Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF) Ford S-Max

Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)

Easy 0h30–1h30 ~50–150£
Estimated time 0h30–1h30
Estimated labour cost ~50–150£
Difficulty Easy
Vehicles
S-Max 2006-2015 16
  • 1.6 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (T1WA)
  • 1.6 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (T1WB)
  • 1.8 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (FFWA)
  • 1.8 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (QYWA)
  • 2.0 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (AZWA)
  • 2.0 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (AZWC)
  • 2.0 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (KLWA)
  • 2.0 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (QXWA)
  • 2.0 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (QXWB)
  • 2.0 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (TXWA)
  • 2.0 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (TYWA)
  • 2.0 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (UFWA)
  • 2.0 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (UKWA)
  • 2.2 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (KNWA)
  • 2.2 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (Q4BA)
  • 2.2 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (Q4WA)
S-Max 2015-2025 9
  • 2.0 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (T7CL)
  • 2.0 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (T8CJ)
  • 2.0 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (UFCB)
  • 2.0 TDCi (EcoBlue) Diesel (BCCC)
  • 2.0 TDCi (EcoBlue) Diesel (YLCB)
  • 2.0 TDCi (EcoBlue) Diesel (YMCB)
  • 2.0 TDCi (EcoBlue) Diesel (YNCA)
  • 2.0 TDCi Bi-Turbo (Duratorq) Diesel (T9CB)
  • 2.0 TDCi Bi-Turbo (Duratorq) Diesel (T9CD)
Check the catalytic converter 0h30
Remove/refit the catalytic converter 1h00–15h00
Renew the catalytic converter 1h00–15h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter EURO 5 1h30–3h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter EURO 5 1h30–3h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly 2h30–6h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly 2h30–6h00
Prepare the catalytic converter heat shield for installation* 0h45
Check the diesel particulate filter 0h30
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter 1h00–15h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter 1h00–15h00
Remove/refit the catalytic converter EURO 5 2h30
Remove/refit the catalytic converter EURO 4 1h30
Renew the catalytic converter EURO 5 2h30
Renew the catalytic converter EURO 4 1h30
Remove/refit the fuel vaporisation assembly 1h30
Renew the fuel vaporisation assembly 1h30
Remove/refit the fuel vaporisation glow plug 0h45
Renew the fuel vaporisation glow plug 0h45
Remove/refit the fuel vaporisation fuel pump 0h45
Renew the fuel vaporisation fuel pump 0h45
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter EURO 4 1h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter EURO 4 1h00
Remove/refit the rear catalytic converter 1h30
Renew the rear catalytic converter 1h30
Reset the diesel particulate filter mileage indicator 0h30
Reset the diesel particulate filter fuel additive warning light 0h30
Carry out the diesel particulate filter regeneration procedure 1h30
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive reservoir 1h30
Remove/refit the catalytic converter Front-wheel drive 6h00–8h00
Renew the catalytic converter Front-wheel drive 6h00–8h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter Automatic transmission 11h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter Manual transmission 8h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector 1h30
Renew the diesel particulate filter Manual transmission 8h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter Automatic transmission 11h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector 1h30
Remove/refit the AdBlue tank 1h30
Drain/refill the AdBlue tank 0h30
Renew the AdBlue tank 1h30
Remove/refit the AdBlue injector 1h30
Renew the AdBlue injector 1h30
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter Front-wheel drive 6h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter Front-wheel drive 6h00

What is a Ford S-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 S-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 S-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 S-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 S-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.

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View your S-Max maintenance plan (keep the S-Max token) →

3 models covered

Model Year Range Engines covered Fuel
S-Max 2006-2015 2006-2015 1.6 SCTi (EcoBoost) Petrol (JTWA), 1.6 SCTi (EcoBoost) Petrol (JTWB), 1.6 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (T1WA), 1.6 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (T1WB), 1.8 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (FFWA), 1.8 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (QYWA), 2.0 (Duratec-HE) Petrol (AOWA), 2.0 (Duratec-HE) Petrol (AOWB), 2.0 F… Bioethanol (E85), Diesel, Petrol
S-Max 2015-2025 2015-2025 1.5 (EcoBoost) Petrol (UNCK), 1.5 (EcoBoost) Petrol (UNCP), 2.0 (EcoBoost) Petrol (R9CE), 2.0 (EcoBoost) Petrol (R9CI), 2.0 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (T7CL), 2.0 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (T8CJ), 2.0 TDCi (Duratorq) Diesel (UFCB), 2.0 TDCi (EcoBlue) Diesel (BCCC), 2.0 TDCi (EcoBlue) D… Diesel, Petrol
S-Max 2021-2025 2021-2025 2.5 FHEV Electricity,Petrol (BGCA) Electricity, Petrol

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