Getting A DPF Warning On Your BS6 Innova Or Fortuner: Toyota Explains What You Need To Do!
With stringent emission norms in place, all vehicle manufacturers in the country were forced to make changes to their diesel and petrol engines. The BS6 engines, which we currently have in the market, use DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) to reduce the emissions generated from diesel engines. However, we have come across several instances where diesel SUV owners have raised complaints about the DPF choking and affecting the vehicle's performance. Toyota has now come forward with a video that shows what to do if a DPF warning comes up on your diesel BS6 Innova or Fortuner.
The video has been shared by Toyota India on their YouTube channel. At times, people who buy such cars are not educated about this feature. They often find themselves in trouble after they see the notification on the MID.
This warning comes up when carbon particles accumulate in your vehicle’s DPF system. If you are a person who drives the vehicle on highways for long drives often, this system regenerates automatically. However, that is not the case if you use the car inside the city or drive it at low speeds constantly. The regeneration process doesn’t complete in such cases, and this triggers the warning.
Depending on the level of carbon deposit in the system, the resolution differs. There is a dedicated DPF switch on the right side of the steering wheel in Toyota vehicles. When you press it, the MID will show the level of carbon deposit.
If the lines displayed on the MID are 6 or fewer, then the system will try auto regeneration when you drive the car at highway speeds. Drive the car for 20–30 minutes on the highway, and the regeneration process will complete automatically. If the lines displayed on the MID are between 7 and 9, then you will have to go with manual regeneration.
Manual Regeneration
For manual regeneration, park your car in an open space with no flammable objects nearby. Keep the engine running and ensure that your vehicle is in Neutral or Park mode. Engage the parking brake and press the DPF switch for the regeneration to start.
This process may take around 30–40 minutes. During this time, ensure that you do not press the accelerator, as it would stop the regeneration process. You would also notice that the engine RPM will go up when the regeneration is in progress. If you press the accelerator, you will have to restart the process.
You will also notice white smoke coming out from the exhaust while the regeneration is in progress. Toyota ensures that this is normal and not a vehicle malfunction. Once the DPF warning clears, the engine RPM will settle down, and you can drive your car as usual.
If all 10 lines are displayed on the DPF screen, then it is advised to take the vehicle to the nearest Toyota service station for an immediate inspection.
In such cases, the technician at the service center will clean the DPF using specialized tools and techniques. If the DPF full warning remains even after manual regeneration, you should drive the car to the dealership or service center for a detailed inspection.