Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF) Fiat Punto
Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)
| Estimated time | 0h30 |
|---|---|
| Estimated labour cost | ~50£ |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Vehicles |
Punto 1993-2000 4
Punto 2000-2012 5
Punto 2009-2025 10
|
| Check the catalytic converter | 0h30 |
| Remove/refit the front catalytic converter | 0h45–1h30 |
| Renew the front catalytic converter | 0h45–1h30 |
| Remove/refit the catalytic converter | 0h45–4h00 |
| Renew the catalytic converter | 0h30–4h00 |
| Prepare the catalytic converter heat shield for installation* | 0h45 |
| Remove/refit the front catalytic converter with the exhaust pipe | 1h30 |
| Renew the front catalytic converter with the exhaust pipe | 1h30 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter | 2h30 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter | 2h30 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly | 2h30 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly | 2h30 |
| Renew the catalytic converter gasket | 2h30 |
What is a Fiat Punto particulate filter?
Diesel engines and direct-injection petrol engines produce soot particles. The particulate filter (DPF/GPF) traps these harmful particles as exhaust gases pass through its honeycomb structure. It is placed on the exhaust line after the catalytic converter.
How does the Fiat Punto particulate filter work?
As soot accumulates, the filter periodically burns off (regenerates) the trapped particles. Active regeneration raises exhaust temperatures to 550–600°C, burning soot to ash. This occurs every 300–500 km during normal motorway driving. Vehicles driven only on short urban trips may not regenerate properly, leading to blockage.
When should you change the Fiat Punto particulate filter?
The DPF is designed to last 150,000–250,000 km but depends on driving patterns. Signs of needed replacement: DPF warning light, engine in limp mode, excessive exhaust smoke, or diagnostic scan showing excessive back-pressure or failed regeneration cycles.
Can the Fiat Punto particulate filter be cleaned instead of replaced?
Yes, professional DPF cleaning can restore a blocked filter at a fraction of replacement cost. However, if the filter substrate is cracked, melted, or structurally damaged, replacement is the only option. Never use a DPF removal/delete service — it is illegal and will fail the MOT/emissions test.
Is it difficult to change the Fiat Punto particulate filter?
Difficulty level 2/5: technically straightforward but physically demanding due to the filter's location and weight. Key steps: raise the vehicle, disconnect pressure sensors, remove exhaust clamps/bolts, lower the old DPF, fit the new one with new gaskets, reconnect sensors, clear fault codes, perform a forced regeneration cycle.
3 models covered
| Model | Year Range | Engines covered | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punto 1993-2000 | 1993-2000 | 1.1 8V 55 Petrol (176A6000), 1.1 8V 55 Petrol (176B2000), 1.2 16V 85 Petrol (176B9000), 1.2 8V 60 Petrol (176A7000), 1.2 8V 60 Petrol (176B1000), 1.2 8V 60 Petrol (176B4000), 1.2 8V 75 Petrol (176A8000), 1.4 8V GT Petrol (176B6000), 1.7 8V 60 TD Diesel (176B7000), 1.7 8V 70 TD D… | Diesel, Petrol |
| Punto 2000-2012 | 2000-2012 | 1.2 16V Petrol (188A5000), 1.2 8V BiPower, CNG CNG,Petrol (188A4000), 1.2 8V, -LPG LPG,Petrol (188A4000), 1.3 16V JTD Diesel (188A9000), 1.4 16V Petrol (843A1000), 1.8 16V Petrol (183A1000), 1.8 16V Petrol (188A6000), 1.9 8V JTD Diesel (188A2000), 1.9 8V JTD Diesel (188A7000), 1… | CNG, Diesel, LPG, Petrol |
| Punto 2009-2025 | 2009-2025 | 0.9 8V TwinAir Petrol (199B6000), 0.9 8V TwinAir Petrol (199B7000), 0.9 8V TwinAir, -LPG LPG,Petrol (312A2000), 1.2 8V 69 Petrol (169A4000), 1.2 8V Petrol (199A4000), 1.2 8V Petrol (199B9000), 1.3 16V MultiJet Diesel (199A2000), 1.3 16V MultiJet Diesel (199B1000), 1.3 16V MultiJ… | CNG, Diesel, LPG, Petrol |