DPF Doctor Updates
Every recent post from the DPF Doctor Facebook page — DPF cleaning, regeneration jobs, forensic diagnostics, and customer cases. Updated live from our page.

If a VW Golf 6 has a DPF light, there is a 2nd issue causing the DPF to clog / not regen or not regen properly. In this case, it was an improperly connected exhaust gas temperature sensor. Problem solved.
14 May 2025View on Facebook
VW Tiguan in for a regen, Car came in with the DPF clogged with some very high soot readings, client stated that other garages suggested removing the DPF for cleaning or deleting the DPF all together. This particular engine variant has near 0 issues with the DPF unless there is another hardware issue, but they are known to be a bit of a pain to get a regen going when they are heavily clogged. + actually taking the DPF out to clean without tackling and sorting out the original issues would not solve the DPF problem and the DPF will clog again within a few hundred km. 1. Diagnostics connected and scanned for faults. 2. Engine running data collected and analysed. 3. Issues which actually blocked the DPF tackled and sorted. 4. DPF regeneration done while driving to avoid excessive stress on the engine. The only way to proper a DPF clogged issue is to tackle all relevant issues, in 90% of the cases the DPF does not need to be taken out of the car to be cleaned, and cleaning the DPF is very rarley actually required.
13 Nov 2024View on Facebook
Nissan Juke in for a Regen, 1. Full diagnostic test to find / solve faults related and unrelated to the DPF. 2. Replaced failed parts that inhibit DPF Regen. 3. DPF Regeneration performed while driving as this gives improved control over exhaust temperatures and greatly reduces unneccesary stress on the engine. A proper DPF service must include a proper diagnostic test as this will uncover the reasons the DPF actually clogged in the first place. Just taking the DPF out and cleaning/ washing it does not tackle the original issue, while it is very easy to physically damage the DPF.
18 Jun 2024View on Facebook
When I finally remember that I have to take photos and post. 🤦♂️ Audi A1 in for a regen. The 1.6l TDI often have issues with the DPF lights coming on, in 99% of the cases ghe DPF is fine and not clogged, the issue arises from the car being driven short trips with no longer drives which allow the DPF to regenerate properly. DPF adaptations sorted, forced regen while driving done and marked as succsessful by the ecu and rhe car’s ready to go back to it’s owner.
05 Mar 2024View on Facebook
2020 Ford Transit Courier. There is always a reason for a DPF to clog, this is a perfect example that a proper diagnosis test has to be carried out before a regen or DPF cleaning, and just taking out the DPF to be cleaned would have been. Total waste of valuable time and money. Van came to us with a clogged DPF, no power, lights on the dash and “strange” noises. A quick test drive and diagnostic test revealed a sever boost leak where a boost pipe had a 50mm tear in it. Boost pipe replaced, ECU reset and for ed regen done without further issues.
25 Sept 2023View on Facebook
Mercedes W205 C220cdi. Car came in with a clogged DPF and refusing to enable the regeneration cycle, both automatic and forced. All parameters checked and verified to be within specification, so there is no reason why this car should be having such issues. Further investigation found that the ECU software had been modified causing the regen cycle to be blocked. Car updated to the latest original firmware and properly tuned, forced regen enabled and car did it’s first regen in months.
22 Feb 2023View on Facebook
Another Qashqai in…. With a badly clogged DPF. And out… With a clean DPF.
02 Nov 2022View on Facebook
With well of 200mb DPF Back Pressure, TerraClean to the rescue…….
19 Oct 2022View on Facebook
When the DPF’s blocked enough that the engine cannot run. TerraClean to the rescue…..
10 Oct 2022View on Facebook
DPF Regeneration on a Renault Captur. Bad glow plugs, bust boost pipes, oil dilution are some of the reasons the DPF blocks on these.
29 Sept 2022View on Facebook
VW Golf VI 1.6l tdi (CAYB/CAYC engine codes. These often show 3 dash lights: DPF, COILS LIGHT & CHECK ENGINE. This is due to a DPF fault, BUT in 99.9% of the cases the DPF is not actually clogged. The issue is brought about by the way the vehicle is driven AND the way the ECU calculates the soot mass in the ECU. Taking the DPF out and cleaning it is useless (and a waste of money) as the DPF won’t actually be clogged. A simple regeneration is enough to get these back to normal.
01 Sept 2022View on Facebook
DPF regeneration on a Golf 6 after replacing a failed exhaust pressure difference sensor. The exhaust differential pressure sensor is the data source that the ecu uses to asses DPF clogging. Once this sensor fails to read (constant 0 mb at any rpm) the ECU no longer knows the DPF’s condition and shows the engine check on the dash. Nee sensor installed and adapted, DPF forced regen done and car’s back to normal.
11 Aug 2022View on Facebook
Nissan Qashqai in with a clogged DPF. Standard outline Procedure: 1. ➡️ Check faults list. 2. ➡️ Check live data related to faults and other key data. 3. ➡️ Rectify any other underlying issues. 4. ➡️ Start the regeneration procedure. 5. ➡️ Run a 2nd diagnostic check to make sure there are no new faults and check li e data to make sure parameters are within specification. In many cases the DPF clogs (or fails to regenerate) because there is another issue causing the engine to smoke excessively or not allow the ecu to initiate the automatic regeneration procedure. Cleaning a DPF without finding and solving the underlying issues is a waste of time. Only a proper diagnostic test, with the right tools and knowledge will properly solve the issue.
