Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF) Ford C-Max
Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)
| Estimated time | 0h30–6h00 |
|---|---|
| Estimated labour cost | ~50–600£ |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Vehicles |
C-Max 2003-2011 16
C-Max 2010-2018 8
C-Max 2015-2019 17
|
| Check the catalytic converter | 0h30 |
| Check the diesel particulate filter | 0h30 |
| Reset the diesel particulate filter fuel additive warning light | 0h30 |
| Check/top up the diesel particulate filter fuel additive | 0h30 |
| Remove/refit the catalytic converter With diesel particulate filter | 1h30–2h00 |
| Remove/refit the catalytic converter | 1h30–6h00 |
| Renew the catalytic converter With diesel particulate filter | 1h30–2h00 |
| Renew the catalytic converter | 1h30–6h00 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter | 0h45–2h30 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter | 0h45–2h30 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly | 1h30–5h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly | 1h30–5h00 |
| Prepare the catalytic converter heat shield for installation* | 0h45 |
| Renew the catalytic converter gasket | 4h00 |
| Remove/refit the rear catalytic converter | 1h30 |
| Renew the rear catalytic converter | 1h30 |
What is a Ford C-Max 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 Ford C-Max 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 Ford C-Max 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 Ford C-Max 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 Ford C-Max 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| C-Max 2003-2011 | 2003-2011 | 1.6 (Duratec) Petrol (HWDA), 1.6 (Duratec) Petrol (HWDB), 1.6 (Duratec) Petrol (SHDA), 1.6 (Duratec) Petrol (SHDC), 1.6 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (G8DA), 1.6 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (G8DB), 1.6 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (G8DC), 1.6 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (HHDA), 1.6 TDCi (Duratorq) Die… | Bioethanol (E85), Diesel, Petrol |
| C-Max 2010-2018 | 2010-2018 | 1.0 (EcoBoost) Petrol (M1DA), 1.0 (EcoBoost) Petrol (M2DA), 1.6 SCTi (EcoBoost) Petrol (JQDA), 1.6 SCTi (EcoBoost) Petrol (JQDB), 1.6 SCTi (EcoBoost) Petrol (JTDA), 1.6 SCTi (EcoBoost) Petrol (JTDB), 1.6 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (T1DB), 1.6 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (T3DB), 1.6 TDCi … | Bioethanol (E85), Diesel, Electricity, LPG, Petrol |
| C-Max 2015-2019 | 2015-2019 | 1.0 (EcoBoost) Petrol (B3DA), 1.0 (EcoBoost) Petrol (B7DA), 1.0 (EcoBoost) Petrol (M1DD), 1.0 (EcoBoost) Petrol (M2DC), 1.5 (EcoBoost) Petrol (M8DB), 1.5 (EcoBoost) Petrol (M8DF), 1.5 (EcoBoost) Petrol (M9DB), 1.5 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (AEDA), 1.5 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (XWDA),… | Diesel, Ethanol (E85), LPG, Petrol |