How to Know Your GMC Duramax DPF Needs Cleaning

Bryan Warman • September 4, 2022

General Motors is one of the most widely known manufacturers of diesel engines in the world. Their main diesel vehicle is the GMC Duramax , which is a 6.6-L diesel engine designed for versatility and power. The strength of the vehicle is seen in its ability to tow anything you connect to it and carry out any physical work you want to do on it.

It is important to understand how a diesel engine vehicle works before you purchase one. One of the components of a diesel vehicle you need to understand is the diesel particulate filter (DPF) because it plays a critical function in the operation of your truck. Failure to maintain this component can cause serious issues that would cost you a lot of money and unnecessary inconvenience.

The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) in the GMC Duramax

The diesel particulate filter (DPF) is a special exhaust filter that collects and traps any kind of particulate substance, such as ash and soot, in order to reduce the carbon emission from the exhaust of diesel vehicles. The diesel particulate filter performs this operation with the use of a ceramic substance shaped in a honeycomb structure . The DPF is designed to have a limited capacity; for this reason, the trapped particulate matter must be emptied periodically or burned off so that the DPF will be regenerated.

The process of regeneration removes all the excess soot that has been trapped in the filter so that the hazardous exhaust emitted from the exhaust pipe will be reduced. It also removes the thick black exhaust smoke that used to be released from diesel vehicles. This is in line with the Euro 5 exhaust emissions legislation that was introduced in 2009 to reduce the carbon monoxide emissions in order to protect the environment.

Causes of Diesel Particulate Filter Blockage in the GMC Duramax

The following are some of the reasons why the DPF in your GMC Duramax might be blocked.

  • Driving for a short period of time at a very low speed: Diesel engines are designed to go longer miles. If you use it for a shorter journey, the DPF will not be well regenerated before you turn off the engine. This will cause the soot to accumulate and cause a blockage.
  • Lack of regular servicing: If your GMC Duramax is not properly serviced, the DPF may malfunction.
  • Wrong oil use: Care must be taken when purchasing oil for your GMC Duramax engine, especially as there are some oils that are mixed with additives that might cause the DPF to be blocked.

How to Know if the DPF in your GMC Duramax is Blocked

The simple way to detect a blocked DPF or even if there is a fault in the filter, is to check for an orange light on the dashboard of your vehicle.

How to Clean the DPF in your GMC Duramax

Normally, the DPF cleans itself by regeneration. If, after the process of regeneration, the check light is still on , this means that the DPF did not regenerate as it should. You can try the following methods to clean it:

  • Use a DPF cleaner to reduce the temperature at which the soot combusts so that the soot will burn easily.
  • Use a pressure gun with compressed air to remove the ash trapped in the filter.
  • Use hot water to pressure wash the DPF. Spray the water in the direction opposite of the exhaust flow.
  • Visit an expert. If none of the above works, then you have to visit a reliable auto mechanic. Most of the DIY tips mentioned above are not so easy to perform if you don’t have a good knowledge of the system. So it is better to take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic to avoid causing more damage to your vehicle.

Clean your GMC Duramax DPF at Diesel Pick-up Pros

If you want the DPF of your GMC Duramax to be cleaned by a professional , Diesel Pick-up Pros is here to help. We provide the finest repair and maintenance service for all diesel engines in and around Jeffersonville , such as Floyd Knobs , New Albany , Georgetown , IN , and Louisville, KY . Our repair shop is equipped with highly technical tools, equipment, and ASE-certified technicians to take care of your Duramax vehicles.

At Diesel Pick-up Pros , we are committed to providing quality service at the most affordable price possible. Give us a call today , and we will definitely wow you with our service. We look forward to making you a permanent customer.

The Most Common Reasons Your Mercedes Sprinter Goes Into Limp Mode

By Bryan Warman • February 4, 2023
If you own a Mercedes Sprinter, you may have experienced the frustration of it going into “limp mode.” However, limp mode is a safety feature that is designed by Mercedes to protect the engine and transmission from further damage, even if it can be a real headache for drivers. This article will help you gain […] The post The Most Common Reasons Your Mercedes Sprinter Goes Into Limp Mode appeared first on Diesel Pickup Pros.

How to Spot a Lemon When Buying a Used RAM Cummins

By Bryan Warman • January 18, 2023
If you’re in the market for a used RAM Cummins, there are a few things you should keep an eye out for. Some Cummins trucks may have been driven hard and not properly maintained, so it’s important to know what to look for to keep from investing in the wrong truck. Here are 5 warning […] The post How to Spot a Lemon When Buying a Used RAM Cummins appeared first on Diesel Pickup Pros.

