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DPF regeneration: your questions answered

By Toyota Blog
DPF regeneration Hilux

Although Toyota’s passenger car range is predominantly focused around petrol-electric hybrid powertrains, the Land Cruiser, Hilux and Proace models are fitted with diesel engines. A diesel particulate filter (DPF) is a feature of these models, and you may have heard about the need for regular DPF regeneration. What does this component do and how do you take care of it?

What does a diesel particulate filter (DPF) do?

The DPF is fitted within the exhaust system and is designed to catch soot particles and nitrous oxide (NOx) from the combustion process that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. The DPF is highly effective and traps around 80% of these harmful particulates.

DPF regeneration

Why do modern diesel engines need a DPF?

European legislation places strict exhaust emissions targets on all vehicle manufacturers. From September 2009, the Euro 5 legislative standard came into effect, part of which required all diesel cars registered from that point on to be equipped with a diesel particulate filter, or DPF.

These filters are used throughout the industry in all diesel-powered passenger vehicles, and their efficiency is vital now that stringent Euro 6d emissions standards are in force.

Do I need to replace a DPF during normal servicing?

Diesel particulate filters do have a capacity limit and can become full. But unlike traditional air, oil or pollen filters that need to be exchanged manually at regular intervals, the DPF has a much longer service life and is designed to regenerate to restore its performance.

The car’s electronic control unit (ECU) is programmed to do this automatically, neutralising the soot by burning it off at high temperature within the exhaust system while the vehicle is running. All modern cars with diesel engines follow this procedure.

DPF regeneration Proace

How does DPF regeneration occur?

The regeneration occurs automatically, usually without the driver being aware that it is taking place. In the majority of cases, the process is carried out when the engine and exhaust system has reached normal operating temperature and the vehicle is travelling at over 40mph.

However, if your driving is limited to urban areas, the low speeds and frequent stops mean the conditions for normal regeneration do not exist. In these instances, the ECU monitors the accumulation of soot and instructs an alternative regeneration programme to begin well before the filter becomes saturated.

This programme injects small quantities of fuel into the engine after combustion, which increases the temperature within the exhaust system and creates an environment where it is possible to safely burn off the soot.

This method is very successful within the small percentage of vehicles where normal regeneration is not possible. However, due to the nature of city traffic, the regeneration process can be interrupted when the vehicle completes its short journey and is turned off. If this occurs, the ECU is programmed to recommence the process when the engine is restarted and back up to temperature again.

DPF regeneration Land Cruiser

How can I help prevent DPF blockages in my Toyota?

Follow these four simple actions:

1. Regularly drive your Toyota on highways at speeds of between 40-55mph for around 20-30 minutes.

2. Avoid spending unnecessary amounts of time with the engine idling.

3, Try to limit the frequency of short journeys where the engine is running for less than ten minutes.

4. Do not ignore dashboard alerts related to the DPF.

Will I be warned if all DPF regeneration processes have been unsuccessful?

Very occasionally, use of the vehicle might be such that it will have been impossible for the ECU to complete the administration of any regeneration procedure. At this point, the DPF will have become overloaded and stopped functioning, so your Toyota will illuminate a warning light in the dashboard. It will then be necessary for the soot to be neutralised and the filter regenerated manually at a main dealer.

It is extremely unwise to ignore this visual warning as the DPF can become irreparably damaged. What’s more, it is illegal to remove the filter entirely.

Learn more: What is the exhaust gas recirculation valve and what does it do?

626 comments

    1. Hi there,

      Thanks for getting in touch. We can confirm that your vehicle does have a DPF fitted.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply

      1. Could you please tell me that what the symptoms of a DPF gone bad would be. I have just bought the car and randomly it blows a cloud of blue/white smoke for a few minutes and then clears and runs clean exhaust for quite a while before doing it again. I am wondering if the DPF is bad.

      2. This sounds like the system is working correctly as it will clean itself on a regular basis. If there is an issue with the DPF it will illuminate the EML (engine management light) on the dashboard.

        Hope this helps, please let us know of any further queries.

      3. You have told this person that they have a DPF fitted on their 08 Avensis yet scroll down this blog and you have told another person with an 08 Avensis (NL08 OWA) that they do not have a DPF. Yet again confusion reigns, which is the correct information.

      4. We can confirm that 08 Avensis Plate YT08 FTE has a DPF and the vehicle that you’re referring to does not.

        Thanks.

      2. I was told on this Blog that Toyota Yaris d4-d was only fitted with a DPF after November 2008. But you are telling me that an 08 Yaris with 5 speed gearbox (registered March to September 2008) does have a DPF. You appear to be contradicting yourself. How can I have any confidence that you are telling the truth.

      3. Hi Lee,

        Apologies, we were given incorrect information from our Technical Team. Yaris SK08ZDA does not have a DPF, and it is correct that DPFs were first installed in November 2008. We are very sorry for the inconsistencies in our replies and for any inconvenience this may have caused.

        Thanks.

  2. Hay shafqat here, I have Toyota verso it’s DPF filter is choked , take two time to garage they clean with machine but after 10 , and again 2 days light came back, sensor is working fine , i am very much worried, what should I do , try to regenerate on M8 , nothing happened.
    Please advise

    Reply

    1. Hi Shafqat,

      Thanks for getting in touch. If you could please provide us with a reg or VIN number, we will be able to assist you further.

