VW Caddy TDI: Smoke & Failed DPF Regen Needs Fixing

Had similar issues on my VW Golf TDI 2019 last winter. Vehicle diagnostics pointed to the exhaust back pressure sensor after multiple DPF regeneration failures. The sensor showed incorrect readings, causing the engine management system to miscalculate the soot load. The exhaust system repair required removing the pressure sensor, cleaning the connection points, and testing the wiring harness. A faulty sensor will typically trigger continuous DPF regeneration attempts, leading to excessive fuel consumption and potential engine damage if left untreated. During car maintenance, they found carbon buildup had affected the sensor readings. The repair involved replacing the pressure sensor and performing a forced DPF regeneration to verify proper system function. This resolved both the warning lights and smoke issues. This is a serious fault that needs immediate attention. Continued driving with a faulty pressure sensor can lead to complete DPF failure and engine performance issues. The repair requires specialized diagnostic equipment and expertise with modern diesel emission systems. Make sure any shop you choose has experience with VW TDI emissions systems and can provide detailed vehicle diagnostics before starting repairs.

Thanks for sharing that experience. Sounds exactly like what Im dealing with now. My Caddy is showing the same symptoms and Im glad to hear its likely the pressure sensor rather than a complete DPF failure. Can you remember roughly how much you paid for the repair? Also curious if youve had any emission control issues since getting it fixed? Planning to take mine in next week and want to budget accordingly while ensuring the engine performance stays optimal after repair. The auto repair shops around here have mixed reviews when it comes to working on diesel emission systems, so its helpful knowing what exactly fixed your problem.

Good to follow up on your sensor concerns. After seeing a certified mechanic, my exhaust back pressure sensor issues were completely resolved, total repair cost came to 245€. The vehicle diagnostics confirmed it was the faulty sensor causing those DPF regeneration problems. Since the repair, the engine performance has been perfect with no emission control problems whatsoever. The exhaust system has been working as intended, and those warning lights never returned. Regular readings show proper back pressure levels, which means the DPF is regenerating normally. The key was finding a shop with proper diagnostic equipment specifically for modern diesel engines. Having a technician who understands exhaust sensor systems made a huge difference in getting an accurate diagnosis and proper fix the first time. For your Caddy, make sure they perform a complete system check after replacing the sensor. This verifies all exhaust system components are communicating correctly. While 245€ might seem steep for a sensor replacement, its significantly cheaper than dealing with a damaged DPF down the line.

After getting several recommendations, I finally took my Caddy to a certified diesel specialist. The exhaust system diagnosis confirmed what others suggested, a faulty pressure sensor was causing the DPF regeneration failures. The mechanic detected incorrect pressure readings affecting the vehicle emissions control. The repair process was straightforward. They replaced the exhaust sensor, cleared the fault codes, and ran a forced regeneration cycle to verify engine performance. Total cost came to 270€, which included the complete vehicle diagnostics and sensor replacement. The heavy smoke cleared up immediately after the repair. Its been two weeks now, and the warning lights havent returned. The engine performance is back to normal and the exhaust system is working perfectly. Really glad I asked for advice here first, saved me from possibly damaging the DPF further by continuing to drive with a faulty sensor. For anyone facing similar issues, definitely worth getting it checked by a diesel specialist who understands modern emission control systems. The quick fix prevented what could have been a much more expensive repair later.