25 Jul 2022View on Facebook
DPF Regeneration on a Land Rover Discovery Sport 2.0l. ➡️ No need to rev the engine to bits ➡️ The absolute majority of Clogged DPFs do not need to be taken out to be cleaned. ➡️ We don’t just tackle the clogged DPF, we run a full diagnostic test to get to the root of the issue.
11 Jul 2022View on Facebook
Letting TerraClean’s DPF cleaning fluid do it’s job.
21 Mar 2022View on Facebook
I would like to wish you a Merry Xmas and. Happy New Year. Please note that I will be completely unavailable between 24/12 and 2/01, both days included and my mobile will be off line.
24 Dec 2021View on Facebook
NOTICE!!!!! Drilling an 8mm hole in the catalytic converter DOES NOT solve your DPF issue, it only makes them worse… 🤦♂️ This hole damaged the structure of the cat too which will cause the cat to bread down / disintegrate, further clogging the DPF . Unfortunately this DPF is only suitable for the rubbish tip.
23 Dec 2021View on Facebook
DPF Cleaning and regeneration on a badly clogged Nissan Note
09 Dec 2021View on Facebook
Ford Connect in for DPF cleaning. This low milage Ford Connect came in with a very badly clogged DPF with 300mb of exhaust back pressure. DPF cleaned using TerraClean’s DPF cleaning system, then a forced regen was done to finish the cleaning off and balance ecu parameters.
09 Nov 2021View on Facebook
Good Morning. Peugeot 5008 1.6l hdi DPF clean in progress.
17 Jun 2021View on Facebook
The aftermath of cleaning a severely blocked BMW DPF. The DPF was blocked to the point that exhaust burst through a weak spot in the exhaust pipe. TerraClean’s spectacular DPF cleaning fluid used to clean the DPF. Other issues that caused the DPF to block in the first place rectified and car delivered back to the client with a clean bill of health.
05 Jun 2021View on Facebook
Range Rover Evoque 2.0 tdci in for a DPF Regeneration.
02 Feb 2021View on Facebook
BMW 120D DPF Regeneration after the issues that were not allowing the DPF to regenerate were solved. Most DPFs become clogged because of other hardware issues, so taking a DPF out to be cleaned without solving the other issues is useless.
11 Dec 2020View on Facebook
Ford Transit in with a severely clogged DPF. DPF was cleaned using TerraClean’s brilliant DPF cleaning fluids and tools. Van came in with 300+mb exh back pressure at idle and 800+mb at only 1500rpm. The van was delivered back to the customer with 3mb at idle and 105mb at 4000rpm. ➡️ Unlike most cleaning methods, TerraClean’s DPF cleaner does NOT harm the DPF. ➡️ We run a full diagnostic check on the vehicle to find out what caused the DPF to clog in the first place, other hardware issues and operator error are common causes. ➡️ We do NOT need to remove the DPF to clean it, our tools work with the DPF in place, this saves both time and Money. ➡️ We have been working on DPFs for 10 years in Malta, and have unrivalled experience in the field.
12 Nov 2020View on Facebook
This car came to us after a “specialist” was not able to solve the problem, with him recommending that the DPF be removed. This guy took the dpf out and “cleaned” it but car remained in limp mode. Fault list is pretty clear on this, live data confirmed that the DPF differential pressure sensor was shorted giving a fixed reading of 998mb. New DPF Differential pressure sensor, regeneration (cause the DPF was actually still clogged after the “cleaning”) and the car’s back at it’s owner running like clockwork.
05 Nov 2020View on FacebookView on Facebook
04 Nov 2020View on Facebook
Peugeot 308 1.6l hdi DPF cleaning. The DPF was severly clogged due to other hardware issues which preventing the ECU from initiating a regeneration. Other issues tackled (solved) and DPF cleaned using TerraClean’s excellent DPF cleaning solution.
16 Sept 2020View on Facebook
This is what happens when the incorrect fluids are used to clean a DPF. This is only good for the landfill...
15 Jun 2020View on Facebook
Spot the problem.... Van came in with lack of power, faults on airflow and heavy smoke... If all cars were this easy to diagnose, I’d be out of a job.. 🤣🤣
09 Jun 2020View on Facebook
DPF Regeneration on a 2013 Mercedes E220cdi. Each car booked for and DPF work gets a full health check which in many cases uncovers underlying issues which actually cause the DPF issues themselves. This way we unblock the DPF but also solve the issues which causes the DPF to block in the first place. In this case, a lengthy discussion with the owner uncovered a user error which was causing the DPF to not regenerate.
07 May 2020View on Facebook
I am still open to serve you, but I have put some restrictions in place to better protect myself and my clients. I am working behind closed doors and will not allow clients to enter the workshop. Clients will not be allowed to wait for their vehicles. Cars with dirty interiors will not be worked on and will be turned away. All cars will have control surfaces disinfected.
