Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF) Vauxhall Vivaro
Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)
| Estimated time | 0h30–4h00 |
|---|---|
| Estimated labour cost | ~50–400£ |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Vehicles |
Vivaro Mk I 2001-2014 19
Vivaro Mk II 2015-2019 7
Vivaro Mk III 2019-2025 8
|
| Check the catalytic converter | 0h30 |
| Check the diesel particulate filter | 0h30 |
| Remove/refit the catalytic converter | 0h45–4h00 |
| Renew the catalytic converter | 0h45–4h00 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter | 1h30–6h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter | 1h30–6h00 |
| Prepare the catalytic converter heat shield for installation* | 0h45 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly | 1h30–2h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly | 1h30–2h00 |
| Remove/refit the front catalytic converter | 2h30 |
| Renew the front catalytic converter | 2h30 |
| Remove/refit the rear catalytic converter | 0h30 |
| Renew the rear catalytic converter | 0h30 |
| Remove/refit both catalytic converters | 2h30 |
| Renew both catalytic converters | 2h30 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter fuel additive reservoir | 2h30 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive reservoir | 2h30 |
| Remove/refit the AdBlue tank | 1h00–2h30 |
| Renew the AdBlue tank | 1h00–2h30 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector | 0h45–1h30 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector | 0h45–1h30 |
| Remove/refit the pre-catalytic converter | 4h00 |
| Renew the pre-catalytic converter | 4h00 |
| Drain/refill the AdBlue tank | 0h45 |
| Remove/refit the pre-catalytic converter Manual transmission | 4h00 |
| Remove/refit the pre-catalytic converter Automatic transmission | 3h30 |
| Renew the pre-catalytic converter Automatic transmission | 3h30 |
| Renew the pre-catalytic converter Manual transmission | 4h00 |
What is a Vauxhall Vivaro 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 Vauxhall Vivaro 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 Vauxhall Vivaro 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 Vauxhall Vivaro 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 Vauxhall Vivaro 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.
3 models covered
| Model | Year Range | Engines covered | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vivaro Mk I 2001-2014 | 2001-2014 | 1.9 CDi Diesel (F9Q-762 (U7)), 1.9 CDTi Diesel (F9Q-760 (U7)), 2.0 16V Petrol (F4R-720 (L7)), 2.0 16V Petrol (F4R-820 (H8)), 2.0 CDTi 16V 115 Diesel (M9R-780 (E7)), 2.0 CDTi 16V 115 Diesel (M9R-782 (L7)), 2.0 CDTi 16V 115 Diesel (M9R-784), 2.0 CDTi 16V 115 Diesel (M9R-786 (M7)),… | Diesel, Petrol |
| Vivaro Mk II 2015-2019 | 2015-2019 | 1.6 CDTi Bi-Turbo Diesel (R9M-450 (LWU)), 1.6 CDTi Bi-Turbo Diesel (R9M-450 (LWY)), 1.6 CDTi Bi-Turbo Diesel (R9M-452 (LQI)), 1.6 CDTi Bi-Turbo Diesel (R9M-452 (LWY)), 1.6 CDTi Diesel (R9M-408 (LWX)), 1.6 CDTi Diesel (R9M-408 (LWZ)), 1.6 CDTi Diesel (R9M-413 (LWX)) | Diesel |
| Vivaro Mk III 2019-2025 | 2019-2025 | 1.5 Turbo D 100 Diesel (DV5RCF (YHT)), 1.5 Turbo D 100 Diesel (DV5RUCD (YHR)), 1.5 Turbo D 120 Diesel (DV5RUC (YHV)), 1.6 CDTi Diesel (DV6FCU (BHX)), 1.6 CDTi Diesel (DV6FDU (BHS)), 1.6 CDTi Turbo Diesel (DV6FDU (BHV)), 2.0 CDTi 145 Diesel (DW10FDDU (EHS)), 2.0 CDTi 145 Turbo Di… | Diesel |