Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF) Volkswagen Crafter
Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)
| Estimated time | 0h30–1h30 |
|---|---|
| Estimated labour cost | ~50–150£ |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Check the catalytic converter | 0h30 |
| Check the diesel particulate filter | 0h30 |
| Check/top up the diesel particulate filter fuel additive | 0h30–0h30 |
| Check the diesel particulate filter saturation (using a diagnostic tool) | 0h30 |
| Remove/refit the catalytic converter | 1h30–2h00 |
| Renew the catalytic converter | 1h30–2h00 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter | 1h30–2h30 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter | 1h30–2h30 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly | 2h00–7h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly | 2h00–7h00 |
| Prepare the catalytic converter heat shield for installation* | 0h45 |
| Remove/refit the AdBlue heater | 2h30 |
| Remove/refit the AdBlue tank | 1h30–2h00 |
| Renew the AdBlue tank | 1h30–2h30 |
| Renew the AdBlue heater | 2h30 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter fuel additive reservoir | 1h30–3h00 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive reservoir | 1h30–2h00 |
| Selective catalytic reduction (SCR): check the fluid level; top up if necessary | 0h30 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter EURO 5 | 2h30 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter EURO 4 | 3h00 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector | 0h30–0h45 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter EURO 4 | 3h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter EURO 5 | 2h30 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector | 0h30–0h45 |
| Remove/refit the AdBlue pump | 2h00 |
| Renew the AdBlue pump | 2h00 |
| Remove/refit the AdBlue system control unit | 0h30 |
| Renew the AdBlue system control unit | 0h30 |
| Remove/refit the pre-catalytic converter | 1h00 |
| Renew the pre-catalytic converter | 1h00 |
| Remove/refit the AdBlue tank control unit | 0h30 |
| Drain/refill the AdBlue tank | 0h45 |
| Renew the AdBlue tank control unit | 0h30 |
| Remove/refit the AdBlue injector | 1h00 |
| Renew the AdBlue injector | 1h00 |
What is a Volkswagen Crafter 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 Volkswagen Crafter 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 Volkswagen Crafter 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 Volkswagen Crafter 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 Volkswagen Crafter 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crafter 2006-2016 | 2006-2016 | CR28 2.0 TDI Diesel (CKTB), CR28 2.0 TDI Diesel (CKTC), CR28 2.0 TDI Diesel (CKUB), CR28 2.0 TDI Diesel (CSNA), CR28 2.5 TDI Diesel (BJJ), CR28 2.5 TDI Diesel (BJK), CR28 2.5 TDI Diesel (BJL), CR28 2.5 TDI Diesel (BJM), CR28 2.5 TDI Diesel (CEBA), CR28 2.5 TDI Diesel (CEBB), CR2… | Diesel |
| Crafter 2017-2025 | 2017-2025 | CR30 2.0 TDI Bi-Turbo Diesel (DAVA), CR30 2.0 TDI Bi-Turbo Diesel (DMZB), CR30 2.0 TDI Diesel (DAUA), CR30 2.0 TDI Diesel (DAUB), CR30 2.0 TDI Diesel (DNAD), CR30 2.0 TDI Diesel (DNAE), CR35 2.0 TDI Bi-Turbo Diesel (DAVA), CR35 2.0 TDI Bi-Turbo Diesel (DAWA), CR35 2.0 TDI Bi-Tur… | Diesel |
