Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF) Volkswagen Golf

Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)

Easy 0h30–10h00 ~50–1000£
Estimated time 0h30–10h00
Estimated labour cost ~50–1000£
Difficulty Easy
Vehicles
Golf Mk5 2003-2010 14
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (BJB)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (BKC)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (BRU)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (BXE)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (BXF)
  • 1.9 TDI DPF Diesel (BLS)
  • 1.9 TDI DPF Diesel (BXJ)
  • 2.0 16V TDI Diesel (AZV)
  • 2.0 16V TDI Diesel (BKD)
  • 2.0 16V TDI DPF Diesel (BMN)
  • 2.0 8V SDi Diesel (BDK)
  • 2.0 8V TDI DPF Diesel (BMM)
  • 2.0 CR TDI Diesel (CBDA)
  • 2.0 CR TDI Diesel (CBDB)
Golf Mk6 2009-2013 14
  • 1.6 TDI Diesel (CAYB)
  • 1.6 TDI Diesel (CAYC)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CBAA)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CBAB)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CBDA)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CBDB)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CBDC)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CFFA)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CFFB)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CFHB)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CFHC)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CJAA)
  • GTD (2.0 TDI) Diesel (CBBB)
  • GTD (2.0 TDI) Diesel (CFGB)
Golf Mk7 2013-2021 27
  • 1.6 TDI Diesel (CLHA)
  • 1.6 TDI Diesel (CLHB)
  • 1.6 TDI Diesel (CRKA)
  • 1.6 TDI Diesel (CRKB)
  • 1.6 TDI Diesel (CXXA)
  • 1.6 TDI Diesel (CXXB)
  • 1.6 TDI Diesel (DBKA)
  • 1.6 TDI Diesel (DDYA)
  • 1.6 TDI Diesel (DDYB)
  • 1.6 TDI Diesel (DGTE)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CRBB)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CRBC)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CRGA)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CRLB)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CRLD)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CRVA)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CRVC)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CYKB)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (DCYA)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (DCYB)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (DEJA)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (DEJB)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (DFGA)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (DFGB)
  • GTD (2.0 TDI) Diesel (CUNA)
  • GTD (2.0 TDI) Diesel (DGCA)
  • GTD (2.0 TDI) Diesel (DJGA)
Golf Mk8 2020-2025 8
  • 2.0 TDi BlueMotion Diesel (DSRB)
  • 2.0 TDi BlueMotion Diesel (DSUD)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (DTRB)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (DTRD)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (DTSA)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (DTSB)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (DTTC)
  • 2.0 TDI, -GTD Diesel (DTUA)
Golf MkIII 1991-1998 7
  • 1.9 D Diesel (1Y)
  • 1.9 SDi Diesel (AEY)
  • 1.9 TD Diesel (AAZ)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (1Z)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (AFN)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (AHU)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (ALE)
Golf MkIV 1997-2007 12
  • 1.9 SDi Diesel (AGP)
  • 1.9 SDi Diesel (AQM)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (AGR)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (AHF)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (AJM)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (ALH)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (ARL)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (ASV)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (ASZ)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (ATD)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (AUY)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (AXR)
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 Front-wheel drive 1h30
Renew the catalytic converter Front-wheel drive 1h30
Remove/refit the front catalytic converter with the exhaust pipe 2h00–5h00
Renew the front catalytic converter with the exhaust pipe 2h00–5h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter 4h00–11h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter 4h00–11h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly 4h00–12h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly 5h00–12h00
Prepare the catalytic converter heat shield for installation* 0h45
Remove/refit the front catalytic converter with the exhaust pipe With diesel particulate filter 5h00
Remove/refit the front catalytic converter with the exhaust pipe Without diesel particulate filter 1h30
Renew the front catalytic converter with the exhaust pipe With diesel particulate filter 5h00
Renew the front catalytic converter with the exhaust pipe Without diesel particulate filter 1h30
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly BKD 1h30
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly CBDB 5h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly CBDB 5h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly BKD 1h30
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter Front-wheel drive 4h00–11h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter Front-wheel drive 4h00–11h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter fuel additive reservoir 1h00–1h30
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive reservoir 1h00–1h30
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter Semi-automatic transmission 8h00–9h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter Manual transmission, 4WD 9h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector 0h45
Renew the diesel particulate filter Semi-automatic transmission 9h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter Manual transmission, 4WD 9h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector 0h45
Remove/refit the AdBlue tank 1h00–2h30
Renew the AdBlue tank 1h00–2h30
Remove/refit the AdBlue injector 0h45
Renew the AdBlue injector 0h45
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter Manual transmission, Front-wheel drive 9h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter Manual transmission, Front-wheel drive 9h00
Check/top up the diesel particulate filter fuel additive 0h30
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter 4WD 12h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter 4WD 12h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter Manual transmission 9h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter Manual transmission 9h00
Remove/refit the AdBlue heater 2h00
Drain/refill the AdBlue tank 0h45–1h30
Renew the AdBlue heater 2h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter* 6h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector N758 0h30
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector N474 0h45
Renew the diesel particulate filter* 6h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector N474 0h45
Renew the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector N758 0h30
Remove/refit the left catalytic converter 0h45–1h30
Remove/refit the catalytic converter 1h30–2h00
Renew the catalytic converter 1h30–2h00
Prepare the catalytic converter heat shield for installation 0h30

