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How to perform DPF Regeneration?

Written by Edvinas
Updated this week

DPF Regeneration (VAG Vehicles – UDS Protocol)

The following instructions describe how to start DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) regeneration manually on supported Volkswagen Group vehicles using OBDeleven.

This procedure applies to vehicles using the UDS protocol.

To perform this procedure, you will need to have a PRO or Ultimate plan.

If you wish to monitor the DPF status only, no plan is needed. You can do it via Live data with a FREE plan.


Check if your vehicle uses UDS protocol

  1. Connect to your vehicle with OBDeleven.

  2. Open Control Unit 01 – Engine.

  3. Tap Info.

  4. Check the Protocol field.

If the protocol shows:

CAN: UDS

your vehicle supports this regeneration method.


Required conditions before starting regeneration

All conditions below must be met before starting the procedure:

• Ignition ON
• Engine running at idle
• Fuel tank at least 1/4 full
• Transmission in Neutral (manual) or Park (automatic)
Parking brake engaged
• Engine temperature around 90 °C
No active faults in the engine control unit

If any fault codes are present in the engine ECU, regeneration may not start.


Starting DPF regeneration

  1. Connect to the vehicle using the OBDeleven mobile app.

  2. Open Control Unit – 01 Engine.

  3. Open Security Access.

  4. Enter the security code:

27971

  1. Tap Apply.

  2. Open Basic Settings.

  3. Select:

Service regeneration of particle filter

  1. Start the procedure.


Pedal sequence to initiate regeneration

After the basic setting has started:

  1. Press and hold the brake pedal and clutch pedal for 3 seconds
    (automatic transmission: press brake only)

  2. Release both pedals.

  3. Press the accelerator pedal fully and hold it down until the vehicle automatically reduces the throttle.

  4. Release the accelerator pedal.


What happens during regeneration

If the procedure starts successfully:

• The DPF warning icon will appear on the dashboard
• Engine RPM will stabilize around ~1500 RPM
• The engine sound will change as exhaust temperature increases

The regeneration process typically takes:

15–20 minutes

After the cleaning phase:

• Engine sound will change again
• The cooling phase will begin

After approximately 10 more minutes:

• Engine RPM will return to normal idle (800–900 RPM)
• The regeneration process will finish automatically.


Final step

Once regeneration has finished:

  1. Stop the Basic Setting in the OBDeleven mobile app.

  2. The DPF regeneration procedure is now completed.


Checking DPF soot level

You can verify the DPF status using Live Data.

  1. Open Control Unit – 01 Engine

  2. Open Live Data

  3. Search for one of the following values:

Particle filter soot mass measured
Particle filter soot mass calculated


Interpreting soot mass values

Typical soot level ranges:

Soot mass

Condition

0–10 g

Good condition

10–15 g

Acceptable

15–20 g

High load

20 g or more

Regeneration or professional cleaning recommended

If soot mass remains high after regeneration, further inspection may be required.


Important notes

• Regeneration should be performed in a well-ventilated area.
• Exhaust temperatures become very high during the procedure.
• Do not perform regeneration in enclosed spaces such as garages.
• Feature availability may depend on vehicle model, engine type, and ECU software version.


Common reasons why regeneration does not start

The regeneration procedure may fail to start if one of the following conditions is not met:

• Required operating conditions are not met (engine temperature, fuel level, transmission position, etc.)
DPF soot load is too high and forced regeneration is not allowed
Active fault codes in the engine control unit (ECU)
Security code is not activated

If regeneration does not start from the first time, check and resolve any active fault codes in the engine control unit before attempting the procedure again.

Important warning

This procedure interacts directly with vehicle control systems and should only be performed by experienced users.

By performing this procedure, you acknowledge that you are doing so at your own risk.


OBDeleven assumes no responsibility for any damage to the vehicle, components, or systems that may occur as a result of incorrect use, improper conditions, or failure to follow the instructions.

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