Burning out the DPF while stationary – how to do it and is it even worth it?

The Diesel Particulate Filter, known as DPF, is a key component of the exhaust system in diesel engine vehicles. Its main function is to filter exhaust gases from solid particles and soot. Due to the harsh conditions in which it operates, regular cleaning of the DPF is essential to avoid clogging. While most cars are designed to automatically regenerate the filter during driving, there is also the option to burn out the DPF while stationary. How do you do it? I will explain in the following paragraphs. I warmly invite you to keep reading!

Burning out the DPF while stationary – how to do it and is it even worth it?

The Diesel Particulate Filter, known as DPF, is a key component of the exhaust system in diesel engine vehicles. Its main function is to purify the exhaust gases from solid particles and soot. Due to the harsh conditions in which it operates, regular cleaning of the DPF is essential to avoid clogging. While most cars are designed to automatically burn out the filter during driving, it is also possible to burn out the DPF while stationary. How can you do it? I will explain that in the following paragraphs. Please continue reading!

Burning out the DPF while stationary (and more) – what does it actually mean and why is it important?

The term "burning out the DPF" may sound mysterious, but it essentially refers to the process of removing excess soot accumulated in the filter. When it builds up in too large a quantity, it can lead to filter blockage, which in turn can cause engine performance issues. Cleaning the diesel particulate filter is a key maintenance procedure that keeps the filter clean while protecting the engine and other components, such as the turbocharger, from damage.

Burning out the DPF while stationary – how does it work?

Although most vehicles are designed to automatically clean the diesel particulate filter while driving, there are situations where manual DPF regeneration is necessary. In such cases, when the right conditions are met—such as the appropriate engine speed and load for a certain period—the system injects an additional dose of fuel, which does not burn in the combustion chamber but directly in the DPF. This process effectively cleans the filter. Learn more about how to burn out the DPF while driving on the TEC 2000 blog. However, it's important to know that diesel car owners can force DPF regeneration while stationary—though before doing so, they must keep in mind a few important rules.

How to burn out the DPF while stationary?

To successfully regenerate the DPF while stationary and achieve the desired effect, it is essential to equip yourself with a diagnostic tool. This tool will enable you to start the entire procedure for cleaning the diesel particulate filter while the vehicle is stationary.

It is best to carry out the process away from people – burning out the DPF while stationary involves raising the engine speed to between 2500 and 3500 RPM for a prolonged period. During this time, the engine control unit increases the fuel dose, which then burns the accumulated soot.

Key aspects of burning out the DPF while stationary – what to keep in mind?

Burning out the DPF while stationary is a process that requires some knowledge and attention. In addition to what has already been mentioned, there are certain factors worth considering. First of all, before starting the procedure, ensure that both the engine and the diesel particulate filter have reached the appropriate temperature. Moreover, the fuel level in the tank should not be lower than ¼ of its capacity. Additionally, before starting the regeneration process, it is worth checking the oil level and coolant. Make sure that the radiator fan is working properly to provide sufficient cooling during the procedure.

How long does it take to burn out the DPF while stationary? How long does the filter regeneration process last?

Now that you know how to force DPF regeneration while stationary, it’s important to remember the appropriate duration for the cleaning process. As mentioned earlier, maintaining the engine RPM for a while is essential – it is generally accepted that the entire procedure should take several minutes (up to half an hour).

When is it worth considering burning out the DPF while stationary?

Burning out the DPF while stationary has long been a controversial topic among car enthusiasts. Although soot is ideally burned off during driving, provided that the driver can maintain optimal conditions for a certain period, there are some circumstances where stationary regeneration may be necessary. However, this type of cleaning can place additional strain on some engine components due to the increased load. It is often recommended to carry out the process while driving on the highway, where maintaining a constant speed and proper RPM is easier. Nevertheless, in certain situations, such as constant stop-and-go driving in urban traffic, burning out the DPF while stationary might be the only option. In such cases, cars may not be able to initiate the regeneration process automatically, making this manual procedure essential.

What to do if the diesel particulate filter gets clogged?

Lastly, it’s worth mentioning what to do if accumulated soot has led to a clogged DPF. Does this mean the filter needs to be replaced? Not necessarily – special cleaning agents that dissolve baked-in contaminants can help. A good example is TEC 2000 Diesel System Cleaner, which contains a blend of powerful solvents and cleaning agents. On one hand, it effectively handles soot, and on the other, it prevents further buildup on the filter walls. This helps ensure that the DPF does not clog again. Furthermore, adding TEC 2000 Diesel System Cleaner not only helps clean the filter but also reduces black exhaust smoke and improves fuel efficiency. You can read more about this product in the article on how to clean the DPF affordably – I highly recommend checking it out from here.