DPF Question

[Matthew James]

Hello all,

First time poster bit hopefully I'm in the correct section!

For about a month now my car has been intermittently losing power. It would not go above 3000 rpm and also took longer getting there. Sometimes the engine management light was on, sometimes it wasn't.

I took it to a local garage and he connected a diagnostic machine and I'll upload what it said. He said my DPF was blocked, which with the reduced mileage due to working from home is in the realms of possibility. Although the problem started straight after I had my car serviced by this garage (oil change and filters changed).

I'm not filled with much confidence with this garage however as he said my car has 2 dpf's? Is that even a thing?

Also, to add to my woes, last night my handbrake stopped working. The footbrake has tension, but once depressed it immediately lifts back up. The handle seems to be 'popped out' which following some googling seems to be what happens in this instance.

Does anyone here know what may have happened?

I appreciate greatly anyone who takes their time to read this and even more so anyone who may offer advice.

Kind regards,

Matt

 

[CowleyStJames]

What year and engine?
The readings showing on the diagnostics is pointing to the DPF Pressure Sensor. These are common failures, easy to change, then run a manual regen. Couple of hours labour, £40 for the sensor.

 

[CowleyStJames]

By the way, whatever Mercedes you only have one DPF

 

[Matthew James]

What year and engine?
The readings showing on the diagnostics is pointing to the DPF Pressure Sensor. These are common failures, easy to change, then run a manual regen. Couple of hours labour, £40 for the sensor.

Evening Cowley,

Thanks for your reply. It's a 2011 (61 plate) W204 C220d. Also, I assumed so, never heard of a car having two but although I like to think I'm good with cars, I'm not .

Also when you say a manual regen, is this where I drive for x amount of time above 2000 rpm to force the regen?

 

[Tony Dyson]

I wouldn't be filled with confidence either with a mechanic believing you have two DPF's, you should post your location so members can advise your nearest MB Independant garage, or use the 'Mercedes Specialist Finder' at the bottom of the page, who will know how to deal with either a blocked DPF or faulty Differential Pressure Switch.

 

[alexanderfoti]

Yes definitely only one.

If the car is in limp mode the DPF will not automatically regen, the same is true of the DPF has gone past a certain fill level.

It will need diagnosing, reseting, and potentially a manual regen carried out

 

[Matthew James]

I wouldn't be filled with confidence either with a mechanic believing you have two DPF's, you should post your location so members can advise your nearest MB Independant garage, or use the 'Mercedes Specialist Finder' at the bottom of the page, who will know how to deal with either a blocked DPF or faulty Differential Pressure Switch.

Hi Tony,

Thanks for the advice on location. I'm based in Bolton, but work in Stockport so I cover most of Manchester.

Won't be taking it there to sort, and I'll try the specialist finder you've just mentioned.

 

[CowleyStJames]

Evening Cowley,

Thanks for your reply. It's a 2011 (61 plate) W204 C220d. Also, I assumed so, never heard of a car having two but although I like to think I'm good with cars, I'm not .

Also when you say a manual regen, is this where I drive for x amount of time above 2000 rpm to force the regen?

Doesn't generally work when EML light is on. Change sensor, and a good indie will start a manual regen using Autel, Star, or similar diagnostic.
Even the Icarsoft MB-2 V2 will do it.
Car is stationary, or you could go for drive whilst it's regenerating

 

[CowleyStJames]

Hi Tony,

Thanks for the advice on location. I'm based in Bolton, but work in Stockport so I cover most of Manchester.

Won't be taking it there to sort, and I'll try the specialist finder you've just mentioned.

I think you have DAS automotive in Bolton, seems to have a good reputation

 

[CowleyStJames]

Another thing has come to mind, did the local garage use a low ash oil? Should be 229.51 specification.
If not, that can bugger up the DPF

 

[alexanderfoti]

It can do, but it would take a few thousand miles to have shown an issue.

 

[alexanderfoti]

Doesn't generally work when EML light is on. Change sensor, and a good indie will start a manual regen using Autel, Star, or similar diagnostic.
Even the Icarsoft MB-2 V2 will do it.
Car is stationary, or you could go for drive whilst it's regenerating

MB software prevents stationary regens now, as they get super hot!

 

[CowleyStJames]

It can do, but it would take a few thousand miles to have shown an issue.

True, but I thought I'd throw that in the mix so the ops aware of this

 

[Matthew James]

True, but I thought I'd throw that in the mix so the ops aware of this

Unfortunately I didn't ask as I assumed they'd use the correct oil.

My first thought was the oil grade wasn't upto standards.

I think prior to my post I read one of your posts from 2016 where you had your dpf, oil and filter done for £185 using OEM parts. This wouldn't be too bad do I'm hoping I'll get quoted similar.

 

[Matthew James]

It can do, but it would take a few thousand miles to have shown an issue.

In which case it probably isn't the oil, probably happened about 100 miles after

 

[CowleyStJames]

Unfortunately I didn't ask as I assumed they'd use the correct oil.

My first thought was the oil grade wasn't upto standards.

I think prior to my post I read one of your posts from 2016 where you had your dpf, oil and filter done for £185 using OEM parts. This wouldn't be too bad do I'm hoping I'll get quoted similar.

Yes, that was MBS in Southampton, great people.

 

[Matthew James]

Yes, that was MBS in Southampton, great people.

Main dealer? If so that's actually brilliant. Every quote I've ever seen previously from a main dealer have been ridiculous

 

[Blobcat]

Main dealer? If so that's actually brilliant. Every quote I've ever seen previously from a main dealer have been ridiculous

MBS is an Independent Mercedes Specialist - @Cole@MBS is a member and forum supporter here.

 

[Kev555]

If I suspect you have the OM651 engine you will have a cat before the DPF as on mine, only found out what is was recently myself when cleaning my own DPF. Didn't think a cat was in diesels until this. Probably why your garage man was on about 2 DPF,s.

 

[alexanderfoti]

Diesels had cats for a long time, 1999 I think?