Like it or not, emissions regulations will tighten significantly for all fossil fuelled vehicles. This means more technology, more costs and much much more to go wrong.
With the fall out of dieselgate, many motorists are now opting for petrol. In fact record numbers are switching to petrol and alternatively fueled vehicles as the demonisation of diesel powered vehicles continues to gain momentum.
Unfortunately petrol engines haven’t escaped the emissions crack down. The latest advance in petrol emissions control technology is the GPF or gasoline particulate filter.
What is a GPF Gasoline Particulate Filter
A GPF (Gasoline Particulate Filter) is an inline exhaust filter designed to capture soot particulates in direct injection petrol engines (GDI). Much like a DPF, it comprises of a honeycomb like filter structure made from a synthetic ceramic material.
As exhaust gasses pass through the filter, soot particles are captured. These filters are highly efficient, capturing in excess of 90% of airborne particulates which would otherwise be released into the atmosphere.
In Germany, theses filters are referred to as Otto particle filter (Ottopartikelfilter or OPF)
How is it different to a DPF
Unlike a DPF, a GPF has a very small capacity for captured soot particulate, 1g compared to around 8g for a typical DPF. In contrast, a GDI engine emits around 30 times less particulate than a diesel engine.
How does a GPF regenerate?
GPF regeneration can only be performed in “non power” conditions, meaning that regeneration is normally achieved under deceleration. Deceleration increases the amount of oxygen following through the engine and exhaust system. This in turn raises the temperature of the GPF to around 400c – 700c, igniting the soot contained within the filter.
In conditions where this is not possible, the vehicles engine management systems alters timing causing it to run lean. This “lean” burn increases oxygen and therefore GPF operating temperatures, allowing a regeneration to occur.
Ford Owners – “Exhaust filter limit reached. drive to clean now“.
As per the comments below – we’ve been made aware of issues with Ford owners experiencing issues with their GPF.
We have put together a new article regarding this issue here – https://www.hypermiler.co.uk/gasoline-particulate-filter/how-to-fix-exhaust-filter-limit-reached-drive-to-clean-now-ford-gpf-filter
Do I need to use a GPF additive?
Due to the nature of GPF regeneration, an fuel additive it not required to assist in the cleaning / regeneration of the filter.
How much is a replacement unit?
It’s still very early days for GPFs. We’re hoping that due to the nature of regeneration, failure due to the unit reaching its soot capacity should be relatively rare. However, it is noted that GPF are much more delicate and prone to damage compared to a diesel particulate filter.
Which cars will be fitted with a GPF
So far, the uptake on GPF technology has been rather slow. Mercedes and the VW Group are noted to have rolled out the technology for use in a number of their turbo charged engines. It’s expected that a mass rollout will begin in the next 5 – 7 years.
GPF and Euro 6
With the introduction of euro 6c emissions controls, vehicles will be subject to “real world” driving conditions in order to record realistic emissions results. The particulate limits for petrol engines will also tighten significantly.
It’s hoped that this will force manufacturers into employing new innovative ways in reducing emissions outside of “lab” conditions. A GPF will be just another tool in their arsenal to ensure they meet these new limits. We really don’t want another emissions scandal!
Let’s hear from you
What are your thoughts on Gasoline Particulate Filters? Would this put you off buying a new petrol car? Have you had a GPF fail in your car. Let’s hear from you in the comments below
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Just bought focus 1.0 ecoboost ,brand new 68 plate. Lovely car but had warning message come up after only 300 miles. Bought this car as i thought it would be more economical. If i have to drive up and down the motorway everytime i get this warning this is going to be a right pain in the a**e. Had i known about this before i purchased the car i probably would not have bought it. Obviously this has been a problem for a while now so why was this not mentioned to me by the salesman before he took my £22.000. Feeling very disappointed.
Hi Steffen
Thanks for getting in touch. Is it definitely the petrol one you have? Have you got a photo of the dash warning light? Does it go into limp home (reduced power mode) when the GPF light comes on?
Sorry about the questions – it’s the first time we’ve heard about issues with the GPF and we’d like to learn more. We assumed that GPFs required very little maintenance and just sat silent in the back ground.
