Regens at alarming rate!

[jebruns]

Scroll to the in-dash DPF capacity gauge. Keep it there. Every 24 hours of operation, or if that gauge hits about 50%, you’ll see the gauge disappear and a message that says “automatic exhaust system regeneration in process” will be in its place. That indicates an active regeneration cycle is running. It’ll go back to the gauge when it’s done. If you put the truck in park, sit idle too long, or shut it off, that cycle will be stopped and will pick back up when you start to move again.

Thanks. I prefer to have my Audio displayed on the EVIC, but maybe I'll watch that on a 13 hour tow I have coming up.

Next question, why would I care as long as the truck is not throwing any codes? Not being a SA, seriously question.

 

[mbarber84]

Thanks. I prefer to have my Audio displayed on the EVIC, but maybe I'll watch that on a 13 hour tow I have coming up.

Next question, why would I care as long as the truck is not throwing any codes? Not being a SA, seriously question.

Theoretically you shouldn’t have to watch it. The system should run itself and if there’s an issue, it should generate a code.

That being said, I think it’s important to monitor the gauge to see and understand how your drive cycles have an effect on the number of regeneration cycles your truck uses.

During active regeneration, the engine fuel injectors are commanded to inject diesel fuel in to the cylinders during the exhaust stroke. That fuel is sent downstream to the DOC and DPF and is used to artificially increase the temperature in the DPF above the threshold where soot will be combusted. (Roughly 1,000-1,200°F). Since you have no control over when these active regens start, it’s helpful to try and time them to when your drive cycle will allow the most ideal operational conditions for maximum regenerative effect.

An active regen cycle that is run while doing stop and go, or low speed / low rpm / low load duty cycles is less effective, and can also lead to increased fuel dilution in your engine oil since the fuel is sprayed into the cylinders. (Some of that fuel makes it into the engine oil, especially if the truck is running low rpm). There’s also a chance that the cycle will not fully complete, thus not completely removing the soot in the DPF. If this continues to happen, the soot-loading in the DPF will continue. When it reaches 80%, you’ll get a pop-up warning and a chime, telling you the regen needs to happen and you need to keep driving.

If your truck does a lot of low speed / low load work, you’ll end up running more regeneration cycles, which leads to more fuel in the oil. If this is the case, you really should be cutting your service intervals down.

Watching the gauges helps to better understand what your truck does, and how you can match your operation and maintenance procedures to best maintain the truck.

 

[jebruns]

Theoretically you shouldn’t have to watch it. The system should run itself and if there’s an issue, it should generate a code.

That being said, I think it’s important to monitor the gauge to see and understand how your drive cycles have an effect on the number of regeneration cycles your truck uses.

During active regeneration, the engine fuel injectors are commanded to inject diesel fuel in to the cylinders during the exhaust stroke. That fuel is sent downstream to the DOC and DPF and is used to artificially increase the temperature in the DPF above the threshold where soot will be combusted. (Roughly 1,000-1,200°F). Since you have no control over when these active regens start, it’s helpful to try and time them to when your drive cycle will allow the most ideal operational conditions for maximum regenerative effect.

An active regen cycle that is run while doing stop and go, or low speed / low rpm / low load duty cycles is less effective, and can also lead to increased fuel dilution in your engine oil since the fuel is sprayed into the cylinders. (Some of that fuel makes it into the engine oil, especially if the truck is running low rpm). There’s also a chance that the cycle will not fully complete, thus not completely removing the soot in the DPF. If this continues to happen, the soot-loading in the DPF will continue. When it reaches 80%, you’ll get a pop-up warning and a chime, telling you the regen needs to happen and you need to keep driving.

If your truck does a lot of low speed / low load work, you’ll end up running more regeneration cycles, which leads to more fuel in the oil. If this is the case, you really should be cutting your service intervals down.

Watching the gauges helps to better understand what your truck does, and how you can match your operation and maintenance procedures to best maintain the truck.

