Lexus Is Diesel Particulate Filter Dpf Problem / Solution

[Kev B]

Sorry to be a pain guys / girls.....

The DPF light is on and the car is running with hardly any power at all.

I have been to several mechanics and their scanners can't seem to do anything in regards to resetting the fault code. I have been to a mechanic this afternoon and he seems to think that the only solution is replacing the DPF but I do not want to be spending £1000+ on the problem.

He suggested that due to the filter being so full, it will not regenerate now, is that really the case?

Also, I have done some checking online and have found a specialist not too far from me who has told me the complete opposite in that they can be regenarated even if they are blocked and that it is the cheapest option compared to replacement / removal etc?

Any advice???

[steve2006]

Hello and welcome to the LOC.

Although the car is out of warranty have you considered contacting Lexus pointing out that a 5 year old car should not be suffering from these problems and seeing if they will assist in sorting the problem?

Once a DPF gets clogged fully there is very little apart from replacement that can be done but before replacement other possible issues which may have caused the problem initially need to be investigated.

A faulty EGR another common fault on the 220d can contribute to DPF failure amongst other things.

There are specialist companies which claim to be able to clean DPFs but dependent on how clogged its is.

There are also fuel additives which claim to clean them.

Another option is to have the DPF guts removed and then just refit the casing so as far as the MOT is concerned it's still fitted and will pass.

[Kev B]

Thanks for getting back to me.

Yes, I contacted my local dealership when the problem occured and they told me it was normal ware and tare and not covered under any type of waranty.

I have called loads of garages in the mean time (last few days or so) and almost all of them have told me the same thing in that the Diesel Particulate Filter will need replacing due to it being too full.The first garage I went to, ran a diagnostic and the printout they gave says that the filter is over 90% full so no guarantee on anything what so ever.

Every garage I have rang and told about the report have all said the same thing, "you need a new filter".

The only garage that I have had some positive news from and that sounds like they know what they are talking about has stated that they can force regenerate even if the filter is blocked simply because they have the correct software and necessary experience. I asked this particular place about additives and such like, as you and some of my friends suggested but was told that I would be wasting my money as there is no conclusive proof through comissioned trials that any of them have a decent success rate.

The thing is, a replacement filter is over £1000 supply and fit but these guys are asking for only £209 inclusive to do what they do so I guess I will bite the bullet and give them a try over the weekend and let you know how I got on.

They have offered me testimonials to put my mind at ease, some are Lexus owners that went through what I am going through and the guy did say that a couple of forum members have been to them, one very recently but I am not sure which forum he was on about.

[Kev B]

Hi Steve.

Just a quick one to let you know that I went and had the work done and I have to say that it is the best £209 that I spent on my car since the day I bought it.

The lights are off, power is up and the engine just feels and sounds a whole lot better in general.

I noticed that the mileage had increased by 37 miles but they told me that it was due to live data trials that had to be conducted to ensure that everything was successful.

Since having had the work done on Saturday morning, including the 37 miles they clocked up, I have so far had a hassle free 430 miles or so and will keep you posted over the next few days. If anyone wants their details then let me know, they are based in Birmingham Central but they offer a collection & drop off service if you think the car can't make the trip so no worries there either.

[steve2006]

Excellent news sounds like they have done the job, I was also under the impression that DPFs cannot be rejuvenated beyond a certain point so if it proves a lasting success that's great

There was a feature in CM magazine in July specifically related to DPFs and Cats and several companies were mentioned so yours may be one of them.

I can't see any reason not to post up the company's details who did yours as it could help other members in the future.

[Kev B]

UPDATE & CONTACT DETAILS:

Since my last post, I have now racked up approximately 900 miles which brings the total thus far to just over 1300 TROUBLE FREE MILES and NO lights on as of yet!!

