DPF Regeneration

[250 downunder]

I have a 180 TDI Touareg purchased in September 2014 [o4/2014 manufacture] that has done less than 6,000k.
Recently the DPF warning came up. I followed VW's recommendations and took it for a freeway run of over 30 mins at between 100 and 110 kph. and at next start-up the warning had gone. Less than 20klm later the warning is back.
Any suggestions? Unfortunately my experiences with the dealer shortly after purchase [they stuffed the towbar installation physically and electronically] was enough to make me want to stay away from dealers if at all possible.
If it was not for the warranty aspect I would ditch the DPF.

[Transporter]

You need to get it scanned and maybe run a forced regeneration. I suggest that you find a good independent VAG specialist in your area if your dealer is useless. Your warranty will be still valid.

[250 downunder]

I took the car for a decent run earlier in the week and held 6th gear [over 2,000 rpm.] for some 20 mins. and it seems to have done it's thing; no more DPF warning at start up. My wife is now worried about driving on short trips for fear of the same thing recurring. Quite frankly I think that if a vehicle can't perform what I would term "normal driving" then it has a problem.
Having read numerous horror stories about DPF problems I think I need to eqip myself with diagnostic gear that will enable me to monitor the situation with the DPF [and to have data to respond to the dealer when he tells me to "take it away because there is nothing wrong with it" as happened with the towbar problem when they had coded the car wrongly].
I have done some research into diagnostic equipment and come to the conclusion that the Ross-Tech basic system [KCDS License with Hex-USB - Can interface] will do what I require. Am I on the right track? any suggestions or recommendations would be much appreciated.

[h100vw]

I took the car for a decent run earlier in the week and held 6th gear [over 2,000 rpm.] for some 20 mins. and it seems to have done it's thing; no more DPF warning at start up. My wife is now worried about driving on short trips for fear of the same thing recurring. Quite frankly I think that if a vehicle can't perform what I would term "normal driving" then it has a problem.
Having read numerous horror stories about DPF problems I think I need to eqip myself with diagnostic gear that will enable me to monitor the situation with the DPF [and to have data to respond to the dealer when he tells me to "take it away because there is nothing wrong with it" as happened with the towbar problem when they had coded the car wrongly].
I have done some research into diagnostic equipment and come to the conclusion that the Ross-Tech basic system [KCDS License with Hex-USB - Can interface] will do what I require. Am I on the right track? any suggestions or recommendations would be much appreciated.

I am Northside/airport can probably meet you and scan it.

Gavin

[250 downunder]

Thank you so much for the offer. Do you have Ross - Tech equipment?
There is no urgency at the moment and I really think that to be able to continue servicing and maintaining my vehicles as I have for over 50 years [I have always serviced and maintained my vehicles and have only ever visited dealerships to have the odd warranty issue sorted] I need to have my own equipment to handle the complexity of modern vehicles.

[250 downunder]

"The Ross Tech cable is a good idea, though expect that you will need to spend some time learning it"

At my age that could be a problem! Do I have enough time left?
Are you suggesting that fuel quality and the use of an additive could be beneficial to the functioning of the DPF? I understand that sulphur content could be linked to particle emmissions but I would be interested to hear your thoughts on additives. For many years I have used Chemtec's Diesel Power in marine engines and also as an additive in BioDiesel, in both instances as a preventative against water contamination [no, I don't use Bio in the Touareg - not until I get rid of the DPF anyway!].

[Hillbilly]

It is of course illegal to remove a DPF or any part of the emissions system

[Umai Naa!!]

The DPF isn't what's going to fail if you switch to bio-diesel.

The $5,000 injection pump, $1,000ea injectors, and $500 rail pressure sensors are what's going to go bang.

These are nothing like the diesels of 20 years ago, or even 10 years ago for that matter.

[h100vw]

Thank you so much for the offer. Do you have Ross - Tech equipment?
There is no urgency at the moment and I really think that to be able to continue servicing and maintaining my vehicles as I have for over 50 years [I have always serviced and maintained my vehicles and have only ever visited dealerships to have the odd warranty issue sorted] I need to have my own equipment to handle the complexity of modern vehicles.

Not really equipment but yes I have a VCDS cable and know how to use it.

Gavin

[250 downunder]

"The DPF isn't what's going to fail if you switch to bio-diesel"

You are dead right! It won't have one to fail!

"The $5,000 injection pump, $1,000ea injectors, and $500 rail pressure sensors are what's going to go bang"

Have you seen this type of damage caused by ASTM standard Biodiesel?