Join the community and post your question. Use our Ask-A-Tech for free now! ASE experts standing by.

Forum > Emissions Component > Question

Dodge Ram 2500 Cleaning Diesel Particulate Filter

I live 1 hr away from a freeway. It seems I drive to slow to clean out the diesel particulate filter on my Dodge Ram. The smog technician told me I must drive at freeway speeds for 30 minutes to clear it out. Is this a problem with all diesel engines?
Answer:

Your Dodge Ram is designed to burn off (clean) the diesel particulates which accumulate in the diesel particulate filter by elevating exhaust temperatures through the use of a catalyst. Cleaning must be done to avoid damaging the diesel particular filter (DPF) and also to reduce black smoke. The cleaning process only occurs at higher road speeds (such as freeway speeds). High speed is required to clean out the diesel particulate filter. If your Dodge Ram is driven exclusively at low speeds and in urban traffic it will require periodic trips at higher speeds to clean out the DPF. If you wait to too long to operate your Dodge Ram above 40 miles per hour, the DPF may not clean properly, and continued operation past that point may damage the DPF completely and it will require replacement. posted by SmogTips Support

Related questions and answers you might find useful:

How Do I Get a Smog Check Waiver? by Margaret

Do I Need a Smog Check This Year? by Joy

Mini Cooper DMV Registration Due in 5 Day Won't Pass Smog by anne

2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with K&N Air Filter by David

1995 BMW M3 Gross Polluter High HC & NO @ 15MPH by Jared

View SmogTips.com in: Desktop / Mobile