A blocked or troublesome diesel particulate filter (DPF) can mean warning lights, failed regenerations and a car that keeps going into limp mode. A DPF delete is a software solution that stops the ECU managing and monitoring the DPF. At Mac Tuning we carry out DPF deletes at our Hertfordshire workshop near Stevenage. We supply the software side of the job, which takes 45–60 minutes.
We've tuned over 5,000 cars and have over 300 five-star reviews. We see diesels from across Hertfordshire and from all over the UK, and plenty of them have already had a cheap DPF delete elsewhere that needs putting right.
What does a DPF do?
A DPF sits in the exhaust and traps soot from the engine. When it fills up, the ECU runs a regeneration: it raises the exhaust temperature, usually by changing injection timing and adding post-injection fuel, to burn the soot off.
That works well on long, steady drives. It works far less well on short journeys and stop-start driving, where regenerations get cut short. To manage all this, the ECU relies on:
a differential pressure sensor that measures how restricted the filter is
exhaust temperature sensors before and after the DPF
a soot-loading model in the software that decides when to regenerate
on some PSA and Ford engines, a fuel additive (Eolys) system
If the ECU thinks the filter is too full, or that a regeneration has failed, it will put a light on and often limit power.
Why drivers choose a DPF delete
The most common reasons people book a DPF delete with us are:
Repeated DPF warning lights, even after forced regenerations.
Limp mode or reduced power tied to DPF pressure or soot-load codes.
Constant regenerations that raise idle speed, run the cooling fans and dilute the engine oil with fuel.
Sensor faults from the differential pressure or temperature sensors that keep coming back.
Additional power, as part of a Stage 1 or Stage 2 tune on a diesel.
A previous DPF delete that hasn't held up (more on that below).
How our DPF delete works
Software, plus a separate exhaust modification
Our DPF delete is a software solution, but the software alone isn't enough: a physical exhaust modification is still required for it to work. Mac Tuning provides the software only, so the physical exhaust work needs to be carried out separately by an exhaust specialist.
1. Your original software is saved
We read the ECU first and save a copy of your original software. That means the work can always be reversed later.
2. A software solution written for your car
Mac Tuning has developed its own software for most vehicles over years of testing and research. Each DPF delete is set up for the specific car and software version. It switches off regeneration, the soot model and DPF monitoring together, and handles the related sensors properly so the ECU doesn't keep logging faults.
3. Checked before you leave
We clear the stored codes and check the car over once the new software is written. The job takes 45–60 minutes, and you're welcome to wait.
With DPF deletes, you get what you pay for
Cheap DPF deletes are easy to find. They're also one of the most common reasons cars end up with us. Typical problems we put right after a poor delete elsewhere include:
DPF or engine warning lights coming back
the car still trying to regenerate, with high idle and fans running after switch-off
limp mode from pressure or temperature sensor codes that were never dealt with
poor running, smoke or flat spots where the fuelling hasn't been set up properly
the gearbox or other modules still showing emissions faults
Most of these come from generic files that only partly switch the system off, or from software that doesn't match the car. Doing it properly the first time saves a second visit.
DPF delete with a Stage 1 or Stage 2 remap
A DPF delete is often done alongside a remap, since the ECU is already being read and written. A Stage 1 remap takes 60–90 minutes on its own, and every tune is set up for the specific car. See our guide to a Stage 1 remap in Hertfordshire. For more power on a diesel, read about Stage 2 tuning and the parts it needs, or browse our performance tuning page.
DPF delete for BMWs, vans, pickups and any vehicle
We offer DPF delete software for any vehicle fitted with a DPF. The vehicles we see most often are:
BMWs, including the 20d diesels (120d, 320d, 520d, X1 and X3)
Vans, including a lot of Ford Transits
Mercedes vans and cars
PSA-group vehicles: Peugeot, Citroen and Vauxhall
Pickups
If yours isn't listed, send us your registration and we'll confirm.
DPF, EGR and AdBlue together
On Euro 6 diesels the DPF, EGR and AdBlue systems all work together, so problems with one often affect the others. If your car also has AdBlue warnings or a countdown, see our AdBlue delete in Hertfordshire guide. For EGR warnings or a sticking EGR valve, see our EGR delete in Hertfordshire guide. More than one software solution can usually be done in the same visit.
DPF deletes are intended for off-road and motorsport use.
DPF delete across Hertfordshire
We're based near Stevenage and regularly see cars from Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth, Hertford, Welwyn, St Albans, Luton, Bedford and Cambridge, as well as cars from all over the UK. You can pay in instalments with Klarna or Clearpay, and you can read our customers' feedback on the reviews page.
DPF delete FAQs
How long does a DPF delete take?
45–60 minutes for the software. If you're having a remap at the same time, allow a little longer.
Is a physical exhaust modification needed?
Yes. Although our DPF delete is a software solution, a physical exhaust modification is still required for the software to work. We provide the software only, so the exhaust work needs to be carried out separately.
Can a DPF delete be reversed?
The software can. Your original software is saved before any changes are made, so it can be reinstated. Any exhaust work would need to be reversed separately.
I've had a DPF delete elsewhere and the light is back. Can you sort it?
Yes, this is a regular job for us. We set the delete up properly for your car's software rather than adding another patch on top.
Can I combine a DPF delete with an AdBlue delete or remap?
Yes. They can be done in the same visit, and your original software is saved in the same way.
Do you offer finance?
Yes, you can pay with Klarna or Clearpay.
Book your DPF delete
Send us your registration and a note of the warning lights or symptoms, and we'll come back with availability. Book online or get in touch to talk it through.