The details for the Garage that did the wonderful work for me are as follows:

CAR SURGEON LIMITED

Fault code P2002 VSC Solution / DPF Regeneration / DPF Removal / DPF Rejuvenation

07853355415

Strictly by appointment only / collection & drop off service only

[normski2]

Don't know how true this is, but I was told you can usually regenerate the DPF by running the car at highish revs for a lengthy time. Apparently heats the filter to almost red hot and burns off everything.. and its all hunky dory again!

Any one else heard of this being done?

One thing I would urge you to do is clean the EGR valve every 5000 miles or so if you regularly do short journeys. Did mine on Fri last..took 30 mins and round town mpg is 42 at present. You might care to explore the use of BG244 and AR6200 fuel additive. My engine sounds much better after using this and mpg has gone up a bit too.

[sokisoki3]

when dpf is blocked even regeneration by running on higher revs won't help. Removal I think the best option. P&P auto services in Taunton they definitely can perform dpf removal on IS220

[bluenose1940]

Don't know how true this is, but I was told you can usually regenerate the DPF by running the car at highish revs for a lengthy time. Apparently heats the filter to almost red hot and burns off everything.. and its all hunky dory again!

Any one else heard of this being done?

One thing I would urge you to do is clean the EGR valve every 5000 miles or so if you regularly do short journeys. Did mine on Fri last..took 30 mins and round town mpg is 42 at present. You might care to explore the use of BG244 and AR6200 fuel additive. My engine sounds much better after using this and mpg has gone up a bit too.

Hiya normski2, I'd be interested to know how long it is since you last cleaned your EGR Valve and, what it was like when you took it apart to clean again last Friday. Did you notice a difference this time to last time, i.e. do you feel that the additives were tending to keep it cleaner than it would have been had you not have used them. I am still using the B10 at the moment but do intend to give yours a try as soon as I have used it all.

[normski2]

It was about 5000 miles since last strip and clean. There was a light dusting over the entire internals... less than a mm I would say. Also a small build up around the throat where it connects to the inlet manifold. Cleaned and hoovered that bit too.

Still using the AR6200 fuel additive at 5ml per 50 litres. Engine sounding very good..bearing in mind it is a diesel(and will never sound like my old straight six) and going like a rocket. I am really impressed by the torque/turbo on this car.. when you want to fly past something it will do it with ease.

My son has got a new job and needs a reliable, long journey motor. Am contemplating giving him the car, as he has just borrowed it for a month and loved it. He got nearly 50 going Bristol to Surrey. Who'd be a Dad? If he does take it I will show him how to clean the EGR, as it is a very simple operation and so beneficial.

Have looked at a couple of Auto 250SE's ...... early days yet. Tried the auto Audi A6 too. Maybe an auto is the way to go, nothing decided yet.

[briatore]

Kev B, do you happen to know what did they do to it? :) I'm puzzled how a special software would fit into the procedure. I guess it must have been mostly chemical and, in part, mechanical. Toyota intelligent tester 2 tool can erase the error and can be used to manually iinitiate the regeneration, but that obviously hasn't helped in the first place.

[lexus560]

To Kev B and Briatore......my IS 220D DPF was also regenerated at LEXUS dealer trough LEXUS software, 2 days consumption was 6.3 liters/100km in the city, then everything went back, I have no warning light on dashboard, the car is not in emergency state

[Frank2006]

Just joined as a new member of the Lexus forum and just wanted express my gratitude to Kev B for posting the details of Car Surgeon.

I have had my lexus IS220D for over 2 years with no issues but just few weeks back, my car developed this dreaded VSC Check error out of the blue.

Did a bit of research, read up a bit on it and tried to regenerate the filter as advised " 70mp at over 2000 revs for15min on motorway. Problem was that the car was always going into the "Limp Mode" and thus could not get the car to up to the required speed and rev to clear the DPF.

Had the car taken to Toyota a dealership that diagnosed the problem but could not resolve it, they advised that I take it to Lexus.

Took the car to Lexus dealership and got a quote that gave me the shock of my life. They said that they would have to change the entire DPF filter which was going cost me over £2000 and that there were a few other issues including the DPF problem which will set me back almost £4000.

