Particle filter terraclean

[Manse73]

10 plate 3.0d xdrive particle filter warning has just come up on dash. Does this mean a trip to the main dealer. A friend has said it might be the dpf regenerating. Can anyone throw some light at it for me please

[X5Sport]

You can try taking the car for a drive of at least 20 minutes after the car is fully warmed up, and at a speed of at least 40mph.  You need to keep this speed steady and/or keep the rpm above 2,000 throughout to make sure everything stays hot enough for the regen to complete.  Using manual mode or Sport mode can help.

If this doesn't clear then a trip to the Dealer to force a regen is needed.

Cars fitted with DPFs must not be used on short journeys where they don't fully warm up.  If that type of use is close to how you use it then you need to do a longer and higher speed run at least once a month.

If the DPF cannot be regenerated then it has to be replaced.  The one on my X6 40d is £1,499+vat+fitting, so
I keep a very close eye on how the car is used.  My new Skoda Superb has one as well as the Ad Blue urea system to be monitored!

[Manse73]

Tried the 20 minute run last night. On start up no faults and then 20 minutes in to it the message reappeared. Is this a main dealer trip or can it be done with a snap on diagnosis machine. Thanks for your reply

[X5Sport]

I haven't tried this, but the Carly device (wireless and plugs into the OBD2 port) which a few folks including myself have, can trigger a forced regen.  You need the full (not the Lite) version of the App (Android OS IOS) and the gizmo itself.

Have a look at mycarly dot com to check compatibility.

[Manse73]

After numerous attempts at getting the car to regenerate and half a tank of fuel later I have had no success. Three people have suggested getting it terracleaned. Has anyone done this or does it have side effects. Any help and replies are gratefully received

[Horizon]

Aparantly the car will only try to regenerate so many times and then lockout the regen function, it may be that you have to force a regen via external software, as X5 sport mentioned.
I can't see why terraclean would make it any better, but may be wrong. If the car has locked out the function it will need the error codes resetting and a forced software regen cycle.
If the light has come on after the car is up to temperature and still doesn't regen that could be the problem.

[X5Sport]

I suspect a trip to the dealer for a forced regen is the best option.  They'll also check any codes and clear the relevant ones.  I believe dealers may also use an additive as part of the forced regen.

If that still doesn't work, then it gets more costly and worst case you need a replacement.  What's the mileage on it?  If below average it may well be recoverable, if very high then probably a new one is needed.

No idea on Terraclean.  Not seen anyone on the forum refer to it.

[Manse73]

All sorted now. First code read showed faulty glow plugs so I changed all six. On the next read it showed all clear and that the dpf had not regenerated in 8000 miles so the counter was reset. A regen style drive and now all clear with no more faults.
Thank you all for your input and advice.

Kind regards

Kevin

[X5Sport]