Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF) Opel Astra
Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)
| Estimated time | 0h30–3h30 |
|---|---|
| Estimated labour cost | ~50–350£ |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Vehicles |
Astra F (Classic) 1992-2001 3
Astra G (Classic II) 1998-2007 7
Astra H (Classic III) 2004-2012 11
Astra J 2010-2017 13
Astra K 2016-2022 10
Astra L 2022-2025 1
|
| Check the catalytic converter | 0h30 |
| Remove/refit the catalytic converter | 0h45–4h00 |
| Renew the catalytic converter | 0h45–4h00 |
| 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 | 0h30–2h30 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter | 0h30–2h30 |
| Check the diesel particulate filter | 0h30 |
| Remove/refit the front catalytic converter | 3h00 |
| Renew the front catalytic converter | 3h00 |
| Remove/refit the rear catalytic converter | 1h00 |
| Renew the rear catalytic converter | 1h00 |
| Remove/refit both catalytic converters | 3h30 |
| Renew both catalytic converters | 3h30 |
| Check/top up the diesel particulate filter fuel additive | 0h30 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly | 1h30–3h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly | 1h30–3h00 |
| Selective catalytic reduction (SCR): check the fluid level; top up if necessary | 0h30 |
| Renew the catalytic converter gasket | 3h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter fuel additive reservoir Hatchback, 5 doors | 1h30 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive reservoir Hatchback, 5 doors | 1h30 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector | 0h45 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector | 0h45 |
| Remove/refit the AdBlue tank control unit Hatchback | 0h45 |
| Drain/refill the AdBlue tank | 2h00 |
| Drain/refill the AdBlue tank Hatchback | 1h30 |
| Renew the AdBlue tank control unit Hatchback | 0h45 |
| Remove/refit the AdBlue tank control unit Hatchback, 5 doors | 0h30 |
| Drain/refill the AdBlue tank Hatchback, 5 doors | 1h30 |
| Renew the AdBlue tank control unit Hatchback, 5 doors | 0h30 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter fuel additive reservoir | 0h45 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive reservoir | 0h45 |
| Remove/refit the AdBlue tank | 0h45 |
| Renew the AdBlue tank | 0h45 |
| Remove/refit the AdBlue injector | 0h45 |
| Renew the AdBlue injector | 0h45 |
What is a Opel Astra 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 Opel Astra 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 Opel Astra 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 Opel Astra 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 Opel Astra 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.
6 models covered
| Model | Year Range | Engines covered | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astra F (Classic) 1992-2001 | 1992-2001 | 1.4 MPFi Petrol (14SE), 1.4i 16V Petrol (X14XE), 1.4i Petrol (C14NZ), 1.4i Petrol (X14NZ), 1.4S Petrol (14NV), 1.4Si Petrol (C14SE), 1.6i 16V Petrol (X16XEL), 1.6i Petrol (16LZ2), 1.6i Petrol (C16NZ), 1.6i Petrol (X16SZ), 1.6i Petrol (X16SZR), 1.6S Petrol (16SV), 1.6Si Petrol (C… | Diesel, Petrol |
| Astra G (Classic II) 1998-2007 | 1998-2007 | 1.2 16V Petrol (Z12XE), 1.4 16V Petrol (X14XE), 1.4 16V Petrol (Z14XE), 1.4 16V Petrol (Z14XEP), 1.6 16V CNG CNG,Petrol (Z16YNG), 1.6 16V Petrol (X16XEL), 1.6 16V Petrol (Z16XEP), 1.6 16V, -LPG LPG,Petrol (Z16XE), 1.6, -LPG LPG,Petrol (Z16SE), 1.6, -LPG Petrol (X16SZR), 1.7 CDTi… | CNG, Diesel, LPG, Petrol |
| Astra H (Classic III) 2004-2012 | 2004-2012 | 1.3 CDTi 16V (DPF) Diesel (Z13DTH), 1.4 16V Petrol (Z14XEL), 1.4 16V, -LPG LPG,Petrol (Z14XEP), 1.6 16V Petrol (A16XER (LDE)), 1.6 16V Petrol (Z16LET), 1.6 16V Petrol (Z16XE1), 1.6 16V Petrol (Z16XEP), 1.6 16V, -LPG LPG,Petrol (Z16XER), 1.7 CDTi Diesel (A17DTJ (LPV)), 1.7 CDTi D… | Diesel, LPG, Petrol |
| Astra J 2010-2017 | 2010-2017 | 1.3 CDTi Diesel (A13DTE (LSF)), 1.4 16V Turbo Petrol (A14NEL (LUJ)), 1.4 16V Turbo Petrol (B14XER (LDD)), 1.4 16V Turbo, -LPG LPG,Petrol (A14NET (LUJ)), 1.4 16V Turbo, -LPG LPG,Petrol (B14NEL (LUJ)), 1.4 16V Turbo, -LPG LPG,Petrol (B14NET (LUJ)), 1.4 16V, -LPG LPG,Petrol (A14XEL… | Diesel, LPG, Petrol |
| Astra K 2016-2022 | 2016-2022 | 1.0 12V Petrol (B10XFT (LE1)), 1.0 12V Petrol (D10XFL (LE1)), 1.0 12V Petrol (D10XFL (LE1+PL5)), 1.2 Turbo Petrol (F12SHL (LIH)), 1.2 Turbo Petrol (F12SHR (LIH)), 1.2 Turbo Petrol (F12SHT (LIH)), 1.3 Turbo Petrol (F14SHT (L3T)), 1.4 16V Petrol (B14XE (LV7)), 1.4 CNG CNG (B14XNT … | CNG, Diesel, Petrol |
| Astra L 2022-2025 | 2022-2025 | 1.2T 110 Petrol (EB2ADT (HNP)), 1.2T 130 Petrol (EB2ADTS (HNS)), 1.2T mHEV 48V (MHEV),Petrol (EB2LTDH2 (HPY)), 1.5 CDTi Diesel (DV5RC (YHZ)), GSe (1.6 Turbo Plug-in Hybrid 225) Electricity,Petrol (EP6FADTXHPD (DGY)), Plug-in Hybrid 180 (1.6 Turbo) Electricity,Petrol (EP6FADTXHPE… | 48V (MHEV), Diesel, Electricity, Petrol |