Regeneration is a crucial process since it aids in limiting the emissions of vehicles that use diesel. Without it, the DPF(diesel particulate filter) will eventually become clogged with soot, and the engine will operate less effectively, producing higher emissions.
However, there are instances when stopping a Parked Regen is necessary. This article will cover how a Parked Regen works, answer whether you can stop a Parked Regen, instances where you can stop a Parked Regen, and what you should do to stop a Parked Regen.
What's a Parked Regeneration?
A Parked Regeneration, also known as a DTF Regeneration or Parked Regen, is a common self-cleaning process in diesel-powered vehicles that control emissions. It happens through a device referred to as a diesel particulate filter(DPF)--a specialized exhaust system component that burns off accumulated soot. The process assists in maintaining environmentally-friendly diesel vehicles that meet Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) emissions regulations.
How Does a Parked Regeneration Work?
To 'regenerate' the filter, the soot particles undergo combustion. The regeneration process can be passive, active, or forced. A passive DPF regeneration happens automatically when the engine reaches a particular temperature, typically at highway speeds or throughout a long drive. The word passive is used since neither the driver nor the vehicle takes any action.
Passive regeneration becomes ineffective over time in stopping soot accumulation in the DPF. And at that point, the second cleanup stage is applied. We refer to this as active regeneration. When the DPF has to be cleaned, and the operating temperature is high enough, the Engine Control Unit(ECU) starts an active regeneration.
It occurs when a tiny amount of fuel is sent to the exhaust stream between the DPF and turbocharger. As you drive, sensors detect the exhaust back pressure and instantly add more fuel to your engine to raise the temperature in the DPF and burn off any built-up soot. Alternatively, your truck can have an integrated oxidizing catalytic converter that does the same thing. This fuel is atomized into a very thin, non-burning spray. The fuel then produces extreme heat of up to 1100 degrees Fahrenheit when it comes into contact with the DPF catalyst, burning any soot that may still be present on the ceramic filter.
In certain circ*mstances, a forced regen(Parked Regen) is necessary, and the driver must stop and wait while the DPF goes through a more in-depth cleaning procedure. The driver should stop and allow the regeneration process to start after being prompted by the car's indication system. A forced regen serves to prevent severe engine damage.
What are the Symptoms of a Regeneration Process?
Various signs indicate to the driver that the regeneration process is in progress or that the driver needs to start the process. Some signs include:
- When the car stops or travels less than 5 miles per hour during active regeneration, the High Exhaust System Temperature indicator turns on. You are being reminded to stay alert while engaging in an active regeneration while the vehicle is still or moving slowly.
- A yellow indicator light may turn on if the car slows below five mph after traveling on the highway and building up heat in the DPF. The term here denotes "HIGH EXHAUST TEMPERATURE." This doesn't mean that something is wrong. When the temperature returns to normal, or the car moves at a speed greater than 10 mph, the lamp will switch off.
- If driving at highway speeds is no longer sufficient for active regeneration, the DPF warning light starts to blink yellow, and you'll hear 5 short beeps by the minute. This means you need to stop and do a parked regeneration to avoid damaging your engine.
Can You Stop a Parked Regen and Reasons to Stop it?
Yes, it's possible to stop a Parked Regen. While Parked Regeneration is essential for preserving the best possible DPF performance, there are several circ*mstances in which you'll have to stop it. Under these specific circ*mstances, maintaining Parked Regen might pose a risk to your truck, causing engine damage, safety issues, and declining vehicle performance. It's, therefore, critical to recognize these situations and respond appropriately. Some scenarios include
1) An Unsafe Environment
Safety concerns such as being in an unsafe environment can prompt the driver to interrupt a parked regen until the vehicle gets to a safe environment. The following are some environments you need to stop a parked regen.
- When your vehicle is inside a fuel station or fuel depot, you'll have to stop the parked Regen until you leave the depot or station.
- When flammable or combustible items are near your vehicle. These include paper, fuel, and grass. Ensure the parked regeneration occurs on the concrete pavement with no grass or low-hanging branches nearby. Also, remove the flammable or combustible items near the exhaust outlet before you enable a Parked Regen.
