Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF) Nissan X-Trail

Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)

Easy 0h30–15h00 ~50–1500£
Estimated time 0h30–15h00
Estimated labour cost ~50–1500£
Difficulty Easy
Vehicles
X-Trail I 2001-2008 2
  • 2.2 dCi Diesel (YD22DDTI)
  • 2.2 dCi Diesel (YD22DDTI)
X-Trail II 2007-2014 2
  • 2.0 dCi 150 Diesel (M9R-740)
  • 2.0 dCi 173 Diesel (M9R-760)
X-Trail III 2014-2021 3
  • 1.6 dCi Diesel (R9M)
  • 1.7 dCi 150 Diesel (R9N-401)
  • 2.0 dCi Diesel (M9R)
Check the catalytic converter 0h30
Check the diesel particulate filter 0h30
Check the diesel particulate filter saturation (using a diagnostic tool) 0h30
Remove/refit the catalytic converter 3h00–15h00
Renew the catalytic converter 3h00–15h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter 1h30–15h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter 1h30–15h00
Prepare the catalytic converter heat shield for installation* 0h45
Remove/refit the catalytic converter Front-wheel drive 11h00
Renew the catalytic converter Front-wheel drive 11h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter Front-wheel drive 11h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter Front-wheel drive 11h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly 1h30–22h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly 1h30–22h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly Front-wheel drive 9h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly Front-wheel drive 9h00
Remove/refit the AdBlue tank 1h30
Drain/refill the AdBlue tank 1h30
Renew the catalytic converter gasket 6h00

What is a Nissan X-Trail 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 Nissan X-Trail 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 Nissan X-Trail 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 Nissan X-Trail 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 Nissan X-Trail 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 X-Trail maintenance plan (keep the X-Trail token) →

3 models covered

Model Year Range Engines covered Fuel
X-Trail I 2001-2008 2001-2008 2.0 Petrol (QR20DE), 2.2 dCi Diesel (YD22DDTI), 2.2 dCi Diesel (YD22DDTI), 2.5 Petrol (QR25DE) Diesel, Petrol
X-Trail II 2007-2014 2007-2014 2.0 16V Petrol (MR20DE), 2.0 dCi 150 Diesel (M9R-740), 2.0 dCi 173 Diesel (M9R-760), 2.5 16V Petrol (QR25DE) Diesel, Petrol
X-Trail III 2014-2021 2014-2021 1.3 DIG-T Petrol (HR13DDT), 1.6 dCi Diesel (R9M), 1.6 DiG-T Petrol (MR16DDT), 1.7 dCi 150 Diesel (R9N-401), 2.0 dCi Diesel (M9R), 2.0 Petrol (MR20DD) Diesel, Petrol

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