Diesel Particle Filter (DPF): Testing and Inspection

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER

EVIC Message Center - Message - Catalyst Full

The engine Electronic Control Module (ECM) monitors the soot load in the diesel particulate filter. Under normal operating conditions the diesel particulate filter is self-cleaning, where accumulated soot is converted to ash. Under light load operating conditions, the driver may be notified via the vehicle's Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) message center "CATALYST FULL: SEE OWNERS MAN" message will be displayed indicating that it is necessary to modify the vehicles driving routine/duty-cycle in order to allow the diesel particulate filter system to self clean. If the vehicle's EVIC message center notification is ignored, the vehicle will eventually derate the engine and set a fault, requiring service. The soot load in the diesel particulate filter is estimated by the ECM using the Exhaust Pressure Sensor values and the calculated soot output of the engine. This fault code will be triggered if the application is not operating at a duty cycle high enough to allow active regeneration of the diesel particulate filter. This fault code is an indication that the exhaust temperatures exiting the turbocharger are not high enough to allow active regeneration of the soot that is trapped in the diesel particulate filter. It may be necessary to increase the duty cycle of the application in order to prevent excessive soot accumulation and plugging of the diesel particulate filter. The ECM will set this fault if it detects that the soot level has exceeded the normal desoot trigger threshold by a sufficient amount to indicate that the driver intervention is required. There is not a MIL lamp associated with this fault code, though the driver will be notified via the EVIC message.

Have owner drive vehicle at highway speeds (50/60 mph) for a minimum of 45 minutes.

If the message CATALYST FULL SERVICE REQ'D. is still displayed, Refer to - ENGINE Testing. Component Tests and General Diagnostics