Sorry, but since, as you say, we have no control over when a regen starts, how can you "time them"?

I don't think I'm going to worry about this. I displayed my DPF filter percentage on the EVIC yesterday. It was around 10% or so. I pretty much only use the truck for towing, mostly on 4 lane highways, not around town stuff.

 

[mbarber84]

Sorry, but since, as you say, we have no control over when a regen starts, how can you "time them"?

I don't think I'm going to worry about this. I displayed my DPF filter percentage on the EVIC yesterday. It was around 10% or so. I pretty much only use the truck for towing, mostly on 4 lane highways, not around town stuff.

If you’re regularly towing with the truck, you will likely keep the DPF soot loading down through passive regeneration. This means the truck will likely never trigger a soot load commanded active regeneration. Hence, the only active regenerations the truck will need to do are the ones that are automatically triggered every 24 hours, regardless of how much soot is in the DPF.

Timing them is easy. Pay attention to your DPF screen. When the “automatic exhaust system regeneration in process” message appears, that means your active regen has started. When you see it appear, scroll to your engine hours screen and note the total engine hours. Whatever that number is, add 24 and that will be when the next regen will start, roughly 24-25 hours after the last one completes.

 

[jasmith348]

If you’re regularly towing with the truck, you will likely keep the DPF soot loading down through passive regeneration. This means the truck will likely never trigger a soot load commanded active regeneration. Hence, the only active regenerations the truck will need to do are the ones that are automatically triggered every 24 hours, regardless of how much soot is in the DPF.

Timing them is easy. Pay attention to your DPF screen. When the “automatic exhaust system regeneration in process” message appears, that means your active regen has started. When you see it appear, scroll to your engine hours screen and note the total engine hours. Whatever that number is, add 24 and that will be when the next regen will start, roughly 24-25 hours after the last one completes.

I finally figured out my truck's pattern. Just so happens that to get to my office, I have about 4-5 miles of slow highway driving in the morning (think 55 mph) and then I hit a hill (we call it a mountain in the south) that's about 2.5 miles long and about 6% grade. Obviously the truck has to work a little harder coming over that hill and it seems to be that little climb that triggers the active regen. The engine is obvisouly not warm at all and its loading the DPF up with soot on that climb. It triggers an active regen 2 out of 3 trips up that hill. It can trigger the active regen even if the DPF filter gauge shows 0% or 1/8th full when I start eh truck in the morning.

First, for those with knowledge, does that indicate a certain problem or is that somewhat normal? Second, I have an alternative route I can take that will add 15-20 mins to my commute but will be a little faster driving and while I will still have to go over a little climb, the truck would be much more warmed up. Third, the good news is that (i) the truck completes the active regens just fine and (ii) out on the interstate/highway at 70+ mph it passively regens and is just fine.

Any insight into this is appreciated.

 

[Riddick]

When I am monitoring my DPF gauge I generally only see the levels rise when the truck is warming up (first 15-20 minutes of a drive). As for passive regens on mine I have to dive for roughly an hour at highway speeds (65+). However, on shorter highway trips 20 miles or so, at highway speeds I don't generally see movement on the DPF screen (increase or decrease). The 55mph travel speeds are not helping you, in my opinion these trucks like to run around 70-75 mph. At 55 the RPMs are so low and the engine is barely working. My suggestion would be to lock out 6th gear on your morning commutes and see if that helps. If you get up to 65+ let the truck go into 6th gear.

If you do not see any improvements with regens try your longer route and report back.

 

[jasmith348]

When I am monitoring my DPF gauge I generally only see the levels rise when the truck is warming up (first 15-20 minutes of a drive). As for passive regens on mine I have to dive for roughly an hour at highway speeds (65+). However, on shorter highway trips 20 miles or so, at highway speeds I don't generally see movement on the DPF screen (increase or decrease). The 55mph travel speeds are not helping you, in my opinion these trucks like to run around 70-75 mph. At 55 the RPMs are so low and the engine is barely working. My suggestion would be to lock out 6th gear on your morning commutes and see if that helps. If you get up to 65+ let the truck go into 6th gear.

