Black smoke and flashing engine light: Exchange of experience on DPF cleaning in the Skoda Octavia Diesel

Hi, I had a similar problem with my 2017 Skoda Superb. At the garage, they discovered that my diesel particulate filter (DPF) was defective due to the high mileage. The engine was no longer running smoothly, it was misfiring and the engine light was constantly on. It was a serious matter, not just a minor blemish. To solve the problem, the DPF had to be completely replaced. In my case, regeneration was no longer possible as the filter was too heavily loaded and already damaged. The smoking and smell stopped as soon as the new DPF was fitted, and the car started up properly again. In this respect, it's better to see a mechanic. It's a common problem with high mileage cars, so any good garage should be able to deal with it. If the engine light is flashing, act quickly, otherwise the damage will get worse. Good luck with it!

(Translated from German)

Hi, thanks for your reply! Your description sounds pretty much like my experience. Did you notice any other problems after replacing the DPF or did something new crop up? And do you happen to remember what you had to pay for the replacement? Is your Skoda now running smoothly again and without any further problems? I look forward to your information. Thanks for sharing your experience!

(Translated from German)

So, after the mechanic replaced the diesel particulate filter, my Skoda ran like clockwork again. No more black clouds of smoke, flashing engine light or smelly exhaust. There were no other problems either. As for the money: it actually cost me €1550 to replace the heavily loaded diesel particulate filter. A hefty price, but considering the high mileage, it was at least foreseeable for me. Now the Skoda is running smoothly again, as if it had just come off the production line. No further faults, no. It was a big bill, but it's definitely worth it when your car is purring like a kitten again. Now I also know what it means when the light comes on and therefore you shouldn't wait too long. Hope that helps you. Anyway, cheer up and good luck!

(Translated from German)

This really helps me a lot. I can see that I'm not the only one with problems like this. It seems that I'm in for a similar amount of dough, but what must be, must be. The car has to run. In any case, it's good to know that everything went smoothly for you again afterwards. Thank you for your contribution and your advice. I'm off to the garage now to see how it goes. Keep your fingers crossed!

(Translated from German)