2) Enclosed Spaces
This applies to a vehicle inside a warehouse or any other building where high exhaust temperature may not be desirable. The vehicle shouldn't also be near a workstation. That's because an enclosed place that lacks ventilation poses a safety and health risk because of the accumulation of exhaust gases.
3) Unusual Engine Operating Conditions
If the engine operates under extreme conditions, such as extremely low or high temperatures, parked regeneration won't be efficient. This is because the temperature is insufficient in extremely low temperatures for successful parked regeneration. In another instance where the engine temperature increases unusually due to an overheating engine, engaging the Parked Regen can harm the engine. A cooling system issue may be the cause of the high temperatures. Both instances require interrupting the parked regeneration and solving the engine issues before you can reengage the Parked Regen to avoid engine damage.
4) An Extended Idle Time
Stopping Parked Regen can help save diesel and lessen unnecessary engine wear if your vehicle has been idling for a while. This is crucial when the car is stopped for an extended time, like during rest breaks or long stops.
5) Faulty Warning Indicators
An amber check light combined with a flashing amber Regeneration Request indicator(used to indicate high soot levels in the DPF) can come on at the wrong time, misleading the driver to perform a parked regeneration. The driver needs to interrupt the parked regeneration once the malfunctioned warning lights start giving conflicting signals. The driver must then consult an expert mechanic to solve the problem to avoid engine damage.
6) A Decline in Engine Power and Performance
During Parked Regen, you may notice a considerable power loss or a sharp decline in the vehicle's performance. That could be a clue that there is a problem with the engine or emission control system. Stopping Parked Regen enables you to solve the issue and return performance to normal before re-engaging the regeneration. Now that you know why you should stop a parked regen, let's look at how to stop a parked regen.
How to Stop a Parked Regen
One needs to follow a couple of steps to interrupt a parked regeneration process. These steps include
- The first step to stop a parked regen is to confirm if there are any safety concerns, engine performance issues, or any other reason (based on the reasons above) that may warrant you to stop the Parked Regeneration process. This is because parked regeneration is a crucial process, and you shouldn't risk interrupting the process unless absolutely necessary. That will help you prevent issues like engine damage.
- The second step is to check the parked regen status. If the parked Regen is active, you'll spot warning lamps that indicate an ongoing Parked Regen Process.
- The next step is to shift your gear to "Park" or "Neutral" if you use an automatic vehicle. Ensure you release the clutch pedal if you are using a manual transmission, then engage and disengage the parking brake.
- Using the Driver Information System, scroll down to the after-treatment menu using the right-hand stalk controls. Select "Disable REGEN" after selecting "Cancel REGEN." This will stop any regeneration until you ENABLE it once more.
- When you turn off the parked regeneration, the letters ATS will have an X across them in the Information display. If you don't allow the regeneration to occur for a certain time, the vehicle will shut off.
- You'll need to activate regeneration as quickly as possible. To do this, return to the after-treatment menu, choose CANCEL REGEN, and then select ENABLE REGENERATION. Once you activate the regeneration, the ATS symbol with the line through it will go from your display, and an X will appear in the ENABLE REGENERATION.
Ways to Reduce Regeneration
There are various ways you can reduce the number of times your vehicle regenerates. Some of these are:
- Regularly maintaining the filters by cleaning or replacing them to avoid the accumulation of clogs. You can also use cleaners and additives to keep your filters clean.
- Using high-quality fuel to make your engine produce less soot and work efficiently.
- Drive mostly on the highway, whose high speed and long distances help burn soot through regeneration.
- Avoid driving many short distances to lessen the idling time and reduce the amount of soot produced to reduce regeneration.
- If possible, avoid hauling heavy loads to prevent the vehicle from producing a lot of soot which may clog the DPF.
Bottom Line
There you have it-what a parked regen is, reasons to stop a parked regen, and how to stop it. Following the right preventive measures can help reduce the number of times your vehicle regenerates. You should also carefully assess your vehicle's condition before you deem it necessary to stop a Parked Regen process.
