DPF and Emission control fault.

[Marino]

So, got my car back.

£170 for the pleasure of them clearing out the DPF. Apparently it wasn't a sensor fault, the guy said it was 58% full, that number seems to be a little low to be causing issues though.

 

[FAST AL]

Probably got ripped off by the sounds of it.Clearing out the dpf not sensor fault when we all know the issues.58% full.POPPYCOCK.

 

[Marino]

My thoughts too but the problem is resolved for the time being, if it happens again (before I have the DPF deleted) they'll be hearing about it.

 

[FAST AL]

Don't you think seat should pay for anything concerning this issue as the cars are driven normally usually hence the dpf should not be clogging up at all.
I reckon they should also pay for the dpf delete to rectify the problem.
Seems to me that they cocked up in the first place by even entertaining the dpf system.
It's not as if we totally abuse our cars after all and the dpf should be relatively problem free but it aint.

 

[FAST AL]

Got car back.Serviced and brake fluid changed.250 notes.They also sorted the dpf issue foc obviously.Replaced drivers wing mirror so it now heats up too.
The dpf was apparently clogging up due to a sensor fault.Something to do they said with exhaust gas sensor faulty.
Well pleased with the service I received.Thanks to all the understanding guys & gals at Rustys Seat in Scunthorpe.
Still think the service charges are a little excessive though as they do not even replace the air or diesel filters on the 20,000 service just oil & filter obv and pollen filter.
Marino,I still think you got ripped.

 

[Nath.]

DPF problem was nothing to do with short trips or the way you drive it then?

 

[FAST AL]

No.Didn't think it would be.

 

[FAST AL]

Since the post by marino the garage did tell me the dpf was %60 full because of the failing sensor which took a couple of runs to clear after fitting new one.
Him being ripped off seems even more likely now.

 

[davemotor]

If I can make a point in defence of the dealers?
Every single fault from a blown fuse to a blown turbo has to be diagnosed using SEAT's own 'guided fault finding procedure'. It is in our interest to do so as SEAT Warranty dont pay us if we dont do it exactly by the book. I would have thought the conclusion of no faulty sensors on Marino's car was arrived at by proper diagnosis, not just a 'brush off' answer. Knowing full well the DPF issues, it is not uncommon to need a dealer-only regeneration. That said, faulty sensors are also recognised, but the guided fault finding would show this up.
It is worth noting that every VW/Audi/SEAT salesman was issued with explanatory brochures to give to potential customers. Having a DPF-equipped car DOES NOT suit everyone's driving style (pensioners in Audi convertibles springs to mind)
In the 15 months of owning my own FR I never had a single DPF problem . . .
Just my tuppenceworth

 

[FAST AL]

Point taken mate.
I do drive it as its meant to be driven though albeit shortish trips all the time.
Still think he may have been a 'dodgy dealer'victim,although I stress to point out that I do beleive the majority of dealers are as honest as the day is long.

 

[n_d_fox]

^^ I totally get your point on this but unless the owner of the car is doing sub 10 miles journeys in traffic every day of the week how can he / she be held responsible for the clearing out / replacing of the DPF on the car?

Also, the dealer told him it was 58% full, i'm guessing VAGCOM or similar shows this? 58% is just over half full in my mind so he shouldnt have been having the problems he was and definitely shouldnt have had to pay for the pleasure of getting it fixed !

I'm sorry but i find this whole DPF thing shocking and Seat need to address the obvious issues with current and future owners.

I have a FR on order at the moment and although (as i understand it) the DPF problems have been improved with the CR engine, i will most definitely not be paying for any DPF related problems my car has !

All of the above has probably been said many times before but how long are Seat going to sit on their hands over this !? It is actively pushing current owners and lovers of the brand to other manufacturers.

 

[FAST AL]

Here here.
Me included if things don't change although I do love my car.

 

[Marino]

Not only was I told 58% full but also told that you can get problems with anything over 25%!

Good news is, I am being re-imbursed by the dealer that sold the car

 

[davemotor]

Good news is, I am being re-imbursed by the dealer that sold the car

Im pleased you got a positive outcome
I know the DPF issue is very contentious, and can ruin an otherwise good ownership experience. It is a far from perfect system but remember that the same (and worse) happens Peugeots, BMW's and a host of other DPF-equipped cars. Its a result of ever-tightening emission controls and the manufacturers attempts to balance that against bhp.
I remember when catalytic convertors were first fitted as standard in the early 90's and they had major problems as well - rattling, short lifespan, failed O2 sensors, expensive fixes etc Now they are commonplace and rarely thought about - hopefully DPF's will develop in a similar way.

 

[Marino]

Im pleased you got a positive outcome
I know the DPF issue is very contentious, and can ruin an otherwise good ownership experience. It is a far from perfect system but remember that the same (and worse) happens Peugeots, BMW's and a host of other DPF-equipped cars. Its a result of ever-tightening emission controls and the manufacturers attempts to balance that against bhp.

Would you say 50%+ is the right time for the light to come on though? Surely a readout of some sort on the MFD would really help with things here?

 

[FAST AL]

Grand idea although not having the dpf in the first place would be a better option to go for.

 

[davemotor]

Would you say 50%+ is the right time for the light to come on though? Surely a readout of some sort on the MFD would really help with things here?

As Im not a technician, I dont know about the % thing
But yes, it would be good to have some sort of onboard indicator - probably down to cost tho. Remember, engine covers were discontinued to save a few £ per car Shows how tight things are . . . .
Fast Al, I hope that like cat convertors, technology will move on enough to banish all the DPF issues. Remember, this is still relatively new technology and fair play to SEAT and co for trying it. However I do agree that the aftercare could be better in light of the fact it is a fairly new development. Sometimes its the customers who are the real factory test drivers!