An emissions control device fitted to the exhaust system of diesel vehicles to capture solid particulate matter. Once the filter fills with soot, the engine computer triggers an active regeneration cycle, injecting extra fuel to raise exhaust temperatures and burn the trapped carbon to ash. Frequent short trips can prevent regeneration, leading to a clogged filter and a massive repair bill.
The truck is in limp mode because the diesel particulate filter is completely plugged with soot.
Also heard as
- DPF
Related terms
DEF
Diesel exhaust fluid is a urea-based solution injected into the exhaust stream to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.
Exhaust system
The piping and components that route spent combustion gases away from the engine.
Regen
The process of recovering kinetic energy during deceleration in electric and hybrid vehicles.