Cracked DPF prevention

[14BeetleCJAA]

I just had the DPF replaced under warranty on my 2014 TDI Beetle. I read an article about how not allowing the DPF to cool down for 30 seconds or so after freeway driving, or anything that would cause a rapid decrease in temperature could cause it to crack.

Sometimes I run my vehicle through those automated car washes. Does anyone think or believe the water that is sprayed under the car intended to clean the undercarriage can have a detrimental effect on DPF cracking? Cool water is going to get up in those areas driving in wet weather also, right?

I am just looking for tips on how to avoid another cracked DPF in the future. Next time I may not be fortunate enough to have it covered under warranty.

Thanks for the advice in advance.

 

[AverageAndy]

Obvious way to avoid a cracked DPF is not to have one in the first place

But seriously, since you are in California, you can get an emissions intact tune from KermaTDI or Malone which will increase the interval between regens. This should extend the life of the DPF. I don't think water spray or not allowing the DPF to cool is the reason they crack. More likely it is just a poor design.

Welcome to TDI club!

 

[14BeetleCJAA]

Obvious way to avoid a cracked DPF is not to have one in the first place

But seriously, since you are in California, you can get an emissions intact tune from KermaTDI or Malone which will increase the interval between regens. This should extend the life of the DPF. I don't think water spray or not allowing the DPF to cool is the reason they crack. More likely it is just a poor design.

Welcome to TDI club!

Thank you for the “welcome”. Yeah there’s just a lot of conflicting information out there regarding these vehicles.

 

[turbodieseldyke]

Obvious way to avoid a cracked DPF is not to have one in the first place

I was going to say "it won't crack while stored in your attic/garage". I spoke to a Ca. guy recently who deleted his, and plans to undelete/re-delete untune/retune every 2 years. Sounds fun.

 

[oilhammer]

It is a crap design. A change in software could possibly lessen the chance of it, but these were doing this BEFORE the whole Dieselgate "fix" nonsense, so even tuning it back to the "OMG ILLEGAL DIRTY" 50+ MPG software won't totally eliminate the problem. But an aftermarket "lean burn" version could possibly do it. Something that shuts down BOTH the EGRs, goes to a low fueling mode, that in conjunction with one another should in theory lessen the soot loading on the DPF, which would certainly lessen the regen counts.

 

[14BeetleCJAA]

I was going to say "it won't crack while stored in your attic/garage". I spoke to a Ca. guy recently who deleted his, and plans to undelete/re-delete untune/retune every 2 years. Sounds fun.

Wow, that’s some dedication. Personally I don’t have the time or the “want” to do that. I figure when a crucial emissions component fails after it’s out of warranty, I’ll decide if I want to repair it, or gift it to one of my kid cousins who lives in Nevada.

 

[MGCJM]

My 2015 passat is at the dealer for this same issue - but they have YET to confirm it is convered under the warranty. first they want to fix the jammed v428air distrition flap moter that is impacting my AC - and they want $3K for that repair. I will send an update tommorrow when the service desk is open .

Can you tell me how difficult or how long of a repair job to seal up the hose under the hood that has the AD BLUE leaking all over it? or demand?

 

[oilhammer]

Your 2015 is not having the same issue, because it doesn't have the same parts as the CJAA engine (the subject of this thread) does. Its CVCA engine shares no parts with the CJAA.

The leaking DEF injector line is covered under the warranty, assuming you've not yet miled out of it.

 

[14BeetleCJAA]

How detrimental is shutting off the engine during regen? It has happened before. I’ll pull in my driveway not knowing that the car may be in regen, I’ll shut her down get out and then notice the cooling fans running. Should I jump back in and restart until the fans “go off”, or just deal with it? I’ve read about some of the indicators of regen, scent, decreased fuel economy, idle speed, etc. But to be completely honest, with the windows rolled up when I pull in my driveway I have no idea how to tell if it could be in regen without physically getting out and checking for the cooling fans running. Any advice, suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. This vehicle has treated me great this first 100k, and I’d like to keep it that way for the next 100k. Thanks in advance.

 

[turbodieseldyke]

I can't imagine the regen is very effective at idle. If i was to let it run, it would be for fear of the fans draining the battery.

 

[14BeetleCJAA]

I can't imagine the regen is very effective at idle. If i was to let it run, it would be for fear of the fans draining the battery.

Mainly concerned about interrupting the regeneration cooling process for the DPF. Trying to avoid another cracked DPF.

 

[Nuje]

Yeah - I wouldn't sit at idle and let it complete the regen, but instead, drive around a little while longer. Easy way to tell if a regen is in progress is to look at the tachometer at idle. Normal is around 900rpm; during regen it'll be a little over 1000rpm.