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HPMeyer

Black smoke and loss of power in 2014 VW Polo Diesel: Tips and experience on DPF regeneration errors wanted

DPF regeneration failure

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Check engine light on

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Black smoke from exhaust on acceleration

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Loss of engine power

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Strong exhaust smell

Hi guys, I drive a 2014 VW Polo Diesel with 223456 km mileage and have been struggling with a few issues recently. Firstly, it smokes black when accelerating, plus the engine light is on and the engine is losing power. I also notice a strong exhaust smell and the on-board computer says something about DPF regeneration error. My guess is that the diesel particulate filter is heavily loaded. Have any of you ever had similar problems and can give me a few tips? Unfortunately, I had a bad experience with my garage last time. How was it with you, did you have a good experience with your mechanic with such a problem? I would love to hear your experiences and advice. Thanks in advance!

(Translated from German)

6 comment(s)


SabiNeu

Hey, I encountered the same problem with my 2011 VW Golf Diesel, which has about as many kilometers on the clock as yours. Black smoke when accelerating, engine light on and loss of engine power were also familiar to me. Your suspicion about the diesel particulate filter is probably correct. In my case, the DPF was actually defective due to high mileage. They had to replace it - no easy task, I tell you. But since then, my car has been running perfectly again. A good piece of advice for you would be to take your car to a trustworthy garage that has experience with your model. Don't worry, this is a recognized problem with older diesels and is usually manageable. All the best, hopefully you'll get your car back in shape quickly!

(Translated from German)

HPMeyer (Author)

Hey, thanks for the quick reply! It's really reassuring to hear that you had the same problem and everything turned out okay. I have a few additional questions if you don't mind. Can you remember how much you ended up paying for the repair? And have you had any similar problems or other expenses since then? Really nice of you to share your experience!

(Translated from German)

SabiNeu

Hey, no problem! Regarding your question, the bill for repairing the particulate filter cost me €1550 at the time - a hefty price, but my Golf has been running like clockwork ever since. No black smoke, no engine light, just smooth operation. And since I went to the mechanic, the problem with the heavily loaded diesel particulate filter has been solved. Nothing else actually occurred that had anything to do with the diesel particulate - that was a real stroke of luck for me. Paid once, problem solved. I hope this helps you!

(Translated from German)

HPMeyer (Author)

Great, that's good news! The price does seem a bit high, but if that's the only big expense and the car runs after that, it definitely seems worth the investment to me. You've really helped me make an informed decision and for that I'm very grateful. Even though it's a little scary, I'm now ready to take the car to a reliable garage and tackle my problem. Wish you continued worry-free driving with your Golf! Cheers to trouble-free diesel vehicles! Thanks again!

(Translated from German)

Stefano332

Good morning, I drive a Polo 6r 1.2 TDI Year 12/2014 Brief info: currently 320 000 km 2020 new Agr radiator 2021 new turbo 2022 new sports clutch 2023 new DPF Regarding my problem, it's not really a problem, I would rather have known what and why my car is doing this. After changing the EGR cooler: When the car goes into regeneration, it initially smells very strongly of exhaust fumes in the interior, but strangely enough this does not always happen when the car goes into regeneration. Furthermore, I notice that when it is in the regeneration phase, it feels like it has more power or more boost pressure (which again is strange that this is not always the case). Then a new DPF was installed at the beginning of 2023 and yet the car goes into regeneration sooo often (at least once a week). Why is that? About my driving style or journeys.... Daily between 100 to 150 km (50% country road / 50% highway). What could be the problem with the unpleasant smell (by the way, when changing the EGR, DPF and also the clutch, all hoses were checked for leaks and everything was OK)? And what could it be that it has more power in regeneration, you can really feel this, especially when accelerating in the lower gears. Thank you Greetings Steffen

(Translated from German)

CarlyAdminBenny

@Stefano332

Good morning, I drive a Polo 6r 1.2 TDI Year 12/2014 Brief info: currently 320 000 km 2020 new Agr radiator 2021 new turbo 2022 new sports clutch 2023 new DPF Regarding my problem, it's not really a problem, I would rather have known what and why my car is doing this. After changing the EGR cooler: When the car goes into regeneration, it initially smells very strongly of exhaust fumes in the interior, but strangely enough this does not always happen when the car goes into regeneration. Furthermore, I notice that when it is in the regeneration phase, it feels like it has more power or more boost pressure (which again is strange that this is not always the case). Then a new DPF was installed at the beginning of 2023 and yet the car goes into regeneration sooo often (at least once a week). Why is that? About my driving style or journeys.... Daily between 100 to 150 km (50% country road / 50% highway). What could be the problem with the unpleasant smell (by the way, when changing the EGR, DPF and also the clutch, all hoses were checked for leaks and everything was OK)? And what could it be that it has more power in regeneration, you can really feel this, especially when accelerating in the lower gears. Thank you Greetings Steffen

Hello Steffen, That does sound strange. It is normal for the vehicle to smell more strongly of exhaust fumes during regeneration. What is not normal, however, is that the interior also smells of exhaust fumes. It sounds to me more like something is leaking in the exhaust system, I would guess the connection between the turbo and DPF. Either the component was installed incorrectly when the DPF was replaced or the seal is not seated correctly. What could also be the case is that the clamp connecting the whole thing is loose. It could be that your car goes into regeneration so often, but I would say that something is wrong. I would check whether all the sensors connected to the DPF are in order, especially the exhaust back pressure sensor.

(Translated from German)

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