DPF Regen: What You Need to Know

The modern emissions systems for diesel trucks have come a long way. It doesn't mean we at Power Forge Diesel in Yuma like or support emissions equipment development at all, but here's what you need to know to keep your truck on the road.

Emissions Deletion vs. Maintenance

I’m going to preface this by saying, the best way to make an emissions-intacked truck reliable over any other upgrade is to get rid of the emissions equipment. You’ll need to look up your local laws to see if that's something you would like to do. But if you’re scared that the government will show up to your door with guns if they suspect your truck was deleted, then you’ll need to be keeping up with your DPF regen hygiene.

What Does DPF Regen Mean?

What does regen mean? A DPF regen is when your truck senses that your DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) is too clogged to maintain normal emissions and truck functions. The truck does what's called a regen, which is where it burns the soot out of the exhaust. You’ll know your truck is performing a regen when you're cruising down the freeway here in Yuma with no load, and all the sudden your truck’s engine fan starts roaring like you're climbing a hill fully loaded. You’ll notice a power decrease and your fuel economy tanks. Remember, even though America is 5% of the world's population, your truck running a regen will make up for the whole world’s emissions “problem”. Thanks EPA.

The Downsides of DPF Regeneration

The downsides of a DPF regen are many. When a DPF regen occurs, it blasts more soot into your truck’s oil, which causes premature wear. The NOx sensors (which can throw your truck into limp mode) can experience higher stress, and you're burning more of the DEF and Diesel in order to do it. This is a necessary evil. If your truck’s DPF gets too clogged for too long, your truck will go into reduced power mode and eventually limp mode. Nothing proves the EPA’s confidence in their decision making more than forced compliance on your truck's emissions, leaving you or your family stranded if you “neglect” your emissions equipment.

DPF Hygiene for Powerstroke, Cummins, and Duramax

What should you look for so you can keep up with your DPF hygiene? First, if your truck is a 2007.5 or less (like the 5.9L Cummins or 7.3L Powerstroke), then I'm sorry you wasted your time by clicking this post and not studying up on a Fass Fuel System, because your truck does not have a DPF. For everyone else that didn't click off, many modern day light duty trucks (Powerstroke, Duramax, or Cummins) will have a setting you can search for on your dash that shows your DPF level. In our opinion, 60% and above is due for a regen. If your truck doesn't have a DPF level percentage, you will notice: higher idling speed, engine fan roaring when it shouldn't, thick exhaust smell, reduced fuel economy, reduced throttle response, and lower DEF levels.

Passive vs. Active Regeneration

Your truck should be doing passive regens periodically. If you notice your truck going into active regen (EGT’s through the roof, black/grey smoke out of the exhaust), your DPF "healthy" days are numbered.

Manual DPF Regen Service in Yuma

When is it time to come see Power Forge Diesel in Yuma to perform a forced/manual regen? Easy, when you're in reduced power mode or limp mode, your truck is performing frequent active regens, or your computer is manually telling you to clean the DPF. We have the electronic tools to run manual regens for your Ford, Chevy, or Dodge. You should expect 1-2 hours of time to complete the forced regen and change your oil afterwards.