Diesel Particulate Filter Problems on 2010 Jetta TDI

[David C]

Hello everyone, I’m new to the forum and unfortunately have a post that is not a happy one. (I’m completely upset.) If it seems like too much of a rant, please allow me to apologize ahead of time. I am in fact looking for some helpful information…

As of this summer, my Malfunction Indicator Lamp (“check engine” light?) was going on (maybe a day or so), then off. Maybe two months later, it would happen again. Didn’t do anything at the time, didn't bring it in to get checked out (and that turned out to be a huge mistake on my part!)

This past week, I had an incident in which the signal for the Diesel Particulate Filter came on. Maybe a half hour later, the signal for the Glow Plug System started blinking. After driving home, the next morning the lights went off. It was cold (maybe 0 degrees the night before, and this was the first issue I had with these two warning lights, so I was hoping that had something to do with it).

Then, three nights later, same thing (in 0 degree weather), both lights went on again. The Glow Plug System light blinking.

I contacted my guy at a local shop and he ran the codes on the car’s computer. He got “P2543,” “P2459,” and “P2463.” He said these cars have real complexities with regards to the diesel exhaust systems, and he didn’t want to touch it. He said to bring it to a VW dealer.

I contacted VW corporate customer care, and they told me that there exists a government mandate to fix all diesel exhaust systems up to 8 years/ 80000k miles. Low and behold, my car has 81,335 miles!! (Hello, planned obsolescence anyone?!)

Absolutely desolate feelings I’m experiencing at the moment. I have $17,500 left on my loan for the car, and the blue book value is not even $10,000. And now, I need to possibly pump two grand into the car to fix a diesel exhaust issue that many people on the Internet claim doesn’t always get fixed?

I called the VW corporate customer care line twice yesterday, and contacted three dealerships. They all sang the same tune…. Nothing anyone can do.

I’ve taken great care of this car: change the oil every 5k, take care of maintenance when needed. I don't drive it like a lunatic. I’m kicking myself for not getting it checked out sooner. But hindsight is 20/20. How in the world is Volkswagen getting away with selling cars and not having some kind of an extended warranty on this diesel exhaust issue? It seems like there should be some kind of a recall or something?!

My disposition yesterday was “bugging out,” today it’s forlorn. If anyone has any info that might set my mind at ease, you people would be a godsend.

Cheers,
David

 

[atl630]

Sorry to hear about your troubles.. As you stated you should have addressed the MIL when it first came on - I think under certain circumstances the DPF won't regenerate with it on.

You could consider a DPF delete but you will have a hard time passing emission testing in NJ. I would find a guru and get it fixed.

Did you buy the car used? I am wondering how you owe so much on a 4/5 year old car

 

[David C]

Thanks for the info. It was certified preowned (with 17000k miles). I put these miles on the car in the last three years. My loan is just a longterm, six year... so unfortunately that gap is widening quickly! (Partly my concern.)

Would I be better off dumping this car instead of paying the 2K on the diesel exhaust system?

 

[mishkaya]

Would I be better off dumping this car instead of paying the 2K on the diesel exhaust system?

Depends on how you like the car. You can find used exhaust systems for sale here and on other forums from those who have deleted theirs. That would be a less expensive route, if that would work.
Personally, I like the car enough that I am willing to deal with the pitfalls. As far as I am concerned there aren't many other vehicles out there that are wagons with a manual transmission, which are prerequisites for me.

 

[meerschm]

The first thing you need is a proper diagnosis of what the problem is, and an estimate to repair.

You say you called corporate, but not that you have had the car looked at by someone who knows what they are doing with a VW TDI.

on the bright side, if you get it fixed, it is likely to last till you pay it off.

Don't think about the delete, unless you want to break federal and state law and take pains not to get caught.

You drive enough I would go with a new replacement part, and next time not ignore a malfunction indicator of any kind.

on the bright side, you can safely change the oil at 10,000 miles, so you can save part of the cost of the fix over the next three years.

 

[supton]

I think you are stuck. No one is going to give to you a "good" price to fix your situation; if you were to repair you might get that $10k--but with a bad exhaust I suspect you'll get less than $8k on a "broken" car with known issues.

You could look into trade-in value, work with a dealership; but I don't think that will save money over the long run. Might be the easiest/fastest way to fix the situation, but not cheapest.

I'd find a local TDI guru and get the diagnosis confirmed. And I'd do 10k OCI's. Although I'm not sure what oil you are using...?

On the good side, although you've reduced the value of the car, it was you who did it, not some schmuck who didn't take care of it. The car likely has more value to you than to anyone else. Which may soften the blow. A bit.

 

[Lightflyer1]

Our trusted mechanics list is in my signature below. Get it to one of those people and have them look it over.