If you do not see any improvements with regens try your longer route and report back.

Potentially stupid question, how do you lock out a gear, 6th or otherwise?

 

[Riddick]

Should be on the right side of steering wheel and labeled Gear Limit. I cant remember if Tow Haul has to be enabled or not for it to work.

 

[jasmith348]

Should be on the right side of steering wheel and labeled Gear Limit. I cant remember if Tow Haul has to be enabled or not for it to work.

Thanks. Told ya it was a stupid question.

 

[flan]

Should be on the right side of steering wheel and labeled Gear Limit. I cant remember if Tow Haul has to be enabled or not for it to work.

It works tow haul engaged or not.

 

[flan]

I finally figured out my truck's pattern. Just so happens that to get to my office, I have about 4-5 miles of slow highway driving in the morning (think 55 mph) and then I hit a hill (we call it a mountain in the south) that's about 2.5 miles long and about 6% grade. Obviously the truck has to work a little harder coming over that hill and it seems to be that little climb that triggers the active regen. The engine is obvisouly not warm at all and its loading the DPF up with soot on that climb. It triggers an active regen 2 out of 3 trips up that hill. It can trigger the active regen even if the DPF filter gauge shows 0% or 1/8th full when I start eh truck in the morning.

First, for those with knowledge, does that indicate a certain problem or is that somewhat normal? Second, I have an alternative route I can take that will add 15-20 mins to my commute but will be a little faster driving and while I will still have to go over a little climb, the truck would be much more warmed up. Third, the good news is that (i) the truck completes the active regens just fine and (ii) out on the interstate/highway at 70+ mph it passively regens and is just fine.

Any insight into this is appreciated.

In my experience I find your schedule to be abnormal. Based on my schedule the truck has never done any “extra” regens over the 21k miles I have on it, just the time based 24hr interval. My evic stays on the DPF screen as I believe monitoring that is a overall indicator of general health of the trucks operating condition compared to any of the other gage option that’s available to display on that portion of the screen.

 

[mbarber84]

In my experience I find your schedule to be abnormal. Based on my schedule the truck has never done any “extra” regens over the 21k miles I have on it, just the time based 24hr interval. My evic stays on the DPF screen as I believe monitoring that is a overall indicator of general health of the trucks operating condition compared to any of the other gage option that’s available to display on that portion of the screen.

Spot on.

I’m assuming you’re doing enough towing to keep soot load in the DPF down to a minimum level. Even occasional towing spread out over the course of a month is sufficient to help keep soot down and reduce overall regeneration cycles to the 24 hour ones only.

It’s important to understand how the truck is working and the emissions system is something that should be monitored regularly. A lot of times the issues can be identified long before they result in error codes or roadside problems. The “it’ll pop a code” attitude has its merits, but there are instances where the truck could be regenerating more than needed, but not enough to trip the code for frequency of regeneration.

 

[flan]

Spot on.

I’m assuming you’re doing enough towing to keep soot load in the DPF down to a minimum level. Even occasional towing spread out over the course of a month is sufficient to help keep soot down and reduce overall regeneration cycles to the 24 hour ones only.

It’s important to understand how the truck is working and the emissions system is something that should be monitored regularly. A lot of times the issues can be identified long before they result in error codes or roadside problems. The “it’ll pop a code” attitude has its merits, but there are instances where the truck could be regenerating more than needed, but not enough to trip the code for frequency of regeneration.

Yes, my trucks primary purpose is for towing our TT, or equipment trailer. It will do the occasional material run for items that can’t fit into one of our other vehicles. Also exploring on our camping trips racks up some decent mileage. If I were using it as a commuter vehicle with a smidge of towing I’d of bought a gasser.

