Just hoping... DPF problem 2014 B200 CDI W246

[Timbo3009]

DPF; I've done the lot., I been milked from the ****s by the MB stealers, bought an icarsoft that suddenly refused to complete DPF functions;
Local indy? Yep, I've done that too. I had my DPF cleaned, DPF sensor changed, drove at 2000reeeevs for 900miles with a full tank of Diesel, engine at 90 degrees C whilst whistling Dixie.
Anyways all the DPF readings are in scope (Backpressure etc. etc.) but still won't regenerate, No-fault codes other than 'not regenerating there is a system fault' AND 'open circuit passenger side heated mirror'.
Apologies for the diatribe, here is the question.
Is there any possibility that the heated mirror is the system problem preventing regen, as I read that the heated mirrors are activated during regen, and as my heated mirror is open circuit...?
Long shot I know...
I would really appreciate any advice

 

[mioba]

I had also read about mirrors and DPF cant recall in what context mind.

Since the mirror needs fixing - whats to loose.

Oh and welcome to the forum.

 

[Timbo3009]

Good point...I will order one.

After all this it is hard to believe that it could all be down to an open circuit mirror...but as you say what's to lose.

I will let you know how it goes, might be a week or so.

Thanks for the welcome and the advice!

 

[M80]

Duff element in a mirror inhibits regen, that would be dumb even by MB standards.

I've read of someone wishing to initiate heated rear screen for extra load and for the LED to indicate the regen is in progress.
I've also read of some one saying this is done by design.

In either case the load would be irrelevant to a multi horse power engine.
While I can see purpose for the LED it would confuse anyone not aware.

What's the DPF fill level at?

 

[LostKiwi]

How's the engine temperature when warmed up?
More than 1/4 tank of fuel?
They can both inhibit regen.

Also what is the battery voltage?

 

[M80]

How's the engine temperature when warmed up?
More than 1/4 tank of fuel?
They can both inhibit regen.

Also what is the battery voltage?

While I'm not saying it isn't so as the exhaust temperature is more relevant to a regen, the ECU monitoring that makes more sense. I've certainly seen mine pick up on an unfinished regen at less than 50 degrees. The exhaust can be up there in a minute or so after a start.

Is the DPF temperature (often called cat temp) sensor reading correctly?

Regens clearly use more go go juice, but it isn't a great amount. Best I could estimate is that it causes less than 2% extra overall.
Mine regen's at approx 460 miles, soonest was 410 and longest 545 miles (and then because I booted it to cause initiation), it regens for between 6 - 10 miles.
It would seem excessive to design an inhibit when there is still a good level in the tank. The manual would carry a warning also I would have thought.

 

[alexanderfoti]

You need to sort the code out, it will not regen with the code present.

I suspect it's closer to dpf - there is a component fault. This usually points to something making too much smoke, which causes the dpf to fill too quickly, causing the code to be logged preventing further regens. Without this, it would fmjeeo regenerating over and over again.

Being a 651 it probably has a boost leak somewhere (inlet manifold, ic hoses most likely).

Start at a intake system air leak and a dynamic boost test and then smoke test from there

 

[Noddy 99]

Don't write off the mirror theory. When I was on the Insignia forum, the number 1 mod was to fit a tell-tale lamp to the mirror circuit which indicated when a regen was in operation. There's clearly some sort of link...

 

[s5tuart]

I had also read about mirrors and DPF cant recall in what context mind.

Since the mirror needs fixing - whats to loose.

Oh and welcome to the forum.

I also remember something about the rear heated screen and the heated mirrors being on during a regen, but unfortunately senility inhibits my brain going any further than that at the moment.

 

[Tony Dyson]

Don't write off the mirror theory. When I was on the Insignia forum, the number 1 mod was to fit a tell-tale lamp to the mirror circuit which indicated when a regen was in operation. There's clearly some sort of link...

I also remember something about the rear heated screen and the heated mirrors being on during a regen, but unfortunately senility inhibits my brain going any further than that at the moment.

In the "CDI Diesel Direct Injection for OM 651 System Description" document I have, herewith is a snippet from "The Glow System" which describes the Ninth and last function of the glow plugs;

Diesel particulate filter glowing
Diesel particulate filter (DPF) glowing is only
performed during DPF regeneration to increase the
load and stabilize combustion.

I too have read several 'theories' of other consumers being energised to apply load to the alternators both Smart and not so smart, mine is described a '909 Alternator Management' which indicates 3rd party management by a higher authority, so maybe my alternator isn't as smart as it thinks it is , so I know categorically, that the OM 651 unit uses the glow plugs to add load to the alternator.
That is not to say that earlier or later MB models didn't use other methods but I have yet to read of or see any tangible evidence of the many theories that abound, no-one has ever returned to this forum and posted any first hand confirmation, that I have seen! and confirmed any of these theories are in fact true.

 

[Timbo3009]

Thanks Guys, appreciate the responses, teamwork that's what matters!
I will try to provide you all with the answer to your queries.
M80 - Agreed. Fill level at 400% at the moment. I normally 'set DPF as new' which zero's the fill level and then it seems to regenerate for a while but the frequency is not enough so fills up again. Exhaust temp ranges from 200 to 500 but bever gets to 600 (Regen temp)
Lost Kiwi - I have driven with a half tank of fuel with temp at 90 to no avail. The battery voltage 12.7. The car runs at 90 when warmed up.
Alexanderfoti- No obvious vacuum leak. Fuel trim is within limits. Also disconnected servo and connected my vacuum gauge, the reading was in the green on my gauge (22ins HG??). However, the car does get smoky occasionally on tick over. Blue smoke. I wonder if the turbo seal is leaking as the intake ducting is quite oily. Obviously, this is not an electrical fault so would not be picked up by scanner??
Noddy99 - Agree but does seem unlikely. You never know tho'
S5tuart - Ha ha, I was senile long before it was fashionable (no offense intended to the senile amongst us!!)
Tony Dyson - Now that you mention it, I did hear of a guy who had a Merc no regen, and the fault turned out to be a glow plug!!! It was a reliable source too, so maybe we're onto something!!
Anyways I will keep you informed and thank you all very much. As a new boy, I feel among kindred spirits!