20 Mar 2020View on Facebook
DPF Regeneration on a Renault Clio. There is no need to drive fast or rev the car’s nuts off. Photos clearly show this. Contact us if you’re having issues with the DPF on you car.
10 Mar 2020View on Facebook
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24 Dec 2019View on Facebook
Bit smokey this morning. This Alfa Guilietta came in with a lack of power. A Diagnostic test uncovered faults on the DPF being overloaded, further testing uncovered a large boost leak which would cause the DPF to clog. Boost leak sorted. DPF cleaned with out TerraClean DPF cleaner. Forced Regeneration done. Car’s now ready to be delivered back to the client running as it should.
19 Dec 2019View on Facebook
This is one of many ways in which a DPF fails. The DPF is literally crumbling and falling apart. No amount of cleaning, chemicals, treatments or witchcraft will save this DPF. This car needs a replacement.
05 Dec 2019View on Facebook
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24 Oct 2019View on Facebook
One of the few advantages of spending big €€€ on too many diagnostic tools ....... Running multiple regenerations at the same time.
12 Oct 2019View on Facebook
Good Morning!!! Yet another Qashqai coming in on a tow truck with the DPF so severely blocked that it would not start.. This will be back on the road, running like clockwork for lunch!!!
27 Sept 2019View on Facebook
That is the sound of a severely blocked DPF. The exhaust temperature sensor had to be removed from before the DPF just to get the car to start!!!
23 Aug 2019View on Facebook
Yet another DPF saved using our TerraClean DPF cleaning tool. This Qashqai has ben having problems since day 1, even with under 30,000 km on the clock. DPF was cleaned using our @Terraclean DPF cleaner followed by a DPF regeneration. Client was also given a number of pointers on how to better care for the DPF. We don’t only clean DPFs but we offer the full service to minimise the chance of further problems. Many times the car’s DPF is not the source of the problem but the victim of another hardware issue, proper diagnostic procedures and an in depth knowledge of how these systems work ensure the best possible results.
02 Aug 2019View on Facebook
BMW X3 DPF CLEANING
14 Jun 2019View on Facebook
Fixing someone else’s mess!!! This car has spent the best part of a month at another garage for a simple dpf regeneration, which garage has failed miserably. Client came back to us to solve the issue, which we did in 25 minutes flat! Without the need for any witchcraft, magic, remaps, programming or coding interventions!!!🤣🤣
04 Jun 2019View on Facebook
Opel Mokka 1.7 CDTI. This Opel came in with a very badly blocked DPF with over 1.2bar (120+kpa) exhaust back pressure on idle. I'm actually surprised that the engine was still running. ECU also had other faults relating to Oil quality, injectors and EGR. DPF was cleaned using TerraClean systems and forced regeneration was also performed. Exhaust back pressure is not <10mb on idle(<1kpa). Will be seeing this car again in 2 weeks to see if other faults were just saved in the ECU or current issues which would need repairing. We don't just clean DPFs, but we do a complete diagnostic service to ensure we find the reason why the DPF is actually clogging and solve all issues properly to ensure that cars we work on do not have recurring issues.
28 May 2019View on Facebook
Car came in with recurring DPF issues. With the DPF having been cleaned numerous times by another garage. Our initial diagnostic test showed an unrealistic reading for exhaust temperature (0deg Celsius). Temp sensor was tested and found to be good, so wiring was tested where I found an open circuit on one of the temp sensor wires. Further inspection in the same area showed quite a bit more damage to the harness. Harness opened, damage found and repaired. Now with original issues solved the DPF can be cleaned and regeneration do e properly. Most DPF problems are a result of an other hardware fault, our initial diagnostic test and fault finding session helps diagnose and solve the root cause.
21 May 2019View on Facebook
Opel (Vauxhall) Astra H came in on a tow truck with DPF so clogged it would not even start. DPF clean with our TerraClean DPF cleaner and subsequent regeneration got the car running as it should. Some other mechanical issues which caused the DPF to clog in the first place also sorted.
16 May 2019View on Facebook
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25 Apr 2019View on Facebook
BMW X3 2.0l d in for a DPF clean. With over 200mb on idle this DPF would normally need to be replaced. An overnight soak in our TerraClean DPF cleaner + our normal cleaning + regeneration routine and this car’s ready to be delivered to the client with only 2mb exhaust back pressure on idle. Call us on 79474458 if you’re car’s DPF is being a pain...
12 Apr 2019View on FacebookView on Facebook
11 Apr 2019View on Facebook
1500mb and the engine will not run for more than a few seconds. DPF will soak overnight in our TerraClean DPF CLEANER to start unclogging it. More updates tomorrow.
02 Apr 2019View on Facebook
Contrary to popular beleif, You don’t need to rev the engines nuts off to do a DPF regeneration. Slow and steady always wins the race!!!
27 Mar 2019View on Facebook
Ready when your vehicle is.
Whether it's a Stage 1 remap, a stubborn DPF, an ECU refusing to wake up or a faded instrument cluster — drop us a line and we'll tell you exactly what's involved.
