Ford Transit DPF Issue

The symptoms you describe certainly point towards a DPF issue, especially with a diesel engine of that vintage and mileage. Have you noticed any changes in your fuel efficiency recently? A failing DPF can often lead to increased fuel consumption. Also, are you doing predominantly short journeys? As these don't allow the DPF to heat up sufficiently for effective regeneration.

Fuel efficiency does seem to have dropped a bit. As for journeys, it's a mix, perhaps more short ones lately. What kind of sensor fault could cause this, if it's not just a blocked DPF? Would a faulty sensor stop the regeneration process from even starting?

A faulty differential pressure sensor is a common cause; this monitors the pressure difference across the DPF to determine soot load. If it's providing incorrect readings, the ECU might not initiate regeneration. Likewise, an exhaust gas temperature sensor fault could also prevent regeneration. Given the symptoms and your efforts, a professional diagnosis is advisable. A workshop can perform a forced regeneration or assess the DPF's condition more accurately. Replacement DPF could be quite expensive. Keep in mind that exhaust systems have become more and more sophisticated.

Understood, thank you for the detailed explanation. I appreciate the advice regarding the sensors; it gives me a better understanding of the potential causes. I'll book it in at a workshop for a proper diagnostic check. It ended up costing me 1550€ for a new DPF. Cheers.