Hi All,

My 2008 Mondeo Zetec TDCi 140 2.0D with approx 120K miles developed an engine check light about 2 months ago. I've used an OBD dongle/app to find the fault code which is P2002 - Diesel Particulate Filter Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1). The car has been driving normally with no performance issues (yet).

I've taken it to two garages to diagnose the problem, the first garage reset the ECU / cleared the code, and said to see if it comes back. Very shortly after it did. They said it may need a new DPF but suggested I may be able to fix it by adding an additive to the tank (I used THIS) and driving it for 20-30 mins on the motorway at high revs to get it to self regen. Did this three times to no avail.

I've now taken it to a different garage who have basically done the same thing - reset the ECU / cleared the code, and told me to see if comes back - which it has. They said if it does, bring it back and they will do some more in depth diagnosis. I read online that some people have tried replacing the pipes as they can become perished / cracked / brittle, but I asked both garages to check this and they said the pipes look fine.

My question is, is it worth paying them to diagnose the problem, or should I just face it that it's time to replace the DPF, even though the car seems to be driving normally? I don't think it's ever been replaced previously.

What would be a sensible price to pay for a DPF? For a car of this age/worth I wouldn't get a Ford genuine one.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Paul

Don't replace the DPF, it is likely the victim, not the cause IMHO. In fact don't fit any new parts without a correct diagnosis - will they guarantee a fix and return your cash if their suggestions don't work?
In tank additives have never worked for me, they may reduce the temperature at which a regen can start but won't fix the fault.
Don't let anyone just do a random forced regeneration unless absolutely necessary (300% loading?)
It does need urgent attention to avoid the DPF getting too clogged making replacement the only option

Being generous, I don't think either know what they are doing.

I'd get Forscan and a lead (search Forscan123 for info - it will enable you to do loads of stuff and gives Ford specific codes that some scanners miss.
THEN check DPF pressure differential at idle (2-10 mBar) and 3000 Rev/min (40-60 mBar) and open and closed soot loadings. OR get someone who knows what they are doing, talk along these lines and see what they say (If I'm wrong, I'd be very surprised and would love to know why!)
Other relevant parameters will be available once that is tested.
As it's 2008, I suspect it will have a 5th injector (vaporiser) needing to be tested as it will never regenerate the DPF if it is blocked (other issues are available but that is the first one to check)
Once initiating problem found and corrected DPF may need to be cleaned, ideally on the car, like Jimmy does (you can buy the sprays off e-bay. After that, Forscan can reset the parameters if necessary once the pressure differential icorrect and cleaning completed.

Look at Jimmy's channel on You Tube and you'll get the idea of how little understanding is around (and that's again, being charitable):
https://www.youtube.com/@ORileysAutos

This is a good starting point but there are many more relevant videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saQQ-PiJUGE

 

46 minutes ago, Paul195 said:

2008 Mondeo Zetec TDCi 140 2.0D with approx 120K miles

The DPF doesn't last forever.

Two garages have looked at it, cleared the code and it has returned. It's now time to replace the DPF, or some may even suggest getting it removed.

My understanding is that providing it doesn't get clogged up with ash (which can be removed off the car by back flushing - providing it's not melted/caked up too much. I'd suspect very short distances between regens if it is overloaded with ash?) the DPF can continue to work.

We are on 119k and it still works fine, of course there's an element of luck involved.
I am interested to see the results of the diagnostic checks which I'd still recommend (again, see O'Rileys You Tube channel above)
Edit: If it's Euro V it should have the vaporiser plug (according to my ETIS) - culprit No. 1 so this can probably safely be ignored as well:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1LOQIcmP68

As for removal, what about the unintended consequences to the car, pollution, legal aspect and very strong risk of MOT fail:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/diesel-particulate-filters-guidance-note/diesel-particulate-filters
I'm confused as to why this is being suggested?