I told them that there was no way I was going to pay them that sum to change the DPF unit and so out of desperation I started looking around for someone who could resolve this DPF issue.

Came across a few websites that claimed they could resolve the DPF issue but declined taking the car there after I read some really bad reviews about them. (No names)

Long story short, came across this topic and saw Kev B posting and the details of the company that resolved his DPF problem. Called them up, and arranged for the car to be picked up. They took my car all the way to Birmingham and resolved the issue. Drove the car back the same day and met the Guy who worked on the car. He had the computer plugged into the car and monitored the system whilst driving it all the way back to Watford. I was quite impressed.

They charged me £289 for regenerating the DPF and cleaning the EGR valve plus the recovery of the car and return which cost me another £200 and also got them to do my MOT.

Thanks Kev B for recommending Car Surgeon and I have included their details here again in case you miss Kev B posting.

CAR SURGEON LIMITED

Fault code P2002 VSC Solution / DPF Regeneration / DPF Removal / DPF Rejuvenation

07853355415

I have had the car for almost a week now with no issues. I hope this article also helps someone

[steve2006]

Welcome to the LOC.

Good to hear that you had the problem sorted at a reasonable cost, how can Lexus justify a 4K bill! Also the VAT at 20% makes a nice little earner for HMRC because you have a nice environmentally friendly car that fails on the very parts designed to help protect the environment.

With all the extra "Emissions control" stuff on modern cars I'm glad to be running an older model which doesn't even have an EGR system fitted (being JDM) and still passes its MOT with ease on emissions.

Don't get me started on dual mass flywheels there's another backwards move in my opinion.

[paulw]

My 220d suffered the dreaded problem a couple of weeks ago, the engine management light and ASC light came on and the engine went into limp mode,After paying for a test to show up the real problem I was advised, as others, to try going on the motorway for 30 miles at a steady 2,000rpm to start auto regeneration. That didn't work, I just had a frightening drive constantly having to pull onto the hard shoulder, switch off and start again. The garage said only Lexus dealers had the software so back to the main dealer I had bought from it went, they said the EGR valve had failed and needed replacing , the manifold was sooted up and had to be cleaned, Fortunately the DPF was OK but the bill was still £1,500. I don't expect that on a car less than 5 years old and only 46K on the clock. I complained to Lexus but they refused, ever so politely, to consider any contribution, My complaint that had my car been a Toyota I would have been covered under the manafacturers warranty fell on deaf ears, all they would say is Lexus have a 3 year guarantee and I should have bought an extended warranty! This doesn't say much for their confidence and why, when you pay extra for the "posh Toyota", do you get an inferior guarantee - it doesn't make any sense.

To rub salt in the wound my car was repaired in the adjoining Toyota delership but at the higher Lexus labour rates, the Lexus dealership doesn't have its own repair shop - do they think we don't realise there's nothing behind the fancy showroom and the servicing goes next door?

This is my first and will be my last Lexus

[jim1063]

My IS220d went into limp iast Wednesday morning just after I had organised to have the EGR valve cleaned that night.Limped down to garage and my friend stripped out the EGR valve which was completely blocked by black soot and carbon.He cleaned the valve and refitted it start to finish 1hour.He tried to reset management light but an error P2002(particulate trap efficiency below threshold bank 1) showed up.My car went into limp mode after about 3 miles on the way home.Stopped the car and after re-starting it I got home.Next morning on the way to work car went into limp mode again.

Phoned LEXUS EDINBURGH to book my car in for a check up.The service manager was very hesitant to quote me a price to repair the DPF filter if that was the problem.After checking these forums I realised I was in deep S_ _ T.Phoned the service manager on saturday morning to ask if this problem was covered under warranty which I had found out about in this forum.WELL LET ME TELL THIS did I touch a NERVE or WHAT!! Out went the be pleasant customer voice and in came the ENGINE WARRANTY SCRIPT voice.

