Ford C-Max Diesel Particulate Filter DPF

The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) on Ford C-Max diesel vehicles is a ceramic device installed after the catalytic converter on the exhaust line. It traps harmful soot particles (carbon, hydrocarbons, sulfates, sulfur, metallic oxides) produced by combustion, helping reduce pollution and maintain engine performance.

DPF regeneration involves burning off trapped soot to keep the filter clean and efficient:

• Passive Regeneration: Occurs automatically when exhaust gas temperatures reach 550-600°C during regular driving (highway/route). This burns off the soot and leaves behind ashes.
• Active Regeneration: If passive regeneration is insufficient, the engine management injects fuel into the exhaust system to raise temperature via the catalytic converter, burning soot at around 450°C (additive use varies by brand, Ford specifics not confirmed).

Regular regeneration is essential to maintain DPF performance and avoid clogging.

Ford C-Max diesel models fitted with a DPF include:

• Ford C-Max 2.0 TDCi 140CV / 136CV (Engine code CB3, produced 2007 to 2010)
• Ford C-Max 2.0 TDCi 163CV (Engine code unspecified)

The official Ford owner manuals contain specific sections explaining the DPF system for these models.

Common issues include:

• DPF clogging: Often caused by frequent short trips or city driving at low exhaust temperatures preventing proper regeneration.
• Warning lights: The engine or DPF light may illuminate due to excessive soot accumulation (above 40-50g).
• Reduced performance: Power loss can occur because of blocked exhaust flow.

Once soot reaches around 50g, automatic or forced regenerations become ineffective, generally requiring DPF cleaning or replacement.

DPF maintenance options include:

• Chemical cleaners: Additives such as Codi Mille or Eco-10000 are either poured directly into the DPF or the fuel tank, followed by engine idling and driving to facilitate soot removal.
• Manual cleaning: Removing the DPF unit for soaking and high-pressure washing.
• Forced regeneration: Using diagnostic tools to initiate cleaning when soot levels exceed 40g.
• Preventive additives: Products like C99 added regularly reduce soot buildup and injection system contamination.

Professional servicing and using high-quality additives help prolong DPF life and vehicle performance.

Replacement is generally advised when soot and ash levels clog the DPF beyond cleaning capability—typically after repeated regeneration failures. Replacement intervals depend on driving habits and mileage but usually occur when regeneration is insufficient around or beyond 100,000 miles.

For replacement, high-quality original or manufacturer-approved DPFs should be installed, respecting all sensor and catalytic converter requirements to maintain engine performance and emissions standards.

Some diesel vehicles use an additive tank to lower regeneration temperature, such as Eolys in PSA vehicles. However, for Ford C-Max 2.0 TDCi models, official information about the presence of an additive tank is not specified or confirmed. Ford uses high-temperature catalytic converters and regeneration strategies without widely documented additive tanks.

If the DPF is removed and the vehicle's engine control unit detects this, it typically triggers warning lights and may cause the vehicle to fail emissions inspections or MOT tests due to non-compliance with pollution standards.

We strongly advise against removing the DPF. Instead, use proper cleaning or replacement procedures to maintain compliance, vehicle performance, and environmental protection.