Call Us for Professional Repair of Your Chevrolet Duramax Chassis in Jeffersonville

By Bryan Warman • January 1, 2023
The Chevrolet Duramax is a popular diesel engine used in a range of trucks and SUVs. The chassis plays a crucial role in absorbing shocks and vibrations from the road, which helps to improve the overall comfort and safety of the driver and passengers. In short, the chassis is a fundamental part of a Duramax […] The post Call Us for Professional Repair of Your Chevrolet Duramax Chassis in Jeffersonville appeared first on Diesel Pickup Pros.

Turn to Our Experts When Your RAM Cummins’ Coolant Temperature Sensor Fails

By Bryan Warman • December 15, 2022
One of the most important engine management sensors in your diesel pickup truck is RAM Cummin’s coolant temperature sensor. Find out what could possibly make them go bad and how to identify it. Coolant temperature switches, sometimes referred to as coolant temperature sensors are used to monitor the temperature of engine coolant. To measure the […] The post Turn to Our Experts When Your RAM Cummins’ Coolant Temperature Sensor Fails appeared first on Diesel Pickup Pros.

Identifying Oil Cooler Problems in Your Ford Powerstroke

By Bryan Warman • November 28, 2022
If you’re a Ford Powerstroke owner, then you know that your truck is built to last. But even the toughest trucks can have problems, and one area that can cause trouble is the oil cooler. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the symptoms of an oil cooler problem and how […] The post Identifying Oil Cooler Problems in Your Ford Powerstroke appeared first on Diesel Pickup Pros.

Signs of an Exhaust Gas Recirculation Failure in a GMC Duramax

By Bryan Warman • November 11, 2022
The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system is an important component of the engine management system in many GMC Duramax vehicles. It is designed to reduce the amount of harmful emissions released by the engine by redirecting a portion of the exhaust gases back into the combustion process. When the EGR system fails, it can cause […] The post Signs of an Exhaust Gas Recirculation Failure in a GMC Duramax appeared first on Diesel Pickup Pros.

Visit Our Repair Shop in Jeffersonville to Address a Blown Head Gasket in a Dodge Cummins

By Bryan Warman • October 25, 2022
When it comes to maintaining a Dodge Cummins engine, understanding head gaskets is key. A head gasket is a critical component of the engine that seals the combustion chamber and keeps pressurized gases inside. When head gaskets fail, emissions can leak out, resulting in poor performance and reduced fuel efficiency. Furthermore, combustion-cooling liquids such as […] The post Visit Our Repair Shop in Jeffersonville to Address a Blown Head Gasket in a Dodge Cummins appeared first on Diesel Pickup Pros.

Master Mechanics in Jeffersonville Will Fix Crank Start Issues in Your Chevrolet Duramax

By Bryan Warman • October 8, 2022
Chevrolet Duramax engines come with a manufacturer’s warranty because they are designed and built for long-term performance. Because of its robust powertrain, this model can run for a long time and withstand all the road pressure without easily breaking down. There have been some excellent results produced by the Duramax diesel engine over the years. […] The post Master Mechanics in Jeffersonville Will Fix Crank Start Issues in Your Chevrolet Duramax appeared first on Diesel Pickup Pros.

The Best Garage to Visit for Dodge Cummins Intercooler Servicing in Jeffersonville

By Bryan Warman • September 21, 2022
The Dodge Cummins is a high performance engine that uses an intercooler to improve its efficiency. The intercooler is a device that cools the air charge before it enters the engine, allowing the engine to produce more power. This helps to increase the efficiency of the engine and to improve the performance of the vehicle. […] The post The Best Garage to Visit for Dodge Cummins Intercooler Servicing in Jeffersonville appeared first on Diesel Pickup Pros.

How To Handle Your Mercedes Sprinter Start Countdown Failure In Jeffersonville

By Bryan Warman • August 18, 2022
Whether you’re using it for business or pleasure, a Sprinter is a great choice for anyone who wants the perfect blend of comfort and utility, but you have to keep up with its maintenance and its countdown failure timer. A countdown timer in a Mercedes Sprinter is a device that counts down the time until […] The post How To Handle Your Mercedes Sprinter Start Countdown Failure In Jeffersonville appeared first on Diesel Pickup Pros.
More Posts
Share by: