Problems with Toyota Avensis Diesel 2008: Smoke emissions, indicator light and DPF regeneration

Hey. It sounds like you're having the same problem I had with my 2006 Toyota Auris Diesel. I'm not a car mechanic to be honest, but I have a little experience with it. Back then I had exactly the same problem - black smoke and lack of engine power. My diesel particulate filter was faulty due to high mileage. I took it to the garage. They replaced the diesel particulate filter and it cost me 1550 euros. It fixed the problem. Maybe it's the same with your Avensis, but without more detailed vehicle information I can't tell you for sure. What kind of driving do you do most of the time? City or highway? What is the mileage of your car?

(Translated from German)

Hey, thanks for your quick reply, really great! Well, I mostly drive in the city, occasionally on the highway. The mileage on my Avensis is already pretty high, it's currently at 286483 KM. Your experience actually sounds very similar to my situation and maybe I should just visit my garage and have the DPF checked or possibly replaced. Thanks for your advice!

(Translated from German)

Hey, no problem! I'm glad I could help. With such a high mileage, I also think that the DPF might be the problem. Especially if you mostly drive in the city. Short journeys are the enemy of every diesel particulate filter. The regeneration of the filter often doesn't work properly on city and short journeys because the engine doesn't reach the required temperature. This then leads to the filter becoming increasingly overloaded. This is probably why it smells so strongly of exhaust fumes and the engine loses power. So, I would say: Go to the garage and have the DPF checked. Maybe it can still be cleaned, which would of course be cheaper than a new one. But the people at the garage are best placed to judge that. Good luck with your Avensis and let us know what comes out!

(Translated from German)

Thank you for the comprehensive and helpful information. I now have a better overview of the situation. With your explanation, it makes sense to me that the problem could result from my predominantly city and short-distance driving. I will definitely make an appointment with the garage and hope that the DPF only needs to be cleaned and not replaced. I'll let you know as soon as I have any news! Thanks again for your help!

(Translated from German)