P2543 Low Pressure Fuel Sensor
http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/18975/P2543

P2459 Diesel Particulate Filter: Regeneration Frequency
http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/009305/P2459

P2463 Diesel Particulate Filter: Excessive Soot Accumulation
http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/18895/P2463/009315

Stop driving it around now. The more you do the more soot will clog it up. You may be able to find someone with VCDS and do an emergency regeneration and recover from this. Depends on how much soot is built up. There are a few here who have recovered from this. Too much soot can cause a fire situation so you must choose carefully.

http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/Diesel_Particle_Filter_Emergency_Regeneration

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=334071&highlight=emergency+regen

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=395726&highlight=emergency+regen

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=334430&highlight=emergency+regen

 

[tdi54]

I had similar issue with DPF in my case it was at 79K and i started noticing soot in the exhaust. Since no warning lights or check engine light were on, I ignored the black soot issue. Until I hit about 82K the check engine light came on. I immediately took it to the dealer, the diagnosis was cracked DPF. After negotiating with the VW, they agreed to pay 1/2 repair. Out of pocket cost was 1350 Dollars. I say talk to VW again they should at least cover some of your expenses.

 

[fossill]

EGR and DPF delete and tune is the way to go but is gonna cost a lot too but at least it's fixed for good along with a significant mpg increase. Unfortunately if your stuck in a place with emissions testing, go to a junk yard, buy a used exhaust and unload the car asap. Or register it out of jurisdiction.

 

[Lightflyer1]

Whatever happens with this car, think on the next one the situation you are in being upside down on the car. It puts you in the situation you are in now. Expensive to get out of and expensive to stay in. Don't buy a car you can't pay off in 3 years or less.

My only suggestion at this point, failing to get VW to pay at least something, is to find one of our trusted mechanics. They should be able to diagnose and repair what is needed for a reasonable cost.

 

[wheelnut1]

You don't say what oil you have been using but you must use low SAPS (sulphated ash, phosphorous, sulphur) oil otherwise you can quickly block the DPF.

 

[El Dobro]

You would think with just a little more than 1300 miles over the warranty, VW would do a little goodwill.

 

[hughesjasonk]

How about you take the dpf off and send it off to be baked and blown out? There's companies out there that will do it for a few hundres dollars.

 

[Herm TDI]

The least expensive repair option for you:
Get a Malone tune and delete the DPF & EGR.
Once you have the "tune", then the DPF can be removed and thrown away.
There are kits available to do this "modification".
Its more expensive if you have an automatic transmission and you wanted a performance tune.

 

[kooyajerms]

I don't drive it like a lunatic

You may want to change this.

 

[oilhammer]

Just some advice:

Drive it harder.

Don't ignore the MIL

Don't change the oil twice as often as necessary.

Try and get it paid off quicker.

Beyond that, not much to say, other than be thankful you do not have a 2009.

 

[mrrhtuner]

I just wanted to say....welcome to Volkswagen Ownership. I don't think there was a year pre-2003 that wasn't plagued with some kind of headache issues.

 

[oilhammer]

All cars have some issues, some more than others, and some have little to no tolerance for anything besides perfect care.

I really don't think needing a DPF on a 2010 is the end of the world.

 

[mrrhtuner]

All cars have some issues, some more than others, and some have little to no tolerance for anything besides perfect care.
I really don't think needing a DPF on a 2010 is the end of the world.

I agree, but it seems that Volkswagen has many...many issues. Maybe it's because I live in the VW world I can see them...I'm sure if I went over to other forums for other makes I would see their headaches. It's just with Volkswagen, it's a large issue or a larger issue.

The DPF issue isn't the end of the world...but for some it's a very expensive repair.

Are these DPF/clean diesel issues common in Europe since it seems that they were in play for much longer then here. I'm curious, not being sarcastic.

 

[oilhammer]

All modern "clean diesels" have emission components weaknesses. However, the DPF on the CBEA and CJAA engines in particular does have a problem with internal cracking, causing premature replacement necessary, there is even a TSB about it.

VAG really had to jump through a lot of EPA hoops to even get these cars certified for sale here, so the standards in other countries may mean the components last longer. For instance, only the US and Canada have the low pressure EGR prefilter catalyst pipe.

The only other car for sale here that has to meet these same requirements is the Cruze diesel, and these have sold in such abysmal small numbers and are so rare that I've not heard much long term data about them one way or the other.

Trucks, vans, even 1/2 tons and SUVs like Grand Cherokees, etc. do not have to meet as stringent of emissions compliance.

I see most all the problems with these cars, too. However I don't think they are all bad, just have a potential to be. Which is why it is so important to not add insult to injury by neglecting anything on the car.

 

[ekkoh99]

i have a 09 JSW. I had some codes that indicated a "cracked DPF" and of course i was out of warranty. The dealer fixed my turbo actuator rod and i told them I will think about doing the expensive repair. When I got the car back, no more codes and that was 6000 miles ago. Im keeping my fingers crossed but Im not optimistic. I stopped using Illinois B5 to 20

 

[mrrhtuner]

Great post Oilhammer...thank you!

 

[pc15]

I have a 2009 Jetta TDI, 240,000 kms. The DPF filter warning light just came on, along with check engine light and flashing glow plug light. Am advised by the VW dealer, that a complete replacement of the DPF system is required, including multiple parts. Repair cost is $5000 for parts and up to $2000 for labour. Is this VW passing along the emissions fiasco to the owner?

