Diesel Particulate Filter

Your vehicle has a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) as part of the exhaust system to reduce vehicle emissions. The DPF requires a unique exhaust tailpipe with an exhaust cooler. The exhaust cooler mixes air with the exhaust at the tailpipe. This lowers the exhaust temperature before it leaves the tailpipe.

The DPF, the tailpipe, or other exhaust system components must not be altered. The area where the exhaust cooler connects to the tailpipe should be inspected, especially the area where the fresh air enters the cooler. Make sure the openings are not restricted or plugged with mud or dirt which could inhibit exhaust gas cooling. See "Exhaust System Inspection" under At Least Once a Year .

The DPF will regenerate (self-clean) itself as part of normal operation. The Engine Control Module (ECM) controls this function based on several factors including the amount of fuel consumed, hours of engine operation and miles driven. On average, the DPF will clean itself about once per tank of fuel.

Notice: Use of diesel fuel other than Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (15 ppm sulfur maximum) or engine oil other than low ash CJ-4 oil will cause permanent damage to the DPF and related components. This damage would not be covered by your warranty.

Your DPF equipped vehicle has specific fuel and engine oil requirements. See What Fuel to Use and Engine Oil to make sure you use the required fuel and engine oil.

Caution: During DPF regeneration, the exhaust system and exhaust gases are very hot. Things that burn could touch hot exhaust parts under your vehicle and ignite. You or others could be burned. Do not park near or over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other things that can burn.

If you have a pickup model and the CLEAN EXHAUST FILTER SEE OWNERS MANUAL NOW message appears in the Driver Information Center (DIC), the DPF needs to be cleaned. If you have a van model and the engine exhaust gas filter warning light, CLN EXH FILTER, comes on, the DPF needs to be cleaned. See DIC Warnings and Messages for pickup models, or Engine Exhaust Gas Filter Warning Light for van models.

To clean the filter, drive the vehicle above 30 mph (50 km/h) until the warning light/message goes off. This will take about 20 minutes.

Notice: Extended idle should be avoided because the DPF system is not capable of regenerating at idle. During extended idle, be sure to watch for the DPF warning light/message which could come on to indicate that the DPF is becoming full and needs regeneration. If the light/message comes on, stop the idling and drive the vehicle as described previously to clean the filter. Continued idling with the warning light/message on could cause irreversible damage to the DPF requiring repair and possible replacement that might not be covered by your warranty.

Extended idling in PARK (P) can cause exhaust parts and gases to become very hot. Keep the exhaust area clear of material that could ignite or burn. See Parking Over Things That Burn for more information.

The DPF warning light/message comes on when the DPF is dirty and needs regenerating. You will also notice a change in the exhaust sound and engine idle speed. This is normal.

If you continue to drive with the DPF warning light/message on and the exhaust filter is not cleaned as required, the check engine and reduced engine power warning lights will come on and dealer/retailer service is necessary. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp and Reduced Engine Power Light for more information.

For vehicles with Power Take-Off (PTO), monitor the instrument panel cluster for lights related to the DPF.

All engines consume some amount of engine oil. This is normal. The by-product of combustion of engine oil is ash. The ash will become trapped in the DPF over the life of the vehicle. Eventually, the buildup of ash will restrict the exhaust gases and the DPF will need to be cleaned or replaced.