Dpf (Diesel Particulate Filter) On Astra 1.7 Cdti

[astraman]

Hi i have an astra 61 plate with 4500 miles on it.On the way home from work when i re started the car after a short journey to begin another an amber light came on with code 55 on the cdu as well.In my handbook it said this was my DPF which hadnt regenerated so i took the car for a 10 minute run on the motorway and the light went off.I only do mostly short journeys so was wondering if this was the reason for the light coming on and if so do i have a ongoing problem or is it just a case of giving the car a good run every now and again to clear the filter.I dont know if it matters but the car has recently been serviced whith no problems highlighted.This is the first time the light has come on.
Thanks for any replies

[Hopkirk]

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/fuels-and-environment/diesel-particulate-filters.html

I don't have any personal experience, but it sounds as though this is quite normal.

You will need to occasionally get the engine hot - not a bad idea anyway to keep the oil from getting sludgy and breather pipes clear. All cars benefit from getting up to a good working temperature regularly.

It probably won't happen in warmer weather, and I don't think you could expect a mechanic to have seen any problem coming.

[KJN]

It is a known problem, and you are correct it is caused by short journeys, agree with your suggestion every now and then give it a good clear out as they say on the motorway.

[chas2008]

yep, you have answered your own question...a good blast sorts it out, it needs to get up to a certain temp to burn all the crap out of it.
If you take it to a dealer they will actually attach a Tech2 (diagnostic kit) programe it and walk away ,it then goes through different revs increasing all the time until it sounds like the engine is about to let rip...usually takes about 15mins. But when its done like this you can see the DPF glowing...