The dealer also notes that owners are expected to periodically purge the DPF by driving 80 kms/hour for 80 kms, to help purge this system. Unfortunately, this is news to me and was not done on a regular basis. Is this a familiar recommendation?

 

[jetlagmech]

I have a 2009 Jetta TDI, 240,000 kms. The DPF filter warning light just came on, along with check engine light and flashing glow plug light. Am advised by the VW dealer, that a complete replacement of the DPF system is required, including multiple parts. Repair cost is $5000 for parts and up to $2000 for labour. Is this VW passing along the emissions fiasco to the owner?

The dealer also notes that owners are expected to periodically purge the DPF by driving 80 kms/hour for 80 kms, to help purge this system. Unfortunately, this is news to me and was not done on a regular basis. Is this a familiar recommendation?

these cars do best with being driven on highway trips often. You can force a regen by driving steady at a certain RPM for a certain amount of time but that is not whats wrong with your car. sounds like your DPF is cracked. It has been common for the DPF's to crack and it may have nothing to do with your driving style.

with the emissions stuff going on now the answers are different than what is being said in this thread from last year.

If this were my car I would wait now until VW announces a fix on the emissions scandal. They may pay for your system to be updated.

 

[meerschm]

I have a 2009 Jetta TDI, 240,000 kms. The DPF filter warning light just came on, along with check engine light and flashing glow plug light. Am advised by the VW dealer, that a complete replacement of the DPF system is required, including multiple parts. Repair cost is $5000 for parts and up to $2000 for labour. Is this VW passing along the emissions fiasco to the owner?

The dealer also notes that owners are expected to periodically purge the DPF by driving 80 kms/hour for 80 kms, to help purge this system. Unfortunately, this is news to me and was not done on a regular basis. Is this a familiar recommendation?

If the DPF lamp came on by itself, it means drive the car in specified conditions to enable a DPF regeneration. this is not 80kms at 80 km/hr

if you put 150k miles on the car without any issues, the problem is not likely from the way you drive the car.



I want to guess that everything (all the lights) coming on at once may indicate a sensor issue instead, that may be lying to the computer (and to your dealer service tech.)

really need a list of specific codes and readings to validate what your local dealer has said.

there are also cheaper ways to fix the problem, both to restore as designed and built emissions treatment, and illegal alternatives.

The current hoo ha about the emissions cheat has to do with NOX emissions, not soot, (aka particulates) which is treated by the DPF.

 

[meerschm]

first step is to get a real read of the specific errors logged,

based on that, additional computer testing will likely add more info.

I surely would want more info and second opinions before dropping that kind of money on your car.

there is a tie to the current emissions cheat situation. we suspect the "fix" may include replacement of the NOX cat, which for the 2009 model year is attached to the DPF.

it also may be they just offer you a good deal on the car to make up for past sins.

do you have to get an inspection sticker for emissions any time soon?

 

[redbarron55]

As a 2009 JSW owner with a replaced DPF etc. I feel so fortunate to own one. (245,000 miles)
My wife liked it so much we bough a 2103 JSW.
I thought that although is can have expensive maintenance problems it is a nice car.
A little more $$$$ than I would like.
Now what is VW going to do about it's problems?

 

[SkipCycle]

I'm not in the habit of opening up old threads, but since my DPF light went on last week, I thought I would share my experience for the benefit of others who might search this. 70,000 miles. All I ended up doing was getting on the interstate and put it in fifth gear and drove at 60 miles an hour, and after about 8 miles the light disappeared. I would really like to hold onto this car for about 15 more months if I can. The original intention was to keep it 10 years. It does make me wonder if when I turn off the engine and hear the regen happening, that maybe I should turn the engine back on and let it finish. I've also been using a diesel fuel with a little bit of bio in it so I might try a tank or two of non-bio and see what happens. I'll update if the light comes back on.

 

[tadawson]

Sounds like nothing more than your driving habits don't allow full regen, and not an actual impending failure.

- Tim

 

[billc508]

2010 dpf

All cars have some issues, some more than others, and some have little to no tolerance for anything besides perfect care.

I really don't think needing a DPF on a 2010 is the end of the world.

I had a 2010 golf tdi and this is a too true quote that pretty much sums it up about this issue. I sold my car back to VW but before that I had the DPF removed and cleaned at a professional facility and re-installed. The VW DPFs are not made to be re-processed because they are not straight thru systems, the DPF path is a winding channel to compress the length within the dimension of the unit size. This means that soot and ash deposits collect at the bends inside the unit and harden into ceramic like deposits. Very difficult to remove so the cleaning is about 60 to 80 percent effective. Plus the additional expense of labor to remove/replace and also the replacement of the SCR converter and the piping which is also filled up with soot. All of this makes it problematic if it is really worth it, I got an extra 40K out of the cleaned unit and had problems with the NIOX showing a fault. You can't replace just one part, you have to do the whole system, it is expensive but it will save the car for five or six more years, if you do it right with new parts. I would have new parts installed if I were to do it again. So, not the end of the world, not the worst thing that can happen if you are otherwise happy with the car. Fix it, drive it, and enjoy the use of it.