Hi all,

 

Are there any tell tale signs the car is regening properly?

 

With my previous 535D the exhaust note changed so it was obvious.

 

i can’t say I’ve noticed any difference in my VRS diesel so have no idea when it’s regenning if at all?

In my Seat Leon diesel when it regens the tick over revs increase to 1000rpm even at stand still at traffic lights etc. I would image the same for Skoda, VW etc.

RPM increase to around 1000 at tickover and it feels a bit lumpy when driving. If it's in full regen mode the radiator fans will keep running for a while if you switch the engine off. Think the best rpm for doing a regen is around a steady 1800 - 2200 for 20 - 30 mins.

There is also a 'distinctive' smell, I tend to notice it more around the NS rear passenger door. 

I get a smell as if paper is burning sometimes.

I get 6 indications that a regen is happening

1. Tick-over rpm increases to 1000
2. A distinctive engine note under light acceleration - almost as if someone is blowing gently across the top of a tube
3. Coupled with (2) a very slight hesitancy under light acceleration
4. Engine oil temperature (Maxidot display) rises VERY quickly to low 100's centigrade
5. A distinctive faint smell in the car when stationary in traffic - someone else said burning paper, for me it is like the smell of burnt aviation fuel you get around airports
6. This has only ever happened once - the engine cooling fan continues to run after the engine has stopped 

Another key indicator that regeneration is happening properly is that the DPF warning light never shows!!  Mine has done 46k miles - never seen it once.  Shouldn't have said that should I ?!!??!

I have never had the burning smell but 6) the fan running on, I have if the regen is not complete. At the same time, the driver's side wing is very hot near the bonnet and windscreen area.

Like you, I have never had the DPF warning light in over 60,000 miles.

I've never had the light on.

If I notice it's starting a regen early enough I keep my revs at 2200 rpm in 4th gear till the fan stops.