Fiat Diesel Particulate Filter DPF Regeneration
Supported coding feature by FiCOM diagnostic tool https://www.obdtester.com/ficom
What it does
- Forces an active regeneration of the Diesel Particulate Filter
- Burns accumulated soot by raising exhaust temperature
- Helps restore proper exhaust flow and reduce backpressure
When it is required
- High soot load (but still below the ECU safety limit)
- After prolonged city driving or stop-and-go operation
- When passive regeneration has not completed
- After resolving issues preventing normal regeneration:
- Faulty temperature sensors
- Faulty pressure sensor
- Intake leaks
- Glow plug issues
Conditions that must be met
- Engine fully warmed up
- No active fault codes in:
- DPF system
- Exhaust temperature sensors
- Differential pressure sensor
- EGR system
- Fuel level above minimum (usually > ¼ tank)
- Stable battery voltage (charger recommended)
- Vehicle must be outside or in a ventilated area
What happens during regeneration
- ECU increases exhaust temperature via:
- Post-injection
- Boost pressure adjustments
- EGR reduction
- DPF temperature rises to ~600–700 °C
- Soot is oxidized into CO₂
- Differential pressure gradually decreases
- ECU monitors:
- Exhaust temperatures
- Soot mass reduction
- Backpressure stability
If regeneration is not performed
- DPF clogging worsens
- Engine may enter limp mode
- Increased fuel consumption
- High exhaust backpressure can damage:
- Turbocharger
- Glow plugs
- Exhaust temperature sensors
- ECU may block regeneration completely if soot exceeds safety limit
After regeneration
- Check soot mass and differential pressure
- Clear stored DPF warnings if necessary
- Perform a short road test to confirm stability
- If soot level remains high:
- DPF may be too clogged
- Forced regeneration may not be sufficient