Seat altea FR - diesel particulate filter

weaholt

We bought a Seat Altea FR last month as we needed a bigger car for our baby. A couple of weeks ago the diesel particulate filter (dpf) warning light came on. We checked the manual and it said something along the lines of - drive the car at 60kph at so many hundred revs for ten mins (can't remember exactly). We did this and the light went out. It also said that if the light remained on that you should contact a dealer as there may be a fault.

I have been using the car for the last couple of weeks as my husband has been working at home. The light came on again whilst I was driving it by myself, I tried to get upto the reccommended speed for the stated time, but it was difficult because of traffic and traffic lights etc. I didn't think it would be a problem, each time I drove the car I made every effort, within reason to drive a bit faster for longer. Anyway, on Friday two more lights came on , the glow plugs (? I think) and an engine sign, the engine also lost power.

My husband has spoken totbe dealer and theyhave said that we codbe looking at a bill of in excess of £1500 because the dpf may be totally blocked!! The manual doesn't stress that the engine is at risk of damage if theinstructions are not followed. We have only had the car amonth snd it is under warranty but apparently we are not covered!

At no point during the deal to purchasetbe car was the dpf mentioned. The car is obviously unsuitable for the type of driving we will do,which is short and frequent journeys.
I just wondered whether anyone had any advice?? Clutching at straws really, but just can't afford such a big bill

thanks
maria x

vikingaero

Some manufacturers/dealers are giving advice to potential purchasers of vehicles with DPFs that if they undertake a lot of urban journies then the DPF equipped car may be unsuitable for them.

At the end of the day, it's really up to the purchaser to ensure the car is fit for purpose.

skiddlydiddly

This filter is there to get the emissions down IIRC.I think they can be removed and you actually get better fuel economy and more power too.

Search "Seat Cupra.Net" for more info on this and the implications come MOT time etc if you're interested.

plane_boy2000

Had to sign a form when I bought my DPF equiped car to state that I was sure it was suitable for my use.

TBH if all you do is short journeys then its the wrong car for you, but not much you can do about it now.

DPF's are not usually covered by warranty unless they are faulty - yours isnt, its just not being used as intended

daveyjp

Don't buy a DPF diesel if you only use the car for going to the shops. 15,000 miles a year with lots of regular longer trips is a definate requirement.

weaholt

Thanks for your replies, I knew I was clutching at straws, but thought I would give it a go! The car's been picked up today to see if the filter can be regenerated....... Fingers crossed!!

property.advert

daveyjp wrote: »

Don't buy a DPF diesel if you only use the car for going to the shops. 15,000 miles a year with lots of regular longer trips is a definate requirement.

Can you please post a link which describes the correct operating conditions DPF vehicle. I am not being facetious and am contemplating one but at the bottom end of instruction we have the AA with

It should be possible to start a complete regeneration and clear the warning light simply by driving for 10 minutes or so at speeds greater than 40mph.

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/fuels-and-environment/diesel-particulate-filters.html

and I am keen to find out more.

One of the selling points for these vehicles is the much higher urban MPG such as 61.4 MPG on the new Fiesta http://www.ford.co.uk/Cars/Fiesta/FiestaECOnetic and as such, many people will buy one purely for this.

If not forewarned by the supplier, then I believe you have a very good case of either having it repaired free of charge as I believe they will find themselves with significant problems under the fit for purpose argument.

laburnum5_2

Hi
You have my sympathy, I bought a Seat Ibiza 1.6 TDI and the same thing happened to me after 4 weeks..they fix it and 1 week later it did exactly the same thing again.
I insisted they take the car back and I have contacted trading standards who advised me to ask for refund.
The managing director has acknowledged this car is not suited to my needs and I am awaiting various options (in writing) but I have insisted a refund has to be one of those options. Interestingly they say "any further sales of this vehicle will carry advice on the DPF" as NO ADVICE WAS GIVEN TO ME.

daveyjp

I can't post a link as all vehciles are different.

I had an A3 which regenerated no more than about 6 times in 2 years. I now have an X type which has done it about 6 times in the last year.

Clearing it takes about 10 miles of constant speed motoring. I have never had the problem of the car requiring a dealer visit to regenerate the system, but I do regular longer trips.

LandyAndy

This is probably a silly question but..

How can you tell when the filter is regenerating? I've done 12,000 miles in my DPF equipped car since it was new in September last year, including regular long trips. I have never noticed a change in its behaviour.

vikingaero

LandyAndy wrote: »

This is probably a silly question but..

How can you tell when the filter is regenerating? I've done 12,000 miles in my DPF equipped car since it was new in September last year, including regular long trips. I have never noticed a change in its behaviour.

Some loss of power and more engine noise. But then running on a rough motorway/A Road when it occurs might mean you'll never notice it.