Saab 9-5 Diesel Particulate Filter DPF 2 (Ii) (2009-2011)

The DPF is an anti-pollution device located in the exhaust system of the Saab 9-5 2 diesel models. It is placed after the catalytic converter and before the muffler. Its main function is to trap soot particles from the exhaust gases, filtering up to 99% of these particulates to reduce pollution.

The DPF body is made from ceramic honeycomb with approximately 50 microscopic channels per cm². Exhaust gases pass through this filter, where soot particles get trapped on the walls. Over time, these particles accumulate, increasing backpressure and possibly causing engine power loss if not properly managed.

The Saab 9-5 2 uses several regeneration types to clean the DPF:

• Passive Regeneration: Occurs continuously during highway driving at around 3000 rpm with exhaust temperatures between 350°C and 500°C, burning soot without engine control intervention.
• Active Regeneration: Triggered by the engine control unit when soot load exceeds approximately 18 grams, raising exhaust temperatures to around 620°C through modified air intake and post-injections to burn particles.
• Kilometric Regeneration: A safety process that activates after 750 to 1000 km without regeneration to avoid clogging, regardless of soot level.
• Manual Regeneration: Performed in workshops using diagnostic tools, recommended preventively every 15,000 km to avoid excessive clogging.

Proper regeneration is essential to maintain engine performance and control emissions.

The DPF system uses a differential pressure sensor to measure the pressure difference between the exhaust gases entering and exiting the DPF. This information allows the engine control unit to determine soot accumulation levels and manage the regeneration process effectively by controlling fuel injection and air management.

The following Saab 9-5 2 diesel engines commonly feature DPF 2 systems:

• 2.0 TID 160 hp
• 2.0 CDTI 160 hp / 118 kW (2010 - 2011)
• 2.0 CDTi 160 hp (A20DTH engine from 2010 onward)
• 2.0 TTID 190 hp

A clogged or defective DPF in the Saab 9-5 2 can cause:

• Increased fuel consumption
• Loss of engine power
• Warning codes and DPF display messages
• Possible engine and exhaust system issues due to excessive backpressure

Addressing DPF issues promptly with proper regeneration or cleaning is important to maintain your car's performance and emission compliance.

Yes, urban driving with frequent short trips can result in insufficient exhaust temperatures for passive regeneration. This situation triggers active or forced regeneration modes managed by the engine control unit. To facilitate DPF cleaning, it is often recommended to drive for around 10 minutes at about 3000 rpm to raise gas temperatures above the minimum threshold of 580°C needed for efficient regeneration.

Besides regular regeneration, maintenance options include:

• Manual regeneration in workshops using diagnostic tools every 15,000 km as a preventive measure
• Hydrogen treatment cleaning without removing the DPF, which is quick and non-invasive
• Use of diesel additives that reduce soot combustion temperature by 100 degrees, helping regeneration even at lower engine loads

Following recommended maintenance and observing any DPF-related display messages will help ensure optimal function and extend the DPF's service life in your Saab 9-5 2 diesel.

For reference or replacement, always use high-quality DPFs certified to meet or exceed Saab's specifications and European regulations.