Range Rover DPF Failure: Black Smoke & Power Loss Alert

Hi there! I had almost identical issues with my 2009 Range Rover Sport TDV8. The black smoke and sluggish performance were definitely warning signs I shouldn't have ignored. Last time at the garage, they diagnosed a clogged DPF and damaged particulate sensors. The technician explained that high mileage had taken its toll on the system. The filter was beyond cleaning and needed replacement, along with new sensors to ensure proper regeneration cycles. It was a serious repair since a faulty DPF can lead to engine damage if left untreated. The whole job took three days, but it was worth it. The engine runs smoothly now, no more black smoke, and fuel efficiency has improved significantly. Make sure whoever works on it has experience with Range Rover diesel systems, they're quite specific. Get the diagnostic codes checked first and ask for a thorough inspection of the entire exhaust system, not just the DPF. Best of luck with the repair.

Thanks for sharing your experience! That's really helpful. Sounds exactly like what I'm going through with my Rover. Quick question, do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the whole repair job? Also, has everything been running smoothly since, or have you noticed any other issues popping up? Just trying to get an idea of what I might be in for!

Hey again! Yeah, happy to help! Since my last reply, I actually got everything sorted, the whole repair ended up costing me 1550.00 € to fix the faulty diesel particulate system. The high mileage had really done a number on it, but the mechanic did a fantastic job. I'm pleased to say everything's been running like a dream since the fix! The "Particulate filter efficiency too low" warning is completely gone, and honestly, it feels like I'm driving a different car. No more black smoke, the engine's got its power back, and the fuel economy is so much better. It wasn't cheap, I'll admit, but it was totally worth it to get it done properly. The key was finding a mechanic who really knows these Range Rover diesels inside and out. If you're still looking for someone, make sure they have solid experience with DPF systems. Trust me, you'll notice the difference immediately once it's fixed. The engine response is crisp, and there's none of that nasty exhaust smell anymore. Just make sure you get it sorted sooner rather than later, these things can get worse if you leave them too long. Drop me a message if you need any other info!

Thanks so much for all the detailed info! I bit the bullet and took my Rover to a specialist mechanic yesterday. You were spot on about everything, they found the same issues with the DPF system. Had to leave my car there, but they're working on it now. The quote was actually pretty close to what you paid, around 1500 €. They explained everything really clearly, showing me the clogged filter and damaged sensors. Honestly, I feel much more confident about the repair now, especially after hearing how well yours turned out. Got a call earlier saying they'll be done tomorrow. Can't wait to get it back and experience that difference you mentioned, no more black smoke and better performance sounds amazing! Really appreciate you sharing your experience. It definitely helped me make the decision to get it properly fixed instead of putting it off any longer. I'll probably update here once I get it back. Thanks again for all your help!