Cheers Karl
I’ve got the same issue with Hyundai. Happy to email you
I have this same problem. I bought new Focus 1.0 ecoboost 125 hp and after 4 000 km I get worning message. Now I have almost 7000 km and I have this worning message 3 Times. “dpf has reached the limit. Continue driving to clean up” – even though I have an unleaded petrol engine, I do not have oil…. echh
I am owning a Honda Civic 1.0 with GPF, mainly does 100km+ journeys, but also 1km short trips in town. Never had a warning message from GPF, although, each time after 40-50km hard driving (upshifting at 5500rpm), the car does an active regen (stop/start does not work, radiator fan is on, engine idle varies 930-970rpm instead of staying dead center at 950rpm). The weird thing is driving it: often times, under decceleration, the fuel does not cutoff completely, which I find very odd and I think this is related to the GPF somehow.
Any further feedback on the Ford cases? What did the garage say? Interested in knowing how bad it is for future choices…
You say above that ” In contrast, a GDI engine emits around 30 times less particulate than a diesel engine.”
However, research by TÜV NORD* found that although GDI engines dramatically reduce carbon dioxide emissions, they release about 1000 times more particulate matter (classified by the World Health Organization as harmful) compared to traditional petrol engines and 10 times more than new diesel engines. This is also 10 times more polluting than a diesel equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF).
*https://www.transportenvironment.org/sites/te/files/publications/GDI%20Briefing_final_T%26E.pdf
I bought a 1 litre Ecoboost focus in July 2019 1st September 2018 plate. It had just over 3000 miles on the clock has currently done 4000 miles in total. Over the last few weeks I have had the same problem (exhaust filter at limit drive to clear) I blasted it up the motorway for 20 minutes in lower gears averaging 2500 to 3500 rpm. Next day got same message !! Will have to go to the dealer to see what’s going on.
Hi Sid
Sorry to hear that you’re also having issues. It’s looking like this problem is more widespread than we imagined.
Have you got a photo of the error? If so can you email it over to Karl @ hypermiler .co. uk?
Also, let us know what your dealer says.
Cheers Karl
Hi Karl, have had my car at the dealers (5/11/19) they have reprogrammed the PCM (powertrain control module) to its latest level. This put a tiny amount of extra fuel into the combustion chamber which makes it run hotter and therefore burns the off the particulates in the exhaust filter. So far so good have not had the warning message to date, keeping my fingers crossed.
Thanks For the update Sid. Is this a Ford Fiesta / Focus?
Also check out this page dedicated to your issues – https://www.hypermiler.co.uk/gasoline-particulate-filter/how-to-fix-exhaust-filter-limit-reached-drive-to-clean-now-ford-gpf-filter
I brought an MG ZS back in June 19, I started to experience lumpy/juddering driving more or less straight away, after several visits back to my dealer and being fobbed off saying it was probably me as I was new to automatics they finally in October 19 received a technical bulletin explaining about the GPF and that the regeneration can cause this lumpy driving and that there is nothing wrong with the car but that it is a characteristic and that I have to change my driving styles (find a motorway once a week to give it a blast). I don’t do motorway driving and I do not expect to have to start with a brand new car! The dealer has now informed me that more and more people are returning to the garage with the same issues, and they are now informing new buyers at the point of sale. I have put a letter of rejection in for the car as I feel as though I have been miss-sold it, as if I had been informed about these driving styles before purchasing it I would never have brought it. I never have a warning light on my dash, but I have lumpy horrible driving everyday !!! I hate my car and will do everything I can to return it. I have now put a case forward with the Motor Ombudsman. more people need to come forward and make a stance.
Hi
I have a new BMW X7. Not exactly an economy choice I know but I have complained to BMW about lack of fuel cutoff on deceleration. (as mentioned by Mnc back in May above, and comments from Michelle the other day). I have written to BMW threatening to reject the car and they did diagnostic tests yesterday. They came back with response that it is to do with GPF and that divers do not usually notice. “In case of complaint explain, do not adjust vehicle, blah blah…”. The official BMW position, in order to comply with euro 6d emissions regs.
Realistically, I don’t think I will be able to reject the vehicle as not fit for purpose or whatever or even claim any compensation under Consumer Regulations rights for this, even though I have no engine braking ever. My car basically does like 40mpg down hill on the brakes due to this, and obviously suffers increased brake wear.
