Golf Diesel DPF Warning: Smoke and Failed Regeneration

Had similar symptoms on a 2016 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI last winter. The exhaust back pressure sensor was indeed the culprit, causing irregular DPF regeneration cycles and engine performance issues. The diagnosis showed the exhaust sensor was sending incorrect readings to the engine control unit, preventing proper DPF regeneration. The exhaust system requires accurate pressure readings to manage emissions effectively. When these sensors fail, they typically cause: Warning lights on dashboard, Excessive smoke during acceleration, Failed regeneration attempts, Reduced engine performance, Potential damage to DPF if left untreated The car maintenance involved replacing the pressure sensor and performing a forced DPF regeneration. This resolved all symptoms and restored proper engine performance. The repair was relatively straightforward but essential to prevent more serious exhaust system damage. Worth noting this is a common issue in modern diesel engines with particle filters. Postponing the repair risks more extensive damage to the DPF and other exhaust components. Best to address it promptly when these symptoms appear.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Currently dealing with similar symptoms on my Golf, smoke, regen issues, warning lights. Your input about the exhaust sensor and pressure readings really helps narrow down the diagnosis. Do you remember roughly what the sensor replacement and forced regen cost? Also curious if any other issues popped up since the repair? Hoping to get mine sorted without breaking the bank while keeping engine performance and vehicle emissions in check.

Since my initial reply about the Passat sensor issue, I got the repair done and can share the exact costs. The total came to 245€ for replacing the faulty exhaust back pressure sensor, including labor and parts. The emission control system has been working flawlessly since the fix. The mechanic successfully resolved all the original issues, no more warning lights, smoke, or failed regeneration attempts. Engine performance returned to normal immediately after the repair. The vehicle emissions are now properly controlled, and the DPF regeneration cycles are running as intended. In the months following the repair, no additional problems have emerged. The back pressure readings remain stable, confirming it was definitely the sensor causing those symptoms. Getting this fixed promptly helped avoid any potential damage to other exhaust components, which could have led to much costlier repairs. For reference, the repair price I mentioned is pretty standard for this type of work on VW diesel engines. The investment was worth it to maintain proper emission control and prevent more extensive exhaust system damage.

Thanks for the feedback. Just wanted to update on how this played out with my Golf. Finally took it to a different mechanic who actually listened to the symptoms and checked the back pressure sensor right away. The repair came to 290€ total, bit more than expected but worth every cent. They replaced the faulty sensor and did a proper DPF regeneration cycle. The smoke issue cleared up immediately and engine performance is back to normal. No more warning lights or failed regen attempts. What really stood out was how they explained everything during the diagnostic process. Much better experience than my previous mechanic visit where they wanted to replace multiple parts without proper testing. Car maintenance definitely feels less stressful when you find someone who knows what they are doing with modern diesel engines. Been about three weeks now and the exhaust system is working perfectly. Vehicle emissions are properly controlled and I can actually feel the difference in how the engine runs. Glad I got this sorted before it led to bigger problems with the DPF.