DPF Removal and Testing from Feb 2014

I don't quite know how this could be enforced. As testers how are we to know beyond doubt if cars were originally fitted with DPF's? I know some vauxhalls and sabb models have DPF's but other lower spec ones don't.

I've also removed a few filters myself then reflashed the ECU so it thinks it never had one. If you cut open the exhaust and remove the canister like I do then how, during an MOT can you tell if its been removed.

Another one of those, benefit of the doubt goes to the presenter I think?

So when Roads Minister Robert Goodwill said:

“This change to the MOT tests makes it clear – if you have this filter removed from your car it will fail the test.”

What he meant was "Nothing will change but we are aware of the problem"

Wally

Just as a matter of interest what is the lowest figure you have had when carrying out a smoke test on a "NONE DPF vehicle" and what is the highest figure you have had on a "DPF equipped vehicle in good working order".

Just of the top of my head I can't remember carrying out a smoke test on a good DPF vehicle and not having to fit the RPM pickup to sense the RPM increase whereas I have never needed to use it when the vehicle doesn't have a DPF.

Wally

PS, I find it funny that the advert across the bottom of my page is for "DPF Removal Specialists. Blocked DPF? Warning lights on? Lifetime Guarantee!"

I wonder if the guarantee covers re-installation?

As always, we do what we can. If the canister is present and the emissions pass then what else can you do? Pass and advise.

A DPF looks very similar to a cat on a petrol car, they usually have a way of measuring the pressure either side of it so that ECU can determine how blocked its getting. Look for a metal tube either side that has pipework attached going to a pressure sensor. On all of DPF equipped cars that I've seen, the exhaust tail pipes have been soot free, so that'll be a big clue.

Chances are it will 2009 due to the euro 5 regulations regarding pollutants or 2011 due to regulations that filters had to fitted by law ,,,,,,,,just saying.
2011 sees the requirement for all vehicles to be fitted with dpf

Quote from an email which came in today...



So how will we know if it was fitted as standard? The VSI is unreliable as it is - are they going to add the wording "DPF filter fitted as standard" to that?

I may be missing something, but I didn't see the words "diesel catalyst" in the e-mail I saw "Garages and testing stations will check for a diesel particulate filter as part of the MOT test (or annual test for heavy vehicles) in February 2014.







A diesel particulate filter is a device fitted to a diesel vehicle which filters particulate matter from exhaust gases. It does this by trapping solid particles while letting the gas escape.
"
So does the "cat" not count?

Just in case some don't know, the DPF's can be returned to the manufacturer for reconditioning so money is involved, which means it better than throwing it in the scrap. I tried explaining this to somebody yesterday, but I don't think he understood because he said it was a faulty unit , which is why it would go back for reconditioning I thought