Help me understand DPF

[Flojo]

Hi I’m collecting my newly converted T6.1 (T32 base) van next week. I’ve been warned about looking after the DPF filter and making sure I do a good run once a week so the van does a regen as I do lots of short journeys.

I’m paranoid about it starting a regen just as I get somewhere and not being able to turn the engine off, or switching off accidentally when it’s doing a regen and stuffing the engine up.

I think from research I need something like the Carista OBD and the Vag DPF app for iPhone, but will that allow me to work out when I need to make sure I give it a good run so it does a regen? If so what am I even looking for on the stats to tell me that?

 

[StratosFearXX]

Hi I’m collecting my newly converted T6.1 (T32 base) van next week. I’ve been warned about looking after the DPF filter and making sure I do a good run once a week so the van does a regen as I do lots of short journeys.

I’m paranoid about it starting a regen just as I get somewhere and not being able to turn the engine off, or switching off accidentally when it’s doing a regen and stuffing the engine up.

I think from research I need something like the Carista OBD and the Vag DPF app for iPhone, but will that allow me to work out when I need to make sure I give it a good run so it does a regen? If so what am I even looking for on the stats to tell me that?

Yes it'll give you all sorts of information and it'll ping at you when it starts the regen. Display shows a nice easy to understand %age as well so you know when it's about to do it.

 

[manfrotto]

To explain how the DPF works to reduce emissions...

The DPF filters the soot from the exhaust in the filter and it collects there. When it gets to a certain level (around 30 grams) a regen starts that burns off the soot until it reduces to around 8 grams. These are the key numbers to see on the app. Other numbers include time and mileage since last regen etc

The other number to be aware of is the ash level. This is the stuff that collects in the filter that cannot be burned off. This takes years, and when it gets to around 110 grams you need to clean or ideally replace the DPF

 

[CAB]

Welcome to the forum.

No need to be monitoring it like a hawk, but it does help to understand what it does. And yes, short journeys aren't ideal for a modern diesel.

Have a read of this.

Thread 'DPF Regen, Yellow Light & Adblue - Whats It All About? -'

16 Mar 2019

DPF Regen, Yellow light & AdBlue - Whats it all about? -

The DFP light is becoming a more apparent issue with modern diesel vans, unfortunately, it’s a fact of modern diesel life.




what is a DPF?

Diesel particulate filters (DPF) are very effective in cutting emissions, trapping even the finest soot particles produced as the engine burns diesel fuel.
Their lifespan is dependent on factors such as fuel quality, driving style, use and oil consumption. The filter uses a catalytic coating containing precious metals. Passive regeneration converts the particulate matter...

• Dellmassive
• adblue dpf euro 6 regen
• Replies: 77
• Forum: Engine, Gearbox, Exhaust, Drivetrain

• 

 

[StratosFearXX]

To explain how the DPF works to reduce emissions...

The DPF filters the soot from the exhaust in the filter and it collects there. When it gets to a certain level (around 30 grams) a regen starts that burns off the soot until it reduces to around 8 grams. These are the key numbers to see on the app. Other numbers include time and mileage since last regen etc

The other number to be aware of is the ash level. This is the stuff that collects in the filter that cannot be burned off. This takes years, and when it gets to around 110 grams you need to clean or ideally replace the DPF

Interestingly (or not) mine doesn't show a value for the ash residue. I think there was something in the app description about the DNAA engine not being fully supported ...

If I have it running in AA and I stop and restart the monitoring I get a very brief reading on the head unit. Hopefully an app update will fix it one day.

 

[doncarlyon]

Interestingly (or not) mine doesn't show a value for the ash residue. I think there was something in the app description about the DNAA engine not being fully supported ...

If I have it running the AA and I stop and restart the monitoring I get a very brief reading on the head unit. Hopefully an app update will fix it one day.

Mine is the same

 

[StratosFearXX]

Thought I'd check the app description:

DNAA(*)
(*) = partial support or depending on SW version

 

[asutton709]

Important thing to understand it that it will only regen once it reaches it's 30g limit - for mine it's around 180miles of driving- until then any ' good runs' don't count. That's why a monitor is really useful. I was quoted £2500 for a new dpf, it's worth being paranoid about

 

[Kenthammer]

Afternoon

What’s the favoured OBD scanner people are using for apps like this please ?

 

[manfrotto]

This is what I did...

Thread 'Displaying additional Information on Infotainment screen - How I did it.'

12 Jan 2026

I have added some additional screens on my Infotainment screen via Carplay and i-Phone with Bluetooth connection to an OBD II BLE4 Diagnostic device.
This is how I did it:

1 - I bought a Vgate iCar Pro ELM327 BLE 4.0 -

2 - I downloaded free Car Scanner ELM OBD2

Car Scanner ELM OBD2 – The best car OBD2 diagnostic solution for iOS and Android in your pocket!

www.carscanner.info

3 Plugged the Scanner device into the car and with ignition on paired my i-phone with the scanner.

4 - In the phone App under "Dashboard" I created a new dashboard in the customisable page option and renamed it "DPF status".
Under that new dashboard I added various things to have on...

• manfrotto
• Replies: 10
• Forum: Engine, Gearbox, Exhaust, Drivetrain

• 
• 

 

[Kenthammer]

Thanks for the response above, having read through the links and options, leaning towards the Carista Evo at present.
Much appreciated.