      Thanks.

      Reply

      1. hello can you please tell me if the 2014 toyota hilux KUN26R has a DPF fitted?
        AHTFZ29G709109015

      2. Hi Jerome,

        Thanks for getting in touch. We can confirm that your vehicle does have a DPF fitted.

        Thanks.

      4. Hi Rhys,

        Apologies for the delay, we are currently liaising with our Technical Team regarding this and will be back to you as soon as we can.

        Thanks.

      3. Hi Im thing of buying a avensis 2.0 d-4d reg mk57boh could you please tell me if it is fitted with a dpf.
        Thanks in advance

  5. Hello. I have Toyota Rav 4 2.2 D-cat 2007. Would you please be able to tell me if this car is fitted with 5th injector facility and if yes how is that supposed to work? I have recently noticed that once in few days car will be developing few clouds of smoke when on a short run, is that when it is regenerating DPF? If I’ll go on a motorway run there is no smoke present on my short runs for a week or so but then it will start occasionally smoking again. Is that a normal behaviour when car is regenerating/ trying to regenerate? It has covered 102k miles already and I am a bit worried if that’s DPF is getting close to it’s last days? Car isn’t using oil and oil level is always fine. Can you please enlighten me a little? Thanks
    VIN: JTMBB31V406066322

    Reply

    1. Hi Marcin,

      Thanks for getting in touch. We can confirm that your vehicle is fitted with a 5th injector system. As to how this works, the engine control unit will decide when a regeneration is needed based upon laid down parameters. At this point, the particulate filter temperature will need to be raised. This is done by adding more fuel via the 5th injector.

      In regards to the smoke, we would advise visiting your local Toyota centre to have the vehicle checked over. The smoke colour will determine any course of action and they can also check for any faults codes stored in the vehicle.

      Thanks.

      Reply

      1. Hello, thanks for your info. Smoke is whiteish colour and there is no codes stored in the vehicle, it only happens on a short drive and at the same time a can feel a slight temperature increase inside cabin as well as bigger fuel consumption, it is when the active regeneration occurs or is trying to occur? Thanks

      2. Hi Marcin,

        Some smoke might be evident but any increase in cabin temperature or fuel consumption would not occur during a regeneration. For this reason, we would recommend that you contact your local Toyota Centre who will be in a better position to inspect your vehicle and investigate this further.

        Thanks.

    2. I greet the same car as you. I want to ask you if there is a witness on the dpf regeneration.
      What type of diesel do you supply? Cetanean figure 55 or 51? Thank you

      Reply

      1. Hi have you sorted this issue if not…………..
        1st check air intake sensor make sure its clean do not use cleaner just remove wipe with ear bud an refitt.
        2nd clean out EGR easy removed clean with crab cleaner and replace,lots of videos on you-tube.
        3rd fill tank with diesel add 2 bottles Wynn’s DPF cleaner and take for long run keeping car at high revs ( no more than 3000) occasionally revving higher.
        You should find car runs smother and tick over lower .
        I recomed doing all the above as my 2006 now runs better then new

      2. Hello Fozzy,
        would you have any ideas on this fault please, I have a 2007 rav4 t180, it occasionally losses power for around 10sec or so then comes back to life again. No warning lights at all on the dash, it’s dangerous pulling out at junction etc happens in any gear even on the motorway. Do they have a dpf..there is a lot of black smoke sometimes when you hoof it in 2nd or 3rd then it clears.
        Thanks

      3. Hi. We’re sorry to hear that you’re experiencing issues with your RAV4. We’d recommend contacting your local Toyota dealer so they can take a look for you. Thanks.

      5. Hi there,

        If you could please provide a VIN number, we will be able to assist you further.

        Thanks.

  6. Can you tell me the code p1386 is coming up on my car . But I have tried lots of things too clear it like clean the dpf . Egr fit a new 5th injector. Checked the wiring. Been too Toyota. Had the ecu upgrade fitted another fuel pump . But still getting the code coming up. Can you help

    Reply

    1. Hi Lee,

      Thanks for getting in touch. If you could please provide a reg or VIN number, we will be able to assist you further.

      Thanks.

      Reply

  7. Hi there
    My Rav 4 dashboard is saying “DPF full” so I tried taking it for a 30 minute drive at 40mph and it didn’t clear. I took it to my local Toyota service garage and they say it will cost £150 for a “regen”. The car is only 2 years old so still under warranty? Should this not be covered by the warranty?
    Thanks

    Reply

    1. Hi Mario,

      Thanks for providing your registration number, we can confirm that your vehicle is not fitted with a DPF.

      Thanks.

      Reply

  9. Hi, I’d be grateful if you could tell me if Auris WP07 KGN has a DPF.

    If it does not have a DPF, do I still need to use a LOW-SAPS engine oil?

    Regards

    Reply

      1. Hi Fazal,

        Thanks for getting in touch. We would advise for you to contact your local Toyota Centre in regards to an inspection, as they will be able to assist you further.

        Thanks.

  10. Hi Andrew,

    Thanks for getting in touch. We can confirm that there is no DPF fitted for your vehicle. The recommended engine oil would be 5W-30: ACEA C2 (ACEA B1 may also be used).

    Thanks.

    Reply

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