 

[jasmith348]

Spot on.

I’m assuming you’re doing enough towing to keep soot load in the DPF down to a minimum level. Even occasional towing spread out over the course of a month is sufficient to help keep soot down and reduce overall regeneration cycles to the 24 hour ones only.

It’s important to understand how the truck is working and the emissions system is something that should be monitored regularly. A lot of times the issues can be identified long before they result in error codes or roadside problems. The “it’ll pop a code” attitude has its merits, but there are instances where the truck could be regenerating more than needed, but not enough to trip the code for frequency of regeneration.

Yeah last year, the truck got worked a lot more pulling the 5th wheel, this year not as much for a variety of reasons. I guess I didnt realize that the truck didnt give any sort of indication that it was doing an active regen (my Ecodiesel did), so I assume its been doing activbe regens too often for a while. It did eventually pop a code, so to speak which alerted me to the issue and has led to many trips to the dealer. I have no issue driving the truck at highway speeds several times a week which will help, plus taking the long way to work, etc. Learn something everyday so to speak I guess.

 

[Will_T]

Should be on the right side of steering wheel and labeled Gear Limit. I cant remember if Tow Haul has to be enabled or not for it to work.

Mine works with towhaul off.

 

[b1lanc]

The correct air filter definitely reduced the regens. But not to hijack a thread, I let my DPF get down under 1/4 because it was all DPF I picked up at truck stops while towing last year. I'm sure the quality was ok, but it's been sitting in the tank since November and I'm wondering if that could also have been a contributing factor? Side note, when I went to O'Reilly's to buy some BlueDef, they date codes on their stock were over two years old - mid 2021. Passed on them.

 

[flan]

The correct air filter definitely reduced the regens. But not to hijack a thread, I let my DPF get down under 1/4 because it was all DPF I picked up at truck stops while towing last year. I'm sure the quality was ok, but it's been sitting in the tank since November and I'm wondering if that could also have been a contributing factor? Side note, when I went to O'Reilly's to buy some BlueDef, they date codes on their stock were over two years old - mid 2021. Passed on them.

DEF, and no, completely unrelated systems.

 

[jak]

Coming home from a fishing trip (hauling a 1500lb boat) dash lit up "Service DEF System, See Dealer". Did it twice on way home. Went to the dealer and he told me I needed a manual Regen. This truck has 2300mi and 95% has been highway driving pulling a 5th wheel camper, my boat and a small cargo trailer. First thing they said was not run enough, when I explained that I was on the highway doing 75 mph for 150mi when light came on he said that the truck had started a Regen but because I was pulling a load the truck "sensed that" and would not complete the Regen. He said truck will not Regen when pulling a load not matter what the weight. Just wondering if anyone else has heard this?

 

[mbarber84]

Coming home from a fishing trip (hauling a 1500lb boat) dash lit up "Service DEF System, See Dealer". Did it twice on way home. Went to the dealer and he told me I needed a manual Regen. This truck has 2300mi and 95% has been highway driving pulling a 5th wheel camper, my boat and a small cargo trailer. First thing they said was not run enough, when I explained that I was on the highway doing 75 mph for 150mi when light came on he said that the truck had started a Regen but because I was pulling a load the truck "sensed that" and would not complete the Regen. He said truck will not Regen when pulling a load not matter what the weight. Just wondering if anyone else has heard this?

I think you better find another dealer.

Have another dealer scan the ecm and pull the codes. Post them here.

DEF is not directly tied to the DPF or regeneration.

The truck will absolutely perform an active regeneration while the truck is under load and at highway speeds. That’s actually the best time for it to happen.

 

[CdnHO]

I think you better find another dealer.

Have another dealer scan the ecm and pull the codes. Post them here.

DEF is not directly tied to the DPF or regeneration.

The truck will absolutely perform an active regeneration while the truck is under load and at highway speeds. That’s actually the best time for it to happen.

Under those conditions would it not perform a passive regen?