Citroen Peugeot P1445 & P15B3

Описание: Resolving DPF and Additive Faults on a 2015 Peugeot Partner: A Step-by-Step Fix

Modern diesel cars from manufacturers like Peugeot and Citroën often come equipped with a DPF and an additive tank that injects fluid into the filter to help burn off soot. While effective in principle, these systems are prone to triggering alerts based on mileage or time rather than the actual condition of the parts.

In this specific case, two error messages were displayed:

"Engine fault: Particulate filter clogging"
"Particle filter additive too low"

These warnings can be daunting for car owners, particularly since dealerships tend to recommend costly replacements. However, these errors don’t always mean the DPF is irreparably damaged. Often, the issue can be resolved with careful diagnostics and maintenance, saving thousands of pounds.


Diagnosing the DPF Faults

The process started with a scan using the Launch Euro Tab 3 diagnostic tool. The error codes identified included:

P15B3: Additive level calculated as below the minimum threshold.
Threshold Errors: The amount of additive used or mileage reached triggered a warning for DPF replacement.

These errors are largely mileage and time-based. The additive tank doesn’t use a fuel-gauge-style sensor; instead, the car’s ECU (engine control unit) calculates when the tank might need refilling. The same principle applies to the DPF itself.

Interestingly, we’ve seen vehicles where manufacturers recommend replacing the DPF unnecessarily. For example, some Peugeot vans with the same warnings at 120,000 miles have gone on to exceed 300,000 miles with just routine cleaning. Needless to say, relying solely on the car’s mileage counter can lead to unnecessary repairs.


Assessing the DPF's Condition

Once connected to live data, the pressure before and after the DPF was measured:

Initial Pressure: 57 millibars under load.
Clean exhaust tip: A visual inspection revealed the exhaust was virtually clean, indicating the DPF was functioning well.

The vehicle’s DPF had accumulated some soot, but the pressure values did not suggest blockage. For comparison, a healthy DPF at 3,000 RPM typically registers 30 to 40 millibars of back pressure.


Refilling the Additive Tank

The next step was addressing the low additive warning.

1. Locating the Additive Tank: Situated under a protective cover, accessible by removing some bolts and clips.
2. Refilling: Using a red-coloured additive fluid, the tank was topped up to a capacity of 2 litres. (The tank’s nominal capacity is 1.6 litres, but a bit extra fits during refilling.)
3. Programming the Additive Update: This step involved resetting the ECU to reflect that the tank was now full.

Reset Challenges: Launch vs Autel

This part highlights why having more than one diagnostic tool is invaluable. While the Launch scanner completed most tasks, it showed a reset as complete when it hadn’t actually gone through. Switching to the Autel MaxiCOM MK900 allowed manual entry of the chassis number and successfully reprogrammed the additive tank.

If you’re working on similar vehicles, it’s worth noting that issues like this are common. Both Launch and Autel are excellent tools, but no single device will cover every scenario perfectly.


Why Two Tools Are Better Than One

For professional use, having both Launch and Autel tools in your arsenal is recommended. While other options (like Topdon or Kingbolen) use similar software, sticking to original brands such as Launch and Autel ensures better accuracy and support for complicated resets.


Cleaning the DPF

While the additive was topped up, the existing soot was addressed through a DPF cleaning process:

1. Chemical Flush: A specialist cleaning foam was applied to break down the soot deposits.
2. Pressure Readings: Watching live data, the back pressure steadily dropped during the procedure.
3. Exhaust Cleaning: Visible smoke from the exhaust confirmed soot breaking loose during cleaning.

After cleaning, the DPF stabilised at much lower pressure levels, well within the acceptable range.


The result? A fully functional emissions system at a fraction of the dealership cost. By skipping unnecessary part replacements, the owner saved thousands of pounds while maintaining the vehicle’s performance.


A Word of Caution on Newer Models

Interestingly, older Peugeot 1.6-litre engines like this tend to last much longer. Newer 1.5-litre engines and their DPFs, on the other hand, seem prone to failure at shockingly low mileages—sometimes lasting as little as 15,000 miles. When it comes to emissions systems, it almost feels like progress isn’t always forward.


Conclusion

Dealing with DPF and additive tank faults can be overwhelming, but with the right tools and knowledge, these issues are often far less severe than they seem. By addressing the root cause rather than simply replacing parts based on error codes, you can save a small fortune and keep your car running smoothly.