Dacia Sandero Diesel Particulate Filter DPF

The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) on the Dacia Sandero diesel engine, mainly the 1.5 dCi, traps harmful fine particles from the exhaust gases to reduce pollution. It operates through a filtration cycle where soot accumulates and a regeneration phase, burning the soot at very high temperatures (often above 600°C) to clean the filter automatically.

The DPF is installed on:

• Dacia Sandero II 1.5 dCi with engine code K9K612, produced between 2010/11 and 2012/10, Euro 5 norm with 75 hp / 55 kW.
• Dacia Sandero Stepway 1.5 dCi 68/75 hp versions, featuring an integrated DPF in the exhaust system.

Recent petrol engines (TCe PF) also have a gasoline particulate filter but that does not affect fuel consumption or driving behavior significantly.

DPF regeneration is mostly automatic and triggered under suitable driving conditions, which typically require sustained speed and engine load to reach high exhaust temperatures (above 600°C) necessary to burn off soot. For example:

• Driving at around 110 km/h in 3rd gear at about 4000 rpm for approximately 20 minutes.

Ideal regeneration usually occurs on longer motorway drives. If these conditions aren't met often (e.g., short urban trips), soot can accumulate, causing blockages.

Common signs include:

• Warning lights on the dashboard such as the engine fault light, DPF indicator light, or red multifunction light.
• Reduced engine power or increased fuel consumption due to back pressure.
• Confusion with similar symptoms from the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve, especially on post-2013 models.

Short trips that prevent full regeneration cause soot to build up, leading to these issues.

To maintain a healthy DPF:

• Perform regular long-distance drives on highways at sustained speeds (110 km/h or above) to allow automatic regeneration.
• Use recommended diesel additives designed to assist EGR and DPF cleaning by adding them to the fuel tank when the tank is about one-third full, followed by driving at high revs (around 4000 rpm) for about 20 minutes.
• Request forced regeneration at a garage if necessary, where they use specialised equipment or drive the engine at high revs.

Avoid short trips and frequent stop-start driving that inhibit the regeneration cycle.

If cleaning and regeneration fail to restore DPF function, replacement may be required. Replacement DPFs for the Sandero II 1.5 dCi (K9K612) are available as brand-new parts with full warranty and compliance with Euro 5 standards. Features include:

• New units made from durable stainless steel and high-quality monoliths with advanced coating for performance and longevity.
• Full kit including mounting hardware, guaranteed for 3 years or 100,000 km of use.

Prices vary, especially for the Stepway models; always consult a trusted garage for accurate quotes and fitting services. Note that removing or bypassing the DPF is illegal under current Euro standards.

Yes, DPF warning lights and engine fault indicators can be caused by other components, notably the EGR valve, which recirculates exhaust gases to reduce emissions. Symptoms overlap and may include:

• Engine warning lights on the dashboard.
• Reduced engine performance or rough running.
• Increased soot formation affecting both EGR and DPF.

Proper diagnosis using an OBD scanner or a garage visit is advised to identify the exact issue before replacing any parts.

For accurate diagnostics and solutions, consider these resources:

• Official Dacia service centres or trusted garages with diagnostic OBD tools.
• Technical manuals and user guides specific to your Sandero model.
• Community forums dedicated to Dacia vehicles, where owners share experiences and tips.
• Educational videos on DPF cleaning and maintenance techniques.

Always check engine and emission standards (Euro norm) and engine codes before purchasing replacement parts. Proper maintenance and timely intervention can extend the DPF lifespan and ensure optimal engine performance.

Remember: choosing products certified to meet high standards ensures durability, compliance with regulations, and environmental protection.