Well done regulators!
Hi. I bought a new Kia Stonic 4 on Jan 31st 2020. 600 miles later and blinking GPF warning light comes on! Had to get rid of my old diesel engine car (to part ex, only got scrappage allowance as well) as DPF filter kept getting blocked on that and had tDPF cleared 3 times but didn’t make any difference. Been driving 47 years, these modern cars are rubbish. Bloody Greens can go and get lost.
I bought a citroen berlingo from new in Dec 2018. It’s done 7710 miles and it’s currently back in the workshop as a warning light came up on the dash saying engine failure. The mechanics are saying it is the particle emissions filter and I had to point out that the car is a petrol, not diesel model but they are insisting that is what the problem is and it needs replacing. I was considering buying this car when the lease option comes up but now I am unsure. Is this going to be an ongoing problem? Can I return it whilst it’s still under warranty and contract?
I have a BMW 420i Not even had its first service and had warning come up stating regeneration required. Despite several long drives out onto Motorway this has had any impact and warning remains. I am extremely annoyed as a deliberately avoided diesels to stay away from DPF’s and absolutely nothing in brochures suggested Petrol cars have now been fitted with this ridiculous contraption.
I’m awaiting diagnosis from dealers but I suspect BMW will be hearing from me.
I purchased a Vauxhall Crossland X (69 plate) from Motorpoint dealers. I have only had it 3 months and have done approx 1500 miles in it since purchase. Last week, I had an engine fault message on my dashboard and the vehicle then went into Limp mode and I have no power or acceleration and was lucky to achieve 15-20 miles an hour on the road. Not knowing what the issue was, I contacted the RAC through the Vauxhall Care Line. The RAC man ran a diagnostic and the report showed that the DIESEL Particulate Filter was faulty (This is a Petrol Car) and that I needed to get it to a Vauxhall Dealer for further tests.
Having finally got it towed to a dealership, they ran their diagnostic test and informed me that the Gasoline Particulate Filter was blocked and that it needed a regeneration, which, was not covered by Manufacturers Warranty as it is down to the ability of the driver or the journey’s that had been undertaken since the vehicle was new. I was quoted a price of over £400 for the regeneration which I thought was outrageous as I had only owned the vehicle for 3 months. Surely this had been building up from prior to my ownership???
I am now in a little battle with Vauxhall Complaints Team as I refuse to pay that amount of money, for something I had no clue about and that fact that I am being blamed for the filter becoming blocked. I cant see how my 3 months of driving has caused this major issue.
I am also waiting for Motorpoint to provide me with their Service / Diagnostic Report that was carried out before the vehicle was sold to me as surely this is something that should have been mentioned to me before I entered into a Finance Agreement to buy the vehicle.
I’m kind of digging my heels in here and would be keen to hear if anyone has any comments at all
I have a 19 reg Seat Leon 2.0 petrol DSG 12000 miles. On one journey I was surprised by a severe drop in reported mpg. I stopped and restarted and continued my journey with some loss of power. No dashboard lights. Took it to the dealership, no fault found and it is back to normal. Calculated 50 miles missed on refilling to the brim.
Is it possible that this is what happens during a Regen of GPF?
Hi all, I have just had this light appear on my 2021 Hyundai Tucson 1.6 T-GDI petrol turbo, at 8 months old. I have been through ‘wait, its not a diesel’ moment but am finding common ground with others here and on Hyundai forums experiencing the same. Whilst we have reduced reliance on our petrol car recently I still use it at least three or four times a week for 10 / 20 / 50 mile trips so would not expect this to trigger the fault. It’s booked in next week but I am waiting for the service manager to call me as I don’t expect to pay for it, though have already had a hint of the ‘modern cars need to be run longer miles’ to prevent the problem from one sales person. Like others here I was not aware of this issue when purchasing not a requirement to change my driving style. I’ve used a lot of fuel this weekend trying to clear the fault light / region to no avail, luckily it has not gone into limp mode yet but we have a driving holiday in France booked soon and I’m wary of it not being fixed by then. I will also be considering consumer rights action depending on the results. Im all for cleaner cars but not at the expense of inefficient driving!