Volvo V70 Diesel Particulate Filter DPF

The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is a crucial component in the exhaust system of Volvo V70 diesel engines. Its primary function is to filter out harmful fine particles from the exhaust gases, which are hazardous to human health. The filter collects soot particles during normal driving and then undergoes regeneration cycles to burn off these accumulated particulates and keep the filter clean.

DPF regeneration is the process by which the filter burns off collected soot particles to restore its capacity. There are three types of regeneration:

• Passive regeneration: Occurs when the exhaust gas temperature remains high during driving, causing the catalytic converter on the filter to burn particles automatically.
• Active regeneration: Triggered by the engine management system, it injects extra fuel to raise the exhaust temperature and burn the soot.
• Forced regeneration: A manual or workshop procedure used when other regeneration methods fail to clear the DPF.

Typically, regeneration cycles last around 10 to 20 minutes but can be longer if the vehicle’s average speed is low or the engine does not reach normal operating temperature.

During the regeneration process, you might observe:

• A temporary slight reduction in engine power
• An increase in fuel consumption for the duration of the process
• A noticeable burnt smell from the exhaust

When driving is frequently short or in cold conditions, the engine often fails to reach its normal operating temperature. The lower temperature prevents the automatic regeneration of the DPF, leading to soot buildup and clogging of the filter.

• Cold weather also affects exhaust gas temperature, reducing soot burning efficiency.
• Short distances prevent the engine and exhaust system from maintaining the heat needed for passive regeneration.

Using parking heaters in winter helps the engine reach normal operating temperature more quickly, improving filter regeneration and reducing soot accumulation.

A warning yellow triangle appears on the instrument panel when the DPF is approximately 80% filled with soot. The display will show a message such as “Soot filter full See manual”.

• This indicates that the filter requires regeneration to prevent engine performance loss or damage.
• You should check your car's manual for recommended procedures when this warning appears.

If you see the filter clogging warning on the dashboard, follow these steps:

• Drive until the engine reaches its normal operating temperature.
• Continue driving on a main road or motorway at a steady speed for about 20 more minutes to allow the regeneration to complete.
• The warning message will clear automatically when regeneration finishes.

This process ensures the DPF is emptied of collected soot and the system resumes normal function.

The Volvo V70 diesel particulate filter incorporates several components to ensure effective operation:

• Temperature sensors monitoring engine and exhaust gas temperatures
• Pressure sensors to detect the accumulation of soot inside the filter
• An integrated catalytic converter on the filter surface to aid soot combustion during regeneration

DPF capacities and specifications vary slightly among V70 models and engine versions.

Regular preventive regeneration and maintenance of the DPF are essential to:

• Avoid loss of engine power and increased fuel consumption
• Prevent permanent clogging and damage to the filter, which can be costly to replace
• Ensure compliance with emissions standards and protect the environment
• Help diagnostics with professional tools to confirm the DPF and sensor system’s functional condition

Do not wait for warning messages or performance issues before planning maintenance.

For added support, Krosfou offers high-quality, new DPFs manufactured in Europe with 3-year warranty and professional technical assistance to keep your Volvo V70's particulate filter in optimal condition.