DPF Filters

You don’t need to pay for an expensive OEM part when our aftermarket diesel particulate filter (DPF) replacements can do the exact job, for less. 

Find a direct-fit replacement DPF for your diesel from our extensive range. We stock quality replacement parts from trusted brands, engineered for Australian 4WDs, commercial utes, and more.

Is your DPF showing signs of trouble?

Is your DPF warning light coming on? Has your 4WD or ute started losing power? These symptoms could point to a problem with your DPF filter, but it doesn’t necessarily indicate the filter needs replacing. 

Let’s troubleshoot some common signs we see associated with DPF problems, what they could mean, and your best course of action.

DPF warning light

When your DPF warning light comes on, it can relate to any number of things. Importantly, the warning light doesn’t automatically mean you need to replace your DPF. It could mean the DPF has accumulated too much soot and needs to complete a regeneration, or that previous regeneration attempts have been unsuccessful. 

The DPF light on your dashboard can also indicate there might be a fault with a sensor or an engine issue that’s causing excessive particulate production.

Your best course of action here is to follow your vehicle manufacturer’s instructions or get the system diagnosed by a mechanic. 

Loss of power/limp mode

When your DPF filter becomes heavily restricted from particulate matter build-up, the filter can create excessive exhaust backpressure, which can impact your engine’s performance. 

Your vehicle’s electronic control unit (ECU) may also be detecting a serious emissions-system issue, which could cause it to limit your engine power by putting it into limp mode.

Diesel engine limp mode or loss of engine performance doesn’t always point to an issue with your DPF filter. There are lots of fuel and sensor faults that can also trigger this reaction. 

We’d recommend getting the vehicle professionally diagnosed.

Repeated or unsuccessful regeneration

A healthy DPF periodically regenerates to burn off any excess soot. If this is happening unusually often or repeatedly failing to complete, it could mean your filter is struggling to clear the excess build-up. 

It could also mean there’s another issue outside of the filter, such as sensor faults or engine issues. Depending on the condition of your filter, you may need to get a professional cleaning done or replace the part.

Poor fuel economy

A DPF struggling with excessive soot can often contribute to increased fuel consumption. That’s because it may be trying to actively regenerate more frequently, a process that uses extra fuel to raise exhaust temperatures high enough to burn off any accumulated soot. 

If the filter is restricted from excess particulate matter, it can increase exhaust backpressure levels, which impacts your engine’s efficiency. 

While these issues relate to DPFs, there can be any number of reasons why you’re experiencing poor fuel economy. If consumption has noticeably increased alongside frequent regeneration attempts by your DPF, then we recommend getting your system checked. 

Excessive smoke 

The colour of the smoke matters when working out what’s causing it. A healthy DPF filter is designed to capture soot and other particulate matter, so excessive dark or black smoke can indicate something’s not working correctly. 

A damaged DPF could be allowing more particulate matter through, but black smoke doesn’t only point to an issue with your DPF. It can also indicate incomplete combustion or issues in the air intake or fuel system.

If you’ve got white smoke coming from your exhaust, it could mean any number of things, from coolant leaks to simply your vehicle heating up on a cold morning. White smoke generally doesn’t point towards an issue with your DPF.

Clean, regenerate, or replace? Knowing what your DPF needs 

If your 4WD or ute has blocked DPF symptoms, there are a few ways to address the issue.

Depending on the condition of the filter, regeneration may be enough to burn off any excess soot. This happens either passively when exhaust temperatures are hot enough, or through an active regeneration started by your vehicle’s engine management system.

Over time, other material can accumulate and cause the DPF to become blocked. If the regeneration process can’t clear the blockage, then a professional cleaning can often do the trick. It helps remove accumulated particulate matter and restore airflow. 

If neither of these methods resolves the problem, it may mean the filter is damaged or has excessive ash accumulation. In this instance, it’s a good idea to get a professional diagnosis to determine the cause before replacing your DPF.

Replace your DPF without the dealer price tag

If you need to replace your DPF, you’ve got two main options: go through a dealer or choose a vehicle-specific aftermarket replacement.

If your vehicle is still under warranty or you prefer to have the diagnosis, parts, and installation all handled in one place, then a dealer can help you out. Just be mindful that OEM parts are often much more expensive than aftermarket replacements.

That’s where Perform-Ex gives 4WD, ute, and diesel SUV owners a more affordable, quality option. We’re an Australian-owned company working in the automotive parts supply business since 1976. We only stock quality aftermarket parts from brands we trust, including Redback and AS Catalysts, at competitive prices our customers can rely on.

You can find the exact DPF designed for your vehicle’s make, model, engine, and year from our extensive range, all backed by our price-match guarantee and with fast shipping across Australia.

Find the DPF built for your diesel 

From hard-working utes to 4WDs, vans, and passenger vehicles, we stock vehicle-specific replacement DPFs for popular Australian diesels, including:

• Ford Ranger, including PXII models

• Toyota HiAce and LandCruiser

• Nissan Navara and X-Trail

• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

• Ford Transit

• Holden Colorado

You can use our Fast Parts Finder filter at the top of the page to search for your specific make, model, and year or shop by your car if you’re looking for additional parts.

Once you’ve found the right DPF for your vehicle, you may need fitting hardware for the installation. Check the individual product listing to see what’s included.

Keep your diesel breathing clean with Perform-Ex

Getting the right DPF is about more than finding a replacement that fits. You want a quality part you can rely on, supplied by people who know exhaust systems.

A damaged or failed DPF doesn’t have to mean paying dealer prices or keeping your diesel off the road for longer than necessary.

Backed by the automotive expertise we’ve been building since 1976, we’re here to help you find exactly what you need at a price that works for your budget. 

If you’re not sure which part works for your vehicle, our dedicated and experienced team can offer you guidance and support. Contact us today by phone or email. We’re happy to help.

FAQs

How do I know if my DPF filter needs to be replaced rather than cleaned?

A working DPF with excessive soot buildup that can’t be cleared through regeneration can benefit from professional cleaning. A replacement becomes more likely when the filter is damaged, cracked, or melted. 

Always check with a mechanic to address any underlying engine or emissions faults before installing a DPF replacement.

How do I find the right replacement DPF for my vehicle?

We offer an extensive range of DPF replacement parts, which can be filtered for your specific vehicle’s make, model, and year. We also have a description within each product listing that tells you exactly what vehicle it’s suited to, along with best practices when installing the part.

What should I do if my DPF warning light comes on?

A DPF warning light often means an excessive build-up of soot, or the regeneration process hasn’t worked. The light doesn’t automatically indicate your filter needs replacing.

Check your owner’s manual for the recommended response. If the warning light persists, have the vehicle professionally diagnosed.

Is it legal to delete a DPF in Australia?

DPF delete legality in Australia depends on whether the vehicle is required to comply with relevant Australian Design Rules (ADRs). Removing required emissions-control equipment can mean a vehicle no longer complies with the applicable ADRs. DPF delete products aren’t intended for normal road use.