What is a Volkswagen Golf 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 Golf 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 Golf 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 Golf 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 Golf 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 Golf maintenance plan (keep the Golf token) →

8 models covered

Model Year Range Engines covered Fuel
Golf Mk5 2003-2010 2003-2010 1.4 FSi Petrol (BKG), 1.4 FSi Petrol (BLN), 1.4 Petrol (BCA), 1.4 Petrol (BUD), 1.4 TSI GT Petrol (BLG), 1.4 TSI Petrol (BMY), 1.4 TSI Petrol (CAVD), 1.4 TSI Petrol (CAXA), 1.6 16V FSi Petrol (BAG), 1.6 16V FSi Petrol (BLF), 1.6 16V FSi Petrol (BLP), 1.6 8V Multifuel Bioethanol … Bioethanol (E85), Diesel, Petrol
Golf Mk6 2009-2013 2009-2013 1.2 TSI Petrol (CBZA), 1.2 TSI Petrol (CBZB), 1.4 Petrol (CGGA), 1.4 TSI Petrol (CAVD), 1.4 TSI Petrol (CAXA), 1.4 TSI Petrol (CTHD), 1.6 Bi-Fuel (LPG) LPG,Petrol (CHGA), 1.6 MPi Petrol (BSE), 1.6 MultiFuel Bioethanol (E85),Petrol (CMXA), 1.6 MultiFuel Petrol (CCSA), 1.6 TDI Die… Bioethanol (E85), Diesel, LPG, Petrol
Golf Mk7 2013-2021 2013-2021 1.0 TSI Petrol (CHZC), 1.0 TSI Petrol (CHZD), 1.0 TSI Petrol (CHZK), 1.0 TSI Petrol (DKLB), 1.0 TSI Petrol (DKRF), 1.2 TSI Petrol (CJZA), 1.2 TSI Petrol (CJZB), 1.2 TSI Petrol (CYVA), 1.2 TSI Petrol (CYVB), 1.4 TSI ACT Petrol (CPTA), 1.4 TSI ACT Petrol (CZEA), 1.4 TSI CNG CNG,Pe… Bioethanol (E85), CNG, Diesel, Electricity, Petrol
Golf Mk8 2020-2025 2020-2025 1.0 eTSI Petrol (DLAA), 1.0 TSI Petrol (DLAB), 1.5 eTSI Petrol (DFYA), 1.5 TGI CNG,Petrol (DHFA), 1.5 TSI Petrol (DPBA), 1.5 TSI Petrol (DPCA), 2.0 TDi BlueMotion Diesel (DSRB), 2.0 TDi BlueMotion Diesel (DSUD), 2.0 TDI Diesel (DTRB), 2.0 TDI Diesel (DTRD), 2.0 TDI Diesel (DTSA)… CNG, Diesel, Electricity, Petrol
Golf MkI 1974-1984 1974-1984 1.1 Petrol (FA), 1.1 Petrol (FJ), 1.1 Petrol (GG), 1.3 Petrol (GF), 1.5 D Diesel (CK), 1.5 Petrol (FH), 1.5 Petrol (JB), 1.6 D Diesel (CR), 1.6 D Diesel (JK), 1.6 GTi 8V Petrol (EG), 1.6 Petrol (EM), 1.6 Petrol (EW), 1.6 Petrol (FP), 1.6 TD Diesel (CY), 1.8 Petrol (DX), 1.8 Petr… Diesel, Petrol
Golf MkII 1983-1993 1983-1993 1.0 Petrol (GN), 1.0 Petrol (HZ), 1.3 Petrol (2G), 1.3 Petrol (GT), 1.3 Petrol (HK), 1.3 Petrol (HW), 1.3 Petrol (MH), 1.3 Petrol (NU), 1.3 Petrol (NZ), 1.6 D Diesel (ME), 1.6 Kat. Petrol (EZA), 1.6 Kat. Petrol (RF), 1.6 Petrol (ABN), 1.6 Petrol (EZ), 1.6 Petrol (HM), 1.6 Petrol… Diesel, Petrol
Golf MkIII 1991-1998 1991-1998 1.4 (40/44 kW) Petrol (ABD), 1.4 (40/44 kW) Petrol (AEX), 1.4 (40/44 kW) Petrol (APQ), 1.6 Petrol (ABU), 1.6 Petrol (AEA), 1.6 Petrol (AEE), 1.6 Petrol (AEK), 1.6 Petrol (AFT), 1.6 Petrol (AKS), 1.8 Petrol (AAM), 1.8 Petrol (ABS), 1.8 Petrol (ACC), 1.8 Petrol (ADZ), 1.8 Petrol (… Diesel, Petrol
Golf MkIV 1997-2007 1997-2007 1.4 Petrol (AHW), 1.4 Petrol (AKQ), 1.4 Petrol (APE), 1.4 Petrol (AXP), 1.4 Petrol (BCA), 1.6 16V Petrol (ATN), 1.6 16V Petrol (AUS), 1.6 16V Petrol (AZD), 1.6 16V Petrol (BAD), 1.6 16V Petrol (BCB), 1.6 8V Petrol (AEH), 1.6 8V Petrol (AKL), 1.6 8V Petrol (APF), 1.6 8V Petrol (A… CNG, Diesel, Petrol

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