Chevrolet Equinox Owners Manual: Diesel Particulate Filter

The engine is equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) that, by design, will filter or trap particulates. The DPF is under the vehicle in the exhaust system.

Depending on a number of factors monitored by the engine computer, the DPF will need to be cleaned of accumulated solids. When a cleaning is needed, the engine computer will initiate a cleaning action by warming the exhaust gas temperature. This feature has been designed to operate automatically, with limited operator involvement or awareness.

Cleaning the DPF (Exhaust Filter)

While the DPF cleaning is automatically controlled by the engine computer, the vehicle will need to operate continuously for approximately 25 minutes and at speeds greater than 48 km/h (30 mph) to clean the DPF effectively.

Special DPF Driver Messages

If the vehicle is used for numerous short trips or extended slow-speed operation, the engine computer may not be able to adequately heat up the exhaust system to clean the DPF effectively. The engine computer has been designed to continuously monitor the condition of the DPF. When the engine computer detects that the DPF is nearly full of particulates and that the vehicle is not being operated in a manner that would allow effective automatic DPF cleaning, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message will display.

If the vehicle continues to be driven in a manner that prevents effective DPF cleaning, the DPF will become plugged with particulates. If this occurs, the engine computer will turn on the service engine soon light in the instrument cluster and a DIC message will display. See Diesel Particulate Filter.

Fuel

Use Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel (ULSD)

Use Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel (ULSD) only. The emission control hardware used on the vehicle may be damaged by using fuel with high sulfur levels. Use only fuel that is dispensed from pumps bearing the ULSD label.

Do Not Use Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel (LSD)

Do not use fuel that is dispensed from pumps bearing the LSD label.

Do Not Use Non-Highway Fuel

Fuel labeled as off road or non-highway is typically very high in sulfur content and will damage the emission control system.

Non-highway fuel is not intended for use in on-highway vehicles.

In addition:

•  Use the correct engine oil.
•  Do not add gasoline to diesel fuel.
•  Do not modify the induction or exhaust systems.

See Fuel for Diesel Engines and Engine Oil.