hi I own a 2008 a3 170 with dpf filter I only do 4 miles to and from work every day and filter light came on,couple of days later car went into limp mode and had to take to audi garage and have dpf regen at a cost of £60 but this can only be done 3 times but would rather avoid, any ideas as very rarely go on any long journeys and don't want to go round reving nuts off it just to burn filter clean any help thanks martyn

Hi Martyn, 

Unfortunately the DPF light will keep coming on if you're only doing such short journeys, the harsh reality is that it is the wrong car for the type of journeys you are doing, a petrol engined car would be a better option.

 

To regenerate the DPF you need to drive at a steady speed (about 60mph in 4th or 5th is about right) until the light goes out.  Failure to do this as soon as the DPF warning comes on will result in the EML coming on and the car going into limp mode as you have experienced.  Failure to take action still will result in complete saturation of the DPF and expensive replacement is the only option then available to you.  

 

Despite popular belief, 'thrashing' the engine will not be effective at regenerating the DPF, in fact, it could block it more.  A constant speed and rpm is what is required (see your owners manual) - thus the type of journeys you are doing will never get the DPF to the temperatures required for regeneration.

 

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