Diesel Particulate Filters

Peugeot Citroen diesel particulate filter

A diesel particulate filter (DPF) is a device designed to remove diesel particulate matter (PM) or soot from the exhaust gas of a diesel engine. The DPF captures and stores the particulate matter and then uses heat to burn off the accumulated PM, preventing it from being released into the atmosphere. It is an important component of the emissions control system of diesel engines, as it helps to reduce the harmful effects of diesel emissions on both human health and the environment.

A diesel particulate filter regenerates through a process called “passive” or “active” regeneration. In passive regeneration, the high exhaust temperatures generated during normal driving are used to burn off the accumulated particulate matter. However, if the vehicle is not driven at high enough speeds or for long enough distances, this process may not occur, leading to clogging of the filter. In active regeneration, the engine management system injects additional fuel into the engine to increase exhaust temperatures and initiate regeneration. Some vehicles also use a catalyst coating on the DPF to assist with the regeneration process.

It is important to note that if the regeneration process is not completed successfully, it may result in costly repairs or replacement of the filter. Other potential causes of DPF failure include faulty engine sensors or injectors, poor fuel quality, or malfunctioning EGR valves. Therefore, regular maintenance and proper use of the vehicle can help avoid DPF issues.

Snap-on APOLLO-D8 Scan Tool

*** New Equipment Update ***

Today we took delivery of our latest diagnostic hardware, the Snap-on APOLLO-D8 full-function scan tool.

Snap-on APOLLO-D8 Full-Function Scan Tool

The APOLLO-D8 is equipped with the latest Ethernet for diagnostics or “DoIP” technology, required for 2018 and newer Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo vehicles with the expectation that many other vehicle manufacturers will deploy this communication standard in the near future.

The APOLLO-D8 is Secure Vehicle Gateway ready. Automobile manufacturers are developing solutions to protect their vehicles’ networks from unauthorised access, including potential cyber-attacks. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) recently implemented a secure gateway module that was introduced on a selection of their 2018 and newer model vehicles. For those vehicles with the secure gateway module, access to certain diagnostic functions requires registration and authentication through an approved device for all aftermarket scan tools.

It also offers the extra assurances of SureTrack™ expert information, “Smart Data”, and quick access to functional tests and resets – within a highly intuitive user interface that’s simple to learn and operate.

APOLLO-D8 Features

  • “Smart Data” automatically configures the display to show vehicle data parameters (PIDs) relevant to the fault code. Non-related parameters are filtered out to save you time
  • Highlights vehicle data that is out of expected range
  • Functional tests to verify component operation; reset procedures to complete the repair after component replacement. Only those that pertain to that fault code are shown
  • Scan for vehicle fault codes/diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
  • SureTrack common replaced parts and real fixes for the specific vehicle and DTC
  • Large 8in display for better readability and greater ease of use
  • Super-fast boot up: ready to use in just 5 seconds
  • Detailed trouble code definitions, live data, functional tests, relearns, and adaptations
  • One-Touch Full Vehicle Code Scan & Clear quickly checks and clears codes for all available modules on the vehicle
  • Custom data lists, freeze-frame, PID sorting, pause, zoom, PID trigger, snapshot, and cursor functions
  • Ability to record all available live data parameters and graph any four on screen at once
  • Embedded SMX® Operating System dedicated to diagnostic functions for fast, reliable operation

CEM DT-5500 Digital Insulation Tester

** New Equipment Update **

Our new CEM DT-5500 Digital Insulation Tester arrived in the post this morning.

It’s designed to test the insulation of electrical equipment by introducing a high voltage, low current signal whilst monitoring the equipment’s ability to remain electrically insulated from that signal. This is invaluable for testing our workshop equipment to ensure it remains safe to use and the first thing I tested this morning using the DT-5500 was one of the workshop’s portable battery chargers which has a metal case and is often used outside in the car park. I’m pleased to say it passed with flying colours!

Its main use in the workshop however will be for testing electronically the insulation and the condition of the Piezo stones in both diesel and petrol engine fuel injectors.

Quite often an electrical leak into the body of the injector is an early sign of injector failure so being able to detect this quickly and easily can save many hours of work trying to detect intermittent drivability faults.

The following video shows the DT-5500 in use by ASNU Corporation Europe Ltd when bench testing a gasoline direct injection piezo injector, the type fitted to BMW cars.

TPMS Diagnostic Health Check

Tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) have been fitted to cars for many years but recently TPMS has become mandatory for all new vehicles and has become a testable item for the annual MOT inspection.

Two main technologies exist; indirect and direct TPMS. Indirect systems detect wheel speed rotation differences resulting from a deflated tyre by using inputs from the ABS wheel speed sensors. This technology was unreliable and could not detect tyre deflation in more than one wheel. All modern vehicles are fitted with direct TPMS which includes a pressure sensor in each wheel which transmits readings to a control unit using radio signals. The driver’s information display can then, in most cases display the tyre pressures for each wheel and warn the driver if a tyre suffers an unexpected pressure loss.

