MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
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Just had a trip to the garage as my check engine light came, the diagnostic says the diesel additive tank was low. I was completely ignorant of this, Mazda 3 which is a Ford focus by another name, has an auxiliary additive tank.
From the AA:
DPF additives
The most commonly fitted type of DPF has an integrated oxidising catalytic converter and is located very close to the engine where exhaust gases will still be hot. This heat means that passive regeneration is more likely to be successful.
Some models, across a wide range of manufacturers, use a different type of DPF which relies on a fuel additive to lower the ignition temperature of the soot particles.
The additive is stored in a separate tank next to the fuel tank and is automatically mixed with the fuel whenever you fill up. Only very small quantities are used so a litre of additive should treat around 2800 litres of fuel – enough to cover 25,000 miles at 40mpg. It lasts about 70000 miles and is replenished during a service – at extra cost.
You will have to pay to get the additive tank refilled at some time in the car's life – expect to pay between £150 and £200 including fluid and labour
Don't be tempted to ignore a warning light showing that the additive tanks need refilling. It's absolutely essential this tank is refilled as without it regeneration is unlikely to be successful and a new DPF may be needed – at significant cost. Fuel consumption can increase as a result of failed regenerations too.
Anuone know if this is the same as AdBlue that truck drivers can buy along side diesel, and pump it straight into the little tank next to the fuel? I suspect it is, and my Googlefu suggests it's half the diesel.
They're charging you £150 to £200 for 10 minutes work and the use of a hand pump with a special adaptor probabaly. I'd try ask an indepent garage or diesel specialist for a second opinion.
Nope, not the same as AdBlue; that works in SCR systems to convert nitrous oxides into nitrogen and water, nothing to do with particulates. DPF fluid has some odd rare metal compounds if I remember rightly and allows for lazy exhaust design.
SCR will be appearing on more light duty applications though as the Eu VI regs come in.