The exhaust system regeneration process is a common occurrence if your vehicle’s exhaust accommodates unwanted particles. It’s like a self-operated system that helps your car work well by producing less pollution and using less fuel.
So, what to do if you see “exhaust system regeneration in process continue driving?” This process is totally automated and sometimes requires your intervention. When this process is going on, you must not switch off the engine. You park the vehicle at a safe place and allow adequate time. Also, you need to regenerate by yourself if the filter is 80% full.
Here, I detail every aspect of this issue while elaborating on doing the regeneration by yourself. So, let’s check it out!
Table of Contents
Basics of Exhaust System Regeneration
For me, exhaust system regeneration is like cleaning a diesel engine’s pipes well. Here, the “doing the cleaning job” is not required to be done by yourself. It is totally automated. However, sometimes, in consideration of some circumstances, I do the regeneration.
In this process, the pipes are heated up very high to burn out the accumulated dirt. Some extra fuel goes through to make the pipes really hot so that they can burn away the dirt.
The regeneration requirement depends on factors like how hard the engine works, how fast the vehicle moves, and the last regeneration time. Frequent conduction of regeneration is more than essential so that the pipes do not get clogged and obstruct the engine’s smooth performance.
Advantages of Exhaust System Regeneration
If scheduled exhaust system regeneration is not done properly and timely, the vehicle experiences various mechanical and functional issues. However, let it happen and check the advantages of conducting a scheduled exhaust system regeneration.
- It assists in maintaining the filter’s optimal functionality by getting rid of accumulated contaminants.
- Regeneration eliminates the blockage of the filter or DPF filter that restricts potential engine damage.
- After the occurrence of regeneration, the vehicle’s fuel efficiency gets increased.
- It also reduces the emission of hazardous gases.
- It ensures the vehicle runs smoothly.
Types of Exhaust System Regeneration
There are mainly two types of exhaust system regeneration: active and passive. The following are the details.
Passive Regeneration
Passive regeneration happens automatically when the engine gets really hot. It eventually happens when you’re driving fast on the highway or going in an upward direction. During passive regeneration, the exhaust gasses pass through the filter. Here, the heat from the engine burns away the soot inside without you doing anything extra.
Active Regeneration
Active regeneration is when you start the cleaning, i.e., the process on purpose. Usually, you do this by pressing a button on the dashboard. It’s like you decide to clean out the soot from the filter when you think it’s needed. It is not an automatic process like in passive regeneration.
Duration of Regeneration
The exhaust system regeneration process usually takes a few minutes to a couple of hours. It depends on the size and complexity of the exhaust system. In general, I run the regeneration process while driving the car at a very high speed, above 60 Kmph.
Also, I ensure every other component of the car, like wheel assembly, car liquid flow, etc., is in active and good condition to avoid any undesirable happenings.
I have an old Ford with a diesel engine. For this vehicle, the regeneration takes place automatically most of the time. In the process, the dirt is burned away in a special filter. It does this by itself when the engine is on, and the filter is full. It can take a few days to a couple of weeks.
When the regeneration process is ongoing, the exhaust gets really hot. Do not be overwhelmed; take it as usual. But if your car smells or sounds strange, you should seek professional assistance as the filter has some major issues. It can be an exhaust filter with full power reduced.
What to Do If Exhaust System Regeneration in Progress While Driving
The below-listed actions should be taken if the exhaust system regeneration is in progress while driving.
Don’t Switch Off the Engine
If the regeneration process continues, you do not turn the engine off or idle. It will disrupt the process, and the soot particles won’t be removed completely.
Safe Parking
If the regeneration process is ongoing, do not turn off the engine and park the vehicle at a suitable place. You must ensure that the area is not enclosed and has enough openings so that the toxic gasses can pass by easily.
Regeneration of a Diesel Engine Vehicle
For my old Ford’s design engine, I follow the below-listed steps for regeneration.
Step 1
I go to the highway and start driving at a high speed.
Step 2
The process starts when I see the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) sensor generate a signal. The signal indicates that the filter has accumulated dirt that needs to be removed.
Step 3
I maintain the speed and the DPF sensor activation signal to the Engine Control Unit (ECU).
Step 4
The ECU starts the regeneration process upon receiving the signal. In the process, extra fuel is flowing through into the engine. Here, I keep an eye on the fuel indicator to check how much fuel has been injected.
Step 5
Later, the inserted fuel gets burned inside the exhaust system. This action helps break down the disposition of the soot from the DPF.
Step 6
As per my experience, one hour is enough to complete the generation process. But, to ensure 100% burnout of the accumulation, I go for another 30-60 minutes of driving.
Step 7
Now, the most crucial thing is before heading to the highway to trigger regeneration. I ensured every component of Ford was in perfect condition. So that there is no interruption while going on or over 60 Kmph. Ensuring the perfect functional condition helps me to keep the vehicle running perfectly.
Step 8
I continue driving until the regeneration is fully completed and the DPF sensor stops signaling.
Signs Show that the Exhaust System Regeneration is Successful
If I see the below-listed indication, I become sure that the regeneration has been completed.
- If the “Exhaust System Regeneration in Process” message on my car’s dashboard is turned off, I become sure that the regeneration was successful.
- I try to see if the vehicle’s engine is running more smoothly and efficiently before regeneration.
- The reduced amount of smoke or pollutants coming from the exhaust also informs me that the exhaust system regeneration was successful.
- For my vehicle, before the regeneration, the engine light remains on. So, in case you see it is off after regeneration, it’s already fixed.
Final Words
We hope that now you have a clear idea of what to do when you see the message “exhaust system regeneration in process continue driving.” The core is that when the regeneration process is ongoing, you must not turn off the engine, and it is better if you drive the car at a good speed during that time.
Finally, even after the automatic or manual regeneration process is completed, unwanted residues might remain within the system. In that case, take professional assistance to resolve the issue.
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