Do it yourself
Frequently asked questions about cars and motorcycles

How Does the Diesel Particulate Filter Work?

Model: (Various brands) Various
Part: Diesel particulate filter

Video tutorial

This short video tutorial explains how the diesel particulate filter works: if you have a car with a diesel engine, you have likely seen the DPF light illuminated on the instrument cluster or the engine light on. The diesel particulate filter is a true filter, with the unique ability to clean itself; but what does it trap and how does it clean itself? The particulate filter traps PM10, which refers to harmful solid particles created during combustion, while allowing the flow of exhaust gases, thus reducing pollutant emissions.

Engineers have developed a remarkable self-regeneration system: the differential pressure sensor monitors data upstream and downstream of the particulate filter; as the filter becomes clogged with solid particles, a certain level of back pressure builds up, and when this value reaches a certain limit, the engine control unit will command the regeneration process to start.

The DPF relies on the use of additives that allow the filter to regenerate at lower temperatures compared to other particulate filters. In conclusion, to avoid issues, it is essential to follow the regeneration procedures required by the vehicle while driving; if the problem persists and the light remains illuminated, it is necessary to take the vehicle to a mechanic.


Updated on 24 August 2026 by ScegliAuto


Related tutorials

(Various brands) Various In this video tutorial, you can see how to clean the diesel particulate filter with Warm Up additive: if your car has covered over 62,000 miles, the …
(Various brands) Various If you want to clean the diesel particulate filter on your vehicle, you can follow the instructions provided in this video and the description below.…
(Various brands) Various Regeneration of the diesel particulate filter activates automatically when the vehicle is used for 6 to 9 hours continuously or after driving 310 mil…

Other guides you may be interested in

How to Set the Clock on a Renault Master 3

This guide shows you how to set a new time on a Renault Master 3. Start by turning on the instrument cluster of the vehicle without starting the engine. Next, using the end of the right-hand steering column stalk, scroll through the options on the display until you reach 'set time', then press the down arrow button to make the displayed time blink. Once this is done, press and hold the down arrow button to change the hour, which you can adjust using the two arrow buttons at the end of the stalk. Once the correct hour is set, press and hold the down arrow button again to move to the minutes. After setting the correct time, restart the vehicle.

Watch the video!


by ScegliAuto

More videos