Diesel Particulate Filter Replacement Cost (+ Is It Urgent?)

Every modern diesel vehicle has a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to reduce harmful emissions.

But here’s the thing:
Soot and diesel particulates can clog this filter over time, drastically affecting your vehicle’s performance.

If you suspect a blockage, head to your nearest auto repair shop promptly for DPF cleaning or replacement.

Wondering what’s the DPF replacement cost?

We’ll reveal the replacement costs and clear signs of a failing DPF to help you tackle the issue before it escalates into bigger problems. Additionally, we’ll share practical tips for maintaining the diesel particulate filter.

How Much Does a DPF Replacement Cost?

Here’s what vehicle owners can expect to pay for installing a new diesel particulate filter:

A. Range

The overall cost of replacing a DPF falls between $670 to $3,800.

This includes:

Cost of parts: $500 to $3600
Cost of labor: $170 to $200

B. Factors Affecting Cost

The price for replacing a DPF can vary based on local labor costs as well as the make and model of your car.

A few other factors that can influence the overall cost include:

Type of filter: DPFs come in various types — silicon carbide, metal fiber, cordierite, and cellular ceramic honeycomb. Metal fiber DPFs are typically the most expensive, as they’re made from sintered metal fibers that provide excellent filtration efficiency and durability. In contrast, cordierite and cellular ceramic honeycomb filters are more cost-effective options. Silicon carbide DPFs are priced higher than cordierite filters but are less expensive than metal fiber ones.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) vs. aftermarket parts: OEM DPFs will cost more than aftermarket ones but offer better quality and performance.

Additional repairs: If there are other damaged components, like the catalytic converter or exhaust manifold, your mechanic will add their repair costs to the final bill. For example, a new exhaust manifold can add another $990 to $1,050 to your total bill.

Is It Worth Replacing a Clogged DPF?

Absolutely!

A blocked diesel particulate filter leads to increased emissions that can cause vehicle owners to fail an emissions test.

Beyond the legalities, a clogged DPF reduces the efficiency of the exhaust system, compelling your engine to overexert itself. This results in reduced power output and fuel efficiency.

Bottomline: Replacing a blocked DPF is crucial to maintaining engine performance and compliance with exhaust emissions standards.

9 Major Signs You Need a DPF Replacement

Consult a mechanic for DPF cleaning or replacement if you notice:

Warning lights: A DPF issue may illuminate dashboard lights like the DPF warning light, oil quality or viscosity light, and check engine light.

Poor engine performance: When a DPF is clogged, exhaust gases accumulate, causing the engine to lose power and responsiveness. This results in poor acceleration.

Increased idle speed: A blocked DPF leads to a noticeable increase in RPMs (revolutions per minute), causing the engine to run faster and sometimes erratically while idling.

Cooling fan activation: The vehicle’s cooling fans may run more frequently to manage the high exhaust temperature caused by a blocked DPF. You may hear increased noise from cooling fans under the hood, especially when idling or turning off the vehicle.

Unusual engine noise: You may hear whistling or hissing sounds from the exhaust. These are caused by gases struggling to pass through the clogged filter.

Burning odor: A burning smell from the exhaust may indicate a DPF attempting to regenerate but is too clogged to function properly.

Deactivation of the automatic start/stop button: The button may be disabled to prevent the engine from shutting off unexpectedly.

Increased fuel consumption: Visiting the gas station for a fuel top-up more often than usual could indicate a clogged DPF. This happens because the engine works harder and uses more fuel to compensate for decreased efficiency.

Reduced turbocharger efficiency: Due to reduced flow of exhaust gases, the turbocharger cannot operate at optimal speeds. This inefficiency can lead to slower turbo response, known as “turbo lag,” and decreased overall engine performance.

How Long Does a DPF Last?

With regular maintenance, DPFs can last up to 100,000 miles.

Follow these DPF maintenance tips to extend its lifespan:

Use ultra-low sulfur diesel and oils that comply with diesel particulate filter specifications to prevent fuel contamination.

Drive at highway speeds regularly to facilitate ideal DPF regeneration through the sufficiently hot exhaust gas.

Adhere to the manufacturer’s service schedule for oil changes, filter checks, and cleaning to avoid premature DPF failures.

Avoid short drives that prevent the exhaust system from reaching the temperatures necessary for effective DPF regeneration.

Use reputable fuel additives to maintain clean injectors and improve combustion. This can help reduce exhaust emissions and DPF clogging. However, these additives should be used sparingly since overuse can damage engine components.

How Does a DPF Work?

A diesel particulate filter captures and stores exhaust soot from a modern diesel engine to prevent its release into the atmosphere. It forces the exhaust gas to pass through a porous ceramic or metal filter, which traps the particulate matter.

Over time, the filter fills up with soot. That’s where regeneration comes in — the DPF heats up to high temperatures, burning off the accumulated soot.

The regeneration can occur passively, using the engine’s exhaust heat, or actively, with some help from electric heaters or fuel additives to crank up the exhaust temperature.

The entire process effectively reduces harmful emissions and helps a diesel vehicle meet stringent emissions standards.

Fix the DPF and Lower Your Carbon Footprint

Don’t let a clogged filter put a damper on your drive. Stay ahead with regular maintenance checks to keep your emissions clean and your modern diesel engine running smoothly.

And if your vehicle isn’t drivable due to a clogged DPF, contact AutoNation Mobile Service.

Our mobile mechanics can come and fix your car’s DPF issue right from your driveway. We also offer a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty on all kinds of auto repairs.

Contact us today for a DPF cleaning or replacement service.