Like many filters on a diesel truck, the diesel particulate filter (DPF) requires periodic cleaning to function properly. In normal use, pollutants and soot can clog the DPF. 

Cleaning the DPF will ensure it continues to work properly, reducing harmful exhaust emissions, maintaining fuel efficiency, and preventing potential engine damage, Rislone explained in a press release.

Modern diesel vehicles of all sizes are equipped with complex aftertreatment systems to reduce exhaust emissions. The DPF’s role in these systems is to capture and store soot particles. 

When the filter is full, an automatic process called regeneration burns off the accumulated soot. But in vehicles regularly driven at low speeds for short durations, regeneration may never occur, causing the filter to get so full that it becomes blocked, according to Rislone.

A blocked DPF can destroy fuel efficiency and kill engine power and performance. It may also affect drivability and cause the engine to overheat or be hard to start. How do you know when the DPF needs cleaning? 

According to Rislone, you should keep an eye out for any of these six signs:

1. DPF Warning Light

A clear indication that the DPF is clogged is when the DPF warning lamp on the dashboard lights up. With some vehicles, the general “check engine” light may also come on. Hooking up an OBD II reader may reveal a P242F or related trouble code.

2. Frequent Regeneration Cycles

A vehicle that is having trouble getting through a full regeneration cycle to clean the DPF may make frequent attempts. If a diesel engine starts or undergoes regeneration more frequently than usual, it may indicate that the DPF is clogged and needs to be cleaned.

3. Increased Fuel Consumption

A clogged DPF forces the engine to work harder, which burns more fuel per mile. It’s generally less expensive to clean the DPF than it is to let a blocked DPF drive down fuel economy.

4. Loss of Power

A blocked DPF will restrict exhaust flow, which causes the engine to reduce acceleration, be less responsive, and have difficulty maintaining high speeds.

5. Limp Mode

If the DPF becomes clogged or fails to regenerate, it may trigger the vehicle to go into “limp mode” to prevent damage. While in limp mode, the vehicle’s power output is significantly reduced, its top speed is limited, auxiliary functions may be disabled, and it may be locked in a low gear.

6. Rough Idle

A clogged DPF can cause the engine to run roughly or have a hard time maintaining a steady idle. 

DPF, Exhaust & Emissions System Cleaner

Cleaning a clogged DPF doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive thanks to recent advances in chemical technology. Simply pour a bottle of the new Rislone DPF Clean Diesel DPF, Exhaust & Emissions System Cleaner into the fuel tank and drive.

Rislone said DPF Clean’s special blend of high-performance detergents and heavy-duty cleaning solvents scrubs away contaminants, soot, carbon build-up, and oily residue from the DPF, fuel injectors, combustion chambers, turbo, EGR, diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and exhaust system. 

Formulated to tackle even the toughest clogs, DPF Clean contains Rislone’s exclusive Diesel Regen Medic+, an active DPF regeneration accelerator and cleaning fuel catalyst guaranteed to clear a blocked DPF.

“You don’t have to be a mechanic to keep your diesel vehicle’s DPF functioning properly,” said Clay Parks, vice president of development for Rislone. “Modern vehicles make it pretty obvious when there’s an issue, and Rislone makes it easy to fix. DPF Clean restores power, performance and mileage, reduces regeneration cycles, and extends DPF filter life – all for thousands of dollars less than a mechanical DPF repair or replacement.”