DPF DIY

[jeffspicoli]

So after having Codes P0401 and P2002 for some months now I've given up on trying to find a "cheap" solution for the DPF. Have a 2012 JSW 2.0 TDI DSG with 136k. Codes have been on some time and I've researched and called around to no avail.

I've seen lots of posts on replacing the DPF DIY as well as guides.

My question is, being someone who's worked on several vehicles and vehicle parts (but no exhaust) is this a doable job if I have two weeks to work on it? What's the labor time for someone who doesn't do this regularly and do I need VCDS to adapt it or whatever it needs to function properly?

I know a lot of people drop the subframe, but I have seen two videos of guys pulling out and reinstalling the dpf without having to remove the subframe or cut anything to fit.

Thanks for the help. Please only experienced and knowledgable tips on this.

Also, not interested in deletes. I live in Phoenix and the government here sucks for us diesel owners.

 

[AverageAndy]

After having done the DPF removal on a 2013 Jetta, I was unable to remove it intact and had to cut it. If I had to replace it, then I would have had to follow the VW procedure of dropping the subframe. I don't think you can easily remove and replace without doing that, unless you have some amazing luck (which maybe those guys in the videos had -me, no such luck).

Yes, you do need VCDS to reset the DPF once you replace it.

Yes, is should be easily doable in 2 weeks time at home. I think it took me and my son about 3-4hrs to remove the DPF (and all associated exhaust pipes), but it was our first time and we worked slowly. Some of that time was trying to cut it in half, as we did not drop the subframe.

Lastly, after we buttoned everything back up and worked on the ECU, OBD2 scan still showed readiness. So, although we did not get to run it through smog testing, I am 99% sure it would pass in Maricopa county, especially since car did not smoke at all under normal driving.

 

[jeffspicoli]

After having done the DPF removal on a 2013 Jetta, I was unable to remove it intact and had to cut it. If I had to replace it, then I would have had to follow the VW procedure of dropping the subframe. I don't think you can easily remove and replace without doing that, unless you have some amazing luck (which maybe those guys in the videos had -me, no such luck).

Yes, you do need VCDS to reset the DPF once you replace it.

Yes, is should be easily doable in 2 weeks time at home. I think it took me and my son about 3-4hrs to remove the DPF (and all associated exhaust pipes), but it was our first time and we worked slowly. Some of that time was trying to cut it in half, as we did not drop the subframe.

Lastly, after we buttoned everything back up and worked on the ECU, OBD2 scan still showed readiness. So, although we did not get to run it through smog testing, I am 99% sure it would pass in Maricopa county, especially since car did not smoke at all under normal driving.

Awesome. Thanks a lot for the tips and help. Read through the Rawtek instructions and feeling confident I can do this. Only thing I need to do some more research on is lowering the subframe.

I have OBD11, need to see if I can use that to reset the DPF. Thanks again for the tip, looking forward to completing this soon.

 

[Nuje]

If you're replacing it with a Rawtek, why not just cut the existing bad DPF?
Saves time (at least for a novice DPF remover like me), and no worries about possibly mis-aligning the subframe when bolting it back up.

This is where I chopped the one I recently did.

 

[bashik]

I removed the filter without lowering the subframe. The minimum requirement is to raise the front of the car by 2.5 feet

 

[JPM]

I'm needing to do mine. Will I be able to do it with car ramps on blocks?

 

[bashik]

It was enough for me to raise the front of the car to 2.5 feet.this is from the ground to the bumper. You will need to unscrew the axle shaft from the gearbox that goes to the right wheel and pull it out.then there will be enough space to rotate the filter.you will need to use special tools, I bought these https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07M6884DY?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

 

[ssrlewis]

I just replaced mine this weekend WITHOUT cutting the DPF and WITHOUT lowering/dropping the subframe. The below is not all the instructions for removing the DPF just the ones I did to assist with removing it without having to lower/drop subframe.

I placed the car up on wooden blocks I made.
I removed the bolts from the passenger side drive axle and just let it hang.
I removed the bolts attaching the dog bone to the transmission.
I removed the heat shield that runs the length of the tunnel.

With all the sensors removed I was able to pull the DPF right out without any issues.


Steve

 

[deedoubles]

After having done the DPF removal on a 2013 Jetta, I was unable to remove it intact and had to cut it. If I had to replace it, then I would have had to follow the VW procedure of dropping the subframe. I don't think you can easily remove and replace without doing that, unless you have some amazing luck (which maybe those guys in the videos had -me, no such luck).

Yes, you do need VCDS to reset the DPF once you replace it.

Yes, is should be easily doable in 2 weeks time at home. I think it took me and my son about 3-4hrs to remove the DPF (and all associated exhaust pipes), but it was our first time and we worked slowly. Some of that time was trying to cut it in half, as we did not drop the subframe.

Lastly, after we buttoned everything back up and worked on the ECU, OBD2 scan still showed readiness. So, although we did not get to run it through smog testing, I am 99% sure it would pass in Maricopa county, especially since car did not smoke at all under normal driving.

Hello,

I’m in the same boat as the original poster. I have a 2012 (out of warranty) that recently threw the p0401 and p2002 codes. I don’t necessarily want to do a delete and want to replace the DPF and the EGR. My question is, are there any other components that need to be replaced when I do the DPF and the EGR switch out? Do any of the cats needs replacement too? What about any hardware considerations - anything that I can switch out when I have everything apart?

Many thanks in advance.

 

[AverageAndy]

I don't think you would need to replace the downstream cat. You may need a new turbo to DPF v-band clamp as they can rust and break. Obviously, if you drop the subframe you will need to replace any one-time use bolts. You may want to replace any old/worn suspension components at this time, while you are in there

When you say you will replace the EGR, you mean the low pressure EGR filter that is attached to the DPF, right?

Also, if you want/need a new Nissens heater core, I have one for sale in the appropriate forum.

 

[BarnyardsTDI]

Did it on 4 jackstands and with hand tools. No dropping the subframe. Did remove the passenger drive shaft for clearance and bent the heat shield some. ID parts has all the parts you need.