VW Transporter DPF Failure After Short-Trip Driving

Had similar issues with a T5 Multivan last year. The symptoms matched exactly, power loss, black smoke, and engine light. DPF cleaning alone rarely solves the underlying problem when these symptoms occur together. A proper vehicle inspection revealed the DPF was completely blocked due to short-distance driving. The regeneration cycles never completed properly, leading to excessive soot buildup. The mechanic found the pressure sensor was also faulty, preventing the system from triggering regeneration cycles. The solution required: Complete DPF replacement, New pressure sensors, ECU reset, Fuel injector cleaning Post-repair, the improvement in fuel efficiency was significant. The engine light cleared and power returned to normal. This is typically a serious repair job that needs specialized diagnostic equipment to properly assess the DPF system. For prevention, regular highway drives of 30+ minutes help maintain proper DPF function. Short trips are particularly problematic for diesel filter systems, as they never reach optimal temperature for regeneration.

Thanks for sharing that experience. I went through something similar with my VW last month. The combined sensor fault and DPF issues were causing exactly these problems. Did you remember how much the complete repair job cost? The parts and labor pricing would be helpful to know. Also curious if youve had any issues since the fix or if its been running smoothly? My local garage quoted me significantly more than your previous DPF cleaning attempt, but at least it sounds like a more comprehensive solution that should actually solve the problem with fuel efficiency.

After getting everything fixed, I paid 1550€ for the complete DPF repair job, including labor. This covered the defective diesel particulate filter replacement and all associated work. The price was worth it, the vehicle runs perfectly now with no engine light issues. Since the comprehensive repair, the fuel efficiency has improved dramatically. No more black smoke or power loss problems. The vehicle inspection confirmed all systems are working correctly, and proper regeneration cycles are happening as they should. The key difference from the initial cleaning attempt was addressing the root cause, a completely failed DPF system rather than just attempting a clean. Regular highway driving helps maintain the repairs, and the diesel filter system now works exactly as designed. If your quote covers similar comprehensive repairs, its likely in the right price range for this type of work. These arent simple fixes, but when done properly, they typically resolve the issues completely.

Thanks for the details on costs. After getting tired of the ongoing issues, I finally took my Transporter to a different mechanic who specializes in exhaust systems. The total repair came to 1680€, slightly more than yours but they found additional issues with the backpressure sensors. They did a complete overhaul: new DPF, sensors, and thorough system diagnostics. The difference is incredible, no more black smoke, power is back to normal, and fuel efficiency has improved noticeably. The engine light hasnt come back on since. Been taking weekly highway drives to keep the system working properly. Three months in and everything runs perfectly. Wish I hadnt wasted 800€ on that useless cleaning, but at least its properly fixed now. The specialist showed me the old filter, it was completely clogged beyond any cleaning possibility.