Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF) Volkswagen Polo

Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)

Easy 0h30–12h00 ~50–1200£
Estimated time 0h30–12h00
Estimated labour cost ~50–1200£
Difficulty Easy
Vehicles
Polo Mk5 2009-2020 7
  • 1.2 TDI Diesel (CFWA)
  • 1.4 TDI Diesel (CUSA)
  • 1.4 TDI Diesel (CUSB)
  • 1.4 TDI Diesel (CUTA)
  • 1.6 TDI Diesel (CAYA)
  • 1.6 TDI Diesel (CAYB)
  • 1.6 TDI Diesel (CAYC)
Polo Mk6 2017-2025 2
  • 1.6 TDI Diesel (DGTC)
  • 1.6 TDI Diesel (DGTD)
Polo MkII 1981-1994 1
  • 1.4 D Diesel (1W)
Polo MkIII 1994-2002 5
  • 1.7 SDi Diesel (AHG)
  • 1.7 SDi Diesel (AKU)
  • 1.9 D Diesel (AEF)
  • 1.9 SDi Diesel (AGD)
  • 1.9 SDi Diesel (ASX)
Polo MkIV 2002-2012 12
  • 1.4 TDI Diesel (AMF)
  • 1.4 TDI Diesel (BAY)
  • 1.4 TDI Diesel (BNM)
  • 1.4 TDI Diesel (BNV)
  • 1.4 TDI DPF Diesel (BMS)
  • 1.4 TDI DPF Diesel (BWB)
  • 1.9 SDi Diesel (ASY)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (ASZ)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (ATD)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (AXR)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (BLT)
  • 1.9 TDI DPF Diesel (BMT)
Check the catalytic converter 0h30
Check the diesel particulate filter saturation (using a diagnostic tool) 0h30
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter 4h00–12h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter 4h00–12h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly 4h00–6h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly 4h00–6h00
Prepare the catalytic converter heat shield for installation* 0h45
Remove/refit the front catalytic converter with the exhaust pipe 1h30–4h00
Renew the front catalytic converter with the exhaust pipe 1h30–5h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter Semi-automatic transmission 11h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter Manual transmission 12h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter Semi-automatic transmission 11h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter Manual transmission 12h00
Check the diesel particulate filter 0h30
Remove/refit the catalytic converter 0h45–6h00
Renew the catalytic converter 0h45–6h00

What is a Volkswagen Polo 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 Polo 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 Polo 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 Polo 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 Polo 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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5 models covered

Model Year Range Engines covered Fuel
Polo Mk5 2009-2020 2009-2020 1.0 MPI Petrol (CHYA), 1.0 MPI Petrol (CHYB), 1.0 TSI Petrol (CHZB), 1.0 TSI Petrol (CHZC), 1.2 12V Petrol (CGPA), 1.2 12V Petrol (CGPB), 1.2 TDI Diesel (CFWA), 1.2 TSI Petrol (CBZB), 1.2 TSI Petrol (CBZC), 1.2 TSI Petrol (CJZC), 1.2 TSI Petrol (CJZD), 1.4 LPG LPG,Petrol (CMAA),… Diesel, LPG, Petrol
Polo Mk6 2017-2025 2017-2025 1.0 MPI Petrol (CHYB), 1.0 MPI Petrol (CHYC), 1.0 MPI Petrol (DFNA), 1.0 MPI Petrol (DFNB), 1.0 MPI Petrol (DSGB), 1.0 MPI Petrol (DSGD), 1.0 TGI CNG,Petrol (DBYA), 1.0 TSI Petrol (CHZJ), 1.0 TSI Petrol (CHZL), 1.0 TSI Petrol (DKJA), 1.0 TSI Petrol (DKLA), 1.0 TSI Petrol (DKRA),… CNG, Diesel, Petrol
Polo MkII 1981-1994 1981-1994 1.0 Petrol (AAK), 1.0 Petrol (AAU), 1.0 Petrol (ACM), 1.0 Petrol (HZ), 1.3 (55/57 kW) Petrol (3F), 1.3 G40 Petrol (PY), 1.3 Petrol (AAV), 1.3 Petrol (MH), 1.4 D Diesel (1W) Diesel, Petrol
Polo MkIII 1994-2002 1994-2002 1.0 Petrol (AER), 1.0 Petrol (AEV), 1.0 Petrol (ALD), 1.0 Petrol (ALL), 1.0 Petrol (AUC), 1.3 Petrol (ADX), 1.4 (40/44 kW) Petrol (AEX), 1.4 (40/44 kW) Petrol (AKP), 1.4 (40/44 kW) Petrol (APQ), 1.4 16V Petrol (AFK), 1.4 16V Petrol (AHW), 1.4 16V Petrol (APE), 1.4 16V Petrol (AQ… Diesel, Petrol
Polo MkIV 2002-2012 2002-2012 1.2 12V Petrol (AZQ), 1.2 12V Petrol (BME), 1.2 12V Petrol (BZG), 1.2 6V Petrol (AWY), 1.2 6V Petrol (BBM), 1.2 6V Petrol (BMD), 1.4 16V FSi Petrol (AXU), 1.4 16V Petrol (AUA), 1.4 16V Petrol (AUB), 1.4 16V Petrol (BBY), 1.4 16V Petrol (BBZ), 1.4 16V Petrol (BKY), 1.4 16V Petrol… Diesel, Petrol

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