Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF) Audi A5
Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)
| Estimated time | 0h30–16h00 |
|---|---|
| Estimated labour cost | ~50–1600£ |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Vehicles |
A5 2007-2017 25
A5 2017-2025 14
|
| Check the catalytic converter | 0h30 |
| Check the diesel particulate filter saturation (using a diagnostic tool) | 0h30 |
| Remove/refit the catalytic converter | 1h30–8h00 |
| Renew the catalytic converter | 1h30–8h00 |
| Renew the catalytic converter gasket | 4h00 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter | 3h00–16h00 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter CVT | 5h00 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter Manual transmission | 3h30 |
| Remove/refit the petrol particulate filter | 3h00–14h00 |
| Renew the petrol particulate filter | 3h00–14h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter Manual transmission | 3h30 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter | 3h30–17h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter CVT | 5h00 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly | 3h30–9h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly | 4h00–9h00 |
| Remove/refit the petrol particulate filter differential pressure sensor | 0h30–0h45 |
| Renew the petrol particulate filter differential pressure sensor | 0h30–0h45 |
| Prepare the catalytic converter heat shield for installation | 0h30 |
| Prepare the catalytic converter heat shield for installation* | 0h45 |
| Remove/refit the petrol particulate filter temperature sensor | 0h45 |
| Renew the petrol particulate filter temperature sensor | 0h45 |
| Selective catalytic reduction (SCR): check the fluid level; top up if necessary | 0h30 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter fuel additive reservoir | 2h00 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive reservoir | 2h00 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector N758 | 0h30–0h45 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector N474 | 1h00–1h30 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector N474 | 1h00–1h30 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector N758 | 0h30–0h45 |
| Remove/refit the AdBlue tank control unit | 0h30 |
| Drain/refill the AdBlue tank | 0h30 |
| Renew the AdBlue tank control unit | 0h30 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector | 0h30 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector | 0h30 |
What is a Audi A5 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 Audi A5 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 Audi A5 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 Audi A5 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 Audi A5 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.
2 models covered
| Model | Year Range | Engines covered | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|
| A5 2007-2017 | 2007-2017 | 1.8 TFSI Petrol (CABD), 1.8 TFSI Petrol (CDHB), 1.8 TFSI Petrol (CJEB), 1.8 TFSI Petrol (CJED), 1.8 TFSI Petrol (CJEE), 2.0 TDI Diesel (CAGA), 2.0 TDI Diesel (CAGB), 2.0 TDI Diesel (CAHA), 2.0 TDI Diesel (CAHB), 2.0 TDI Diesel (CGLC), 2.0 TDI Diesel (CGLD), 2.0 TDI Diesel (CJCA)… | Diesel, Petrol |
| A5 2017-2025 | 2017-2025 | 1.4 TFSI Petrol (CVNA), 2.0 TDI Diesel (DETA), 2.0 TDI Diesel (DEUA), 2.0 TDI Diesel (DEUB), 2.0 TDI MHEV Diesel (DTPA), 2.0 TFSI g-tron CNG (CVLA), 2.0 TFSI Petrol (CVKB), 2.0 TFSI Petrol (CYRB), 2.0 TFSI Petrol (CYRC), 2.0 TFSI, MHEV 48V (MHEV),Petrol (DDWA), 3.0 TDI Diesel (C… | 48V (MHEV), CNG, Diesel, Petrol |
