DPF filter replacement: How much does it cost? When should it be done?

The diesel particulate filter (or DPF) is an anti-pollution device that retains and eliminates the majority of polluting particles produced during engine combustion. However, for the diesel particulate filter to work properly, it must be cleaned regularly or changed if it is no longer able to fulfil its role. Find out how much it costs to change a DPF, when this type of operation is necessary, and how it works.

DPF filter replacement: what price should you expect?

The price to be considered for changing a DPF varies significantly depending on the vehicle concerned, the DPF reference (make and model), and the fitting costs charged by the garage. Obviously, a latest-generation stainless steel and ceramic DPF will cost more than an older filter.

The cost of replacing a diesel particulate filter can be broken down as follows:

• the price of the DPF: allow from £150 to £1,000 depending on the model chosen
• the intervention costs (labour): these can range from £150 to £400 depending on the service provider and the duration of the service.

In total, the price of a DPF replacement can therefore range from £300 to £1,400. Note that, on average, this type of work costs around £750.

Below are the average prices in the UK for replacing a DPF on a selection of vehicles:

When should I replace my diesel particulate filter?

How do you know if you need to change your particulate filter? A faulty DPF leads to the following consequences:

• a reduction in vehicle power.
• the illumination of the diesel particulate filter warning light on the dashboard
• an engine that tends to choke or stall on start-up
• over-consumption of fuel.
• the emission of black smoke.

If you take too long to react, the engine may go into degraded mode to protect the parts that make it up. In this case, the vehicle will operate at limited power and speed. If the DPF or engine light appears on your dashboard, it’s high time to take action.

Faulty DPF: should it be replaced or cleaned?

Have you noticed one or more of the symptoms mentioned above? If you act quickly, it is possible to avoid having to change the DPF. We advise you to follow these steps as soon as any warning signs appear:

1. Clean the diesel particulate filter using a special cleaner, which you pour into the fuel tank. Carried out by you, this inexpensive operation is sometimes enough to extend the life of the DPF and avoid the need for a professional.
2. Run on the motorway at high revs for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the cleaner to work. If the DPF light remains on and/or symptoms persist, move on to the next step.
3. Make an appointment with your garage: they will carry out a full diagnosis of the exhaust system.
4. Depending on the result, he will generally perform a forced regeneration of the DPF, engine descaling or diesel particulate filter replacement.

You should be aware that, even if you maintain your DPF regularly, it has a limited lifespan. It is therefore recommended that you replace your diesel particulate filter every 75,000 to 100,000 miles.

Replacing the DPF filter: how do you go about it?

The replacement of a diesel particulate filter is carried out in several stages:

1. Lift the car: we’re going to lift the car using a lift (or with jacks and stanchions) to gain access underneath the car.
2. Wait for the exhaust line to cool down.
3. Take off the cover that covers the exhaust system
4. Locate the diesel particulate filter: going up the exhaust line, you’ll see a metal cylinder, inside which is the SCR catalyst (if the vehicle is fitted with the AdBlue system) and the DPF (recognisable by its honeycombs). It should be noted that these two components may also be in the form of two separate cylinders.
5. Disconnect the pressure connection hoses
6. Dismantle the hose clamps located upstream and downstream of the DPF
7. Remove the diesel particulate filter
8. Check the condition of the exhaust system, in particular the lambda probe and catalytic converter (change them if necessary)
9. Replace the clamps and seals located at each end of the catalytic converter/DPF.
10. Position the new diesel particulate filter
11. Torque the screws and bolts and make sure everything is secure and airtight
12. Replace the protective cover on the exhaust.

Once the vehicle is back down, drive for around twenty minutes on the motorway, until the DPF light goes out.

To maintain your DPF and prevent it from clogging prematurely, consider driving 15-20 min on the motorway at least once a month, and use a DPF cleaner once a year.

Can I change my DPF filter myself?

As we’ve just seen, changing your DPF yourself isn’t necessarily complicated. On the other hand, to be carried out easily and safely, this operation requires:

• have the appropriate equipment: ideally a forklift, professional tools and protective gloves
• to have a minimum of do-it-yourself or mechanical experience to have the right reflexes
• to know exactly where the particulate filter is located, so as not to make any mistakes
• to remember how the parts were positioned before dismantling so you don’t forget anything when reassembling.

If you carry out this operation yourself, you run the risk of not refitting the particulate filter correctly. This can cause significant damage to the exhaust system and the engine.

To avoid taking unnecessary risks, we strongly recommend that you go through a garage to replace your particulate filter. This way:

• the work will be carried out quickly and to the highest professional standards
• you avoid the additional costs associated with damage caused by careless installation
• you can be sure that your vehicle will pass the next technical inspection (if one is forthcoming)
• the professional will be able to electronically validate the replacement of DPF and will ensure that the DPF warning light no longer appears.