DPF Pressure Drop Killing Your Diesel's Performance?

Had the exact same issue on my 2010 Chevy Cruze diesel last month. Reduced power and smoky exhaust pointed to DPF issues. Diagnostic confirmed a faulty exhaust back pressure sensor, but the real problem was deeper, the DPF was severely clogged, preventing proper DPF regeneration. The particulate filter was barely functioning due to interrupted regeneration cycles. Shop had to clean the DPF system and replace the pressure sensor to restore proper exhaust flow. They also performed a forced DPF regeneration to clear remaining buildup. It's definitely not something to ignore, running with a bad sensor can cause expensive damage to your exhaust system. The repair sorted out both the power loss and smoke issues. Worth getting it checked ASAP before it leads to complete DPF failure. These symptoms match your Malibu's behavior exactly. You'll want a proper diagnostic to confirm, but I'd bet on similar root causes given the age and mileage.

Thanks for sharing that experience, sounds exactly like what I'm dealing with. Just had mine checked yesterday, and the mechanic also found a clogged particulate filter causing those low pressure readings. The diesel engine feels much smoother now that they've sorted the DPF regeneration system. Did you remember roughly what you paid for the full repair? I'm curious if prices have changed much. Also, has everything been running smoothly since the fix, or have you noticed any other emission control issues popping up?

Just checked back, glad you got it sorted! You're lucky it was just a sensor issue rather than needing a full DPF replacement like mine. I paid 245 for the exhaust back pressure sensor fix, which included labor and diagnostic time. The repair completely resolved the low pressure problems in my diesel engine. No more reduced power or smoky exhaust since then. The emission control system has been working perfectly, you can really feel the difference in how the engine runs when the exhaust pressure is properly regulated. It's been about six weeks now, and I haven't had a single warning light or performance issue. The shop did a thorough job testing the whole exhaust system after the repair to make sure there weren't any other potential problems lurking. That's probably why it's still running so smoothly. Regular DPF regeneration cycles are happening normally now, which is key to preventing future clogs. You'll probably notice your fuel economy has improved too, now that everything's working as it should.

Thanks everyone for the advice! Just got back from my trusted mechanic, and the final diagnosis matched what you all suggested. The DPF was seriously clogged and the pressure sensor needed replacing. Repair bill came to around 280 Euro total, a bit more than expected but worth every penny. The difference in performance is night and day. No more black smoke from the exhaust system, and the engine's got its power back. Mechanic walked me through the whole repair process and showed me the dirty filter, it was pretty shocking how blocked up it had gotten. They did a forced DPF regeneration after installing the new sensor, and the emission control system is working perfectly now. The engine warning light's gone, and the diesel's running smoother than it has in months. Definitely learned my lesson about not ignoring these symptoms, could have ended up with way bigger problems. Been driving it for a few days now and couldn't be happier with how it's performing. Really appreciate all the helpful advice that pointed me in the right direction.