DPF Warning Light

[Force4145]

Hi All,

The DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) warning light has just come on. The manual says, "The vehicle must then be driven for at least 20 minutes at a speed of more than 48 km/h (30 mph)". That seems a bit excessive. Is there any other (quicker) way to regenerate the DPF?

Thanks, Nick

[Leo]

I don’t think that is excessive, and am surprised that the speed quoted is only 30mph: I have usually seen 50mph as the recommended speed.

Cars with a DPF are really only suitable to those who are prepared to take them on regular long runs. I changed my XF3.0D S for an XK when I retired for that very reason, knowing that I would not be doing enough long runs.

[Carole Simpson-Hadley]

Hi Nick

We had this problem on our '07 S-type soon after we bought it in 2016.

Use the manual over-ride on the auto change,  and keep the revs up over 2500-3000 for 15 minutes or so.....don't need to go rushing down the motorway or the like, any trip will do.  Then switch off, wait a few minutes and start up again, you will find that the DPF will have regenerated and the warning will have disappeared.

We also use Shell V-Power fuel which, although more expensive, does seem to assist with the problem.  

There is always a chance that one or both of the EGR valves are gummed up, but the above regeneration will get you on your way.  Leo (above) is correct, the diesels don't like short runs!

Good luck and, as always, happy growling

 

 

[Force4145]

Thanks Carole for your advice.

I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with having the DPF unit cleaned out by a specialist, or any of the additives now available?

[Carole Simpson-Hadley]

Hello again Nick

MOH (my other half) and I concur that removing the DPF, cleaning out etc is money not used well.  That's our opinion...other opinions may be available!

The regeneration noted earlier will clear the system warning; if the EGR valves are gummed up then, eventually, they will need to be replaced which is not an easy job on the S-type due to accessibility issues.

Opinion is split on the fuel additives.....some swear by them whilst others dismiss them as "snake oil".   Personally, we have never used an additive.

For ourselves, we regenerated twice due to DPF warning coming on, switched to Shell V-Power (or the equivalent premium BP), NOT supermarket fuel!! and all is well.  Our usage of the S-type is 50/50 short runs and medium (100-150 mile) journeys, with occasional long runs.   We don't see a need for premium fuel in our X150 XK (petrol, non-supercharged) nor the XJS (ditto, petrol).

Finally, do remember that the Lion engine fitted in the diesel S-type is slow to warm up (hence the engine heater) and this can exacerbate the DPF issues.

Happy growling, or leaping, if you prefer

 

[Old Peter]

Hi Nick,

I have the same model as Carole, but luckily I have never had the DPF warning light come on.  Before I bought the S type diesel, I did do my homework and was aware that DPF regeneration was a factor in keeping the car's engine running well.

I use Shell V Power - there is a Shell station 500 yards away - but due to a few EGR faults and my unwillingness to try taking them off for cleaning I just used a spray, but now I use an additive [Millers] and for the last two years I have not had the problem.  I only do about 5000 miles a year but ensure there is a longish run once a month, sometimes using the manual facility on the J Gate to keep the revs over about 1800 rpm.

Prevention is a better than a cure, though.

Regards,

Peter.

 

[Force4145]

Hi Carole and Peter,

When I went to work this morning, my DPF warning light had gone out, and stayed off all day. That was a relief.

I think I'll start using Shell V Power Diesel the next time I fill up. I read up about it and it seems that all the nasties that largely block up the DPF have already been extracted, so the cleaner fuel leads to a cleaner DPF.

If I get anymore DPF trouble after that, I might try one of the additives, just to see if it makes any difference.

Many thanks,

Nick

[John Tubbs]

We have had an S type 2.7 d 2005 for ten years. We have never had the orange warning light come on on its own. The orange and red light come on together. We have never been able to clear the lights by driving the car.The problem is invariably egr  valve, dpf or both. It has been to various Jag dealers an auto electriciaen but the problem has never been resolved.if anyone could help it would be much appreciated

 

[DaveH33]

I had a 2.7 S Type.
The DPF warning light came on, so off I went for a motorway run.
Halfway up a hill (after about 15 mins of normal running), the engine gave up the ghost entirely and would only run on 3 cylinders for the (extremely slow) return trip.
Upon getting a mechanic to look at it, I was told that the DPF was so badly blocked that the pressure had built up so much that it had 'blown back' into the engine and basically lunched it.
I later discovered that the DPF was faulty when I bought the car, but instead of having it properly fixed, the seller had loosened the manifold slightly to relieve the pressure. Eventually, even that wasn't enough, and boom!

[Old Peter]

Hi Dave, and welcome to the club.

You did the correct thing in taking the car for a run.  The problem was that you were somewhat diddled by the seller.

I would have words with the seller.

Good luck and let me know how you get on!.

Regards,

Peter.