Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF) Kia Picanto

Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)

Easy 0h30 ~50£
Estimated time 0h30
Estimated labour cost ~50£
Difficulty Easy
Vehicles
Picanto 2004-2011 1
  • 1.1 CRDi VGT Diesel (D3FA)
Check the catalytic converter 0h30
Remove/refit the catalytic converter 0h30
Renew the catalytic converter 0h30
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter 0h45
Renew the diesel particulate filter 0h45
Prepare the catalytic converter heat shield for installation* 0h45

What is a Kia Picanto 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 Kia Picanto 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 Kia Picanto 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 Kia Picanto 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 Kia Picanto 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.

View all compatible products →
View your Picanto maintenance plan (keep the Picanto token) →

3 models covered

Model Year Range Engines covered Fuel
Picanto 2004-2011 2004-2011 1.0 Petrol (G4HE), 1.0 Petrol (G4HE), 1.1 CRDi VGT Diesel (D3FA), 1.1 Petrol (G4HG) Diesel, Petrol
Picanto 2011-2017 2011-2017 1.0 Bi-Fuel (LPG) LPG,Petrol (B3LA), 1.0 CVVT Petrol (G3LA), 1.25, -LPG LPG,Petrol (G4LA) LPG, Petrol
Picanto 2017-2025 2017-2025 1.0 MPI Petrol (G3LD), 1.0 MPi, -LPG Petrol (G3LA), 1.0 T-GDi Petrol (G3LC), 1.0 T-GDi Petrol (G3LE), 1.2 AMT Petrol (G4LF), 1.25 MPi Petrol (G4LA) Petrol

Other repair guides

Change Car Accessory Belt Kit

Change Car Accessory Belt Kit

Easy 0h30–0h45
Change Car Air Filter

Change Car Air Filter

Very easy 0h30–0h30
Change Car Battery

Change Car Battery

Very easy 0h30–0h30
Change Car Cabin Filter

Change Car Cabin Filter

Very easy 0h30
Change Car Front Brake Discs and Pads

Change Car Front Brake Discs and Pads

Easy 1h30
Change Car Front Brake Pads

Change Car Front Brake Pads

Easy 0h45
Change Car Fuel Filter

Change Car Fuel Filter

Easy 0h30–1h30
Change Car Handbrake Cable

Change Car Handbrake Cable

Very easy 0h30
Change Car Oil Filter

Change Car Oil Filter

Easy 0h30–0h45
Change Car Rear Silencer

Change Car Rear Silencer

Easy 0h30–0h45
Change Car Shock Absorbers

Change Car Shock Absorbers

Easy 2h00
Change Car Water Pump

Change Car Water Pump

Easy 2h00–6h00
Change Car Clutch

Change Car Clutch

Technical 6h00–7h00
Change Car Glow Plugs

Change Car Glow Plugs

Intermediate 0h45
Change Car Spark Plugs

Change Car Spark Plugs

Easy 0h30–0h45
Change Car Timing Belt Kit

Change Car Timing Belt Kit

Very technical 3h00–3h30
Change Car Turbo

Change Car Turbo

Very technical 5h00–6h00
View the service schedule for your Picanto →