Like with all complex electronic systems, faults can occur with TPMS components resulting in the TPMS warning lamp illuminating. We have designed our TPMS Diagnostic Health Check to help identify the most common causes of unexplained TPMS warnings both quickly and cost effectively.

Our TPMS Diagnostic Health Check uses the latest dedicated TPMS diagnostic equipment and covers the following tests:

  • Checking and adjusting the tyre pressures in accordance with the tyre pressure placard.
  • Carrying out a scan of all TPMS sensors to check they are responding and reporting the correct tyre pressure.
  • Checking the sensor battery level*.
  • Carrying out a TPMS module fault code scan.
  • Carrying out a TPMS sensor ID comparison with the TPMS module*.
  • Carry out a TPMS sensor relearn procedure if required*.

* When vehicle is equipped with this function.

Our TPMS Diagnostic Health Check is suitable for vehicles equipped with direct TPMS. We can also carry out diagnostic work on indirect TPMS systems, please contact us for details. Further chargeable diagnostic and/or mechanical work may be required to resolve some TPMS faults.

Exploding Battery Post

I arrived at work this morning to find a gentleman waiting outside for me. His car was at a garage in a West Hull village and whilst there an explosion had occurred at one of the two batteries which power this large four wheel drive vehicle. The garage wasn’t sure what had caused it to happen and didn’t want to get involved.

The only option was to have the vehicle recovered to my workshop so I could carry out a detailed inspection and my preferred recovery company was then contacted and transported the car during the afternoon.

It was quickly apparent that the damage was limited to the positive battery post of the main starting battery. The battery post had become so hot as to cause molten lead to be ejected from it onto the top of the battery. The battery terminal was now badly damaged too.

On inspecting the battery terminals on the other battery it was clear that they hadn’t been tightened up properly and were insecure. This causes a high electrical resistance which in turn produces a lot of heat. It’s this heat which caused the explosion and subsequent damage.

The repair was straightforward. A new battery and new Durite battery terminals which are far superior to the original ones.

And a word of warning. Car batteries are dangerous. Incorrect installation can cause the battery to explode. If your car needs a battery fitting leave it to a competent mechanic!

Snap-on Diagnostic Thermal Imager

** New Equipment Update **

Snap-on Diagnostic Thermal Imager

Imagine a tool that lets you “see” heat. The Snap-on Diagnostic Thermal Imager uses infrared technology to reveal heat, friction, electrical resistance, pressure changes. It is specifically designed for automotive applications and includes an exclusive database of guided tests, showing dozens of valuable applications. Just point it at any area of a vehicle and see detailed images of an object’s heat signature.

Sykes-Pickavant EGR & Solenoid Valve Tester

** New Equipment Update **

Sykes-Pickavant EGR & Solenoid Valve Tester

SP Diagnostics has designed, manufactured and released their new EGR and Solenoid Valve Tester. This new tool helps the technician test the integrity of EGR valves and other 12v solenoids, such as vacuum solenoids, boost pressure control valves and actuators, petrol injectors, carbon canisters and even relays. Due to the tool’s variable frequency, EGR valves can either be cycled to ensure correct operation or to clean it during its cyclic mode. In high frequency mode, the valve can be opened progressively, allowing more efficient manual cleaning.

Sykes-Pickavant EGR & Solenoid Valve Tester

** New Equipment Update **

Sykes-Pickavant EGR & Solenoid Valve Tester

SP Diagnostics has designed, manufactured and released their new EGR and Solenoid Valve Tester. This new tool helps the technician test the integrity of EGR valves and other 12v solenoids, such as vacuum solenoids, boost pressure control valves and actuators, petrol injectors, carbon canisters and even relays. Due to the tool’s variable frequency, EGR valves can either be cycled to ensure correct operation or to clean it during its cyclic mode. In high frequency mode, the valve can be opened progressively, allowing more efficient manual cleaning.

Rear Parking Assist Tester (RPAT2)

** New Equipment Update **

Just Arrived! Snap-on Rear Parking Assist Tester (RPAT2)

rearparkingassisttesterrpat2_10100016

Diagnosing Rear Parking Assist Systems Snap-on’s new Rear Parking Assist Tester (RPAT2) quickly checks sensors without the need of bumper removal or jacking up the vehicle. The RPAT2 can verify in a matter of seconds whether individual bumper-mounted sensors are properly working. The RPAT2:

  • Is a hand held tester that visually, with an LED light, and audibly, with an alarm, indicates whether a specific sensor is working or not.
  • Can test up to 6″ away from the sensors.
  • A simple ON/Off switch is the only control required to activate and operate this unit, there is no need for wires or connectors.
  • Is compatible with all ultrasonic factory systems including models manufactured by GM, Chrysler, Ford, Mercedes-Benz and BMW vehicles, as well as all aftermarket systems for commercial trucks and trailers.