Apparently the engine warranty has changed from 7years 100.000 miles full service history (with any garage stamp) to 5years 60,000 miles full service history(with a LEXUS DEALERSHIP ONLY).I was told that my car had to fit this CRITERIA to be CONSIDERED for a warranty claim.My car is 4years old (08) has 50.000 miles has 3 LEXUS stamps and 1 outside stamp on the service book I was informed in no uncertain terms that I was goosed,but they were looking forward to seeing me next Friday. ( I bet they are)

Looked into DPF cleaning on the internet in the EDINBURGH AREA.Found a local garage who could do the job for £200 - £300.The owner told me to first try pouring a tin of BG DIESEL FUEL SYSTEM CLEANER in my fuel tank and drive my car at 2500-3000revs up the M9.IT'S the best £24 I have spent.After driving up to Stirling and back and about 15 stops to restart my car after going into limp mode and the smoke that came out the exhaust it looks like the DPF has been cleaned out.I have travelled 60 miles without going into limp mode.All I have to do now is have the warning light and error code removed.(and cancel LEXUS Booking).

Hope this is a help to any lexus owner who has this problem.

[Granger]

Just joined as a new member of the Lexus forum and just wanted express my gratitude to Kev B for posting the details of Car Surgeon.

I have had my lexus IS220D for over 2 years with no issues but just few weeks back, my car developed this dreaded VSC Check error out of the blue.

Did a bit of research, read up a bit on it and tried to regenerate the filter as advised " 70mp at over 2000 revs for15min on motorway. Problem was that the car was always going into the "Limp Mode" and thus could not get the car to up to the required speed and rev to clear the DPF.

Had the car taken to Toyota a dealership that diagnosed the problem but could not resolve it, they advised that I take it to Lexus.

Took the car to Lexus dealership and got a quote that gave me the shock of my life. They said that they would have to change the entire DPF filter which was going cost me over £2000 and that there were a few other issues including the DPF problem which will set me back almost £4000.

I told them that there was no way I was going to pay them that sum to change the DPF unit and so out of desperation I started looking around for someone who could resolve this DPF issue.

Came across a few websites that claimed they could resolve the DPF issue but declined taking the car there after I read some really bad reviews about them. (No names)

Long story short, came across this topic and saw Kev B posting and the details of the company that resolved his DPF problem. Called them up, and arranged for the car to be picked up. They took my car all the way to Birmingham and resolved the issue. Drove the car back the same day and met the Guy who worked on the car. He had the computer plugged into the car and monitored the system whilst driving it all the way back to Watford. I was quite impressed.

They charged me £289 for regenerating the DPF and cleaning the EGR valve plus the recovery of the car and return which cost me another £200 and also got them to do my MOT.

Thanks Kev B for recommending Car Surgeon and I have included their details here again in case you miss Kev B posting.

CAR SURGEON LIMITED

Fault code P2002 VSC Solution / DPF Regeneration / DPF Removal / DPF Rejuvenation

07853355415

I have had the car for almost a week now with no issues. I hope this article also helps someone

Hi Steve.

Just a quick one to let you know that I went and had the work done and I have to say that it is the best £209 that I spent on my car since the day I bought it.

The lights are off, power is up and the engine just feels and sounds a whole lot better in general.

I noticed that the mileage had increased by 37 miles but they told me that it was due to live data trials that had to be conducted to ensure that everything was successful.

Since having had the work done on Saturday morning, including the 37 miles they clocked up, I have so far had a hassle free 430 miles or so and will keep you posted over the next few days. If anyone wants their details then let me know, they are based in Birmingham Central but they offer a collection & drop off service if you think the car can't make the trip so no worries there either.

UPDATE & CONTACT DETAILS:

Since my last post, I have now racked up approximately 900 miles which brings the total thus far to just over 1300 TROUBLE FREE MILES and NO lights on as of yet!!

The details for the Garage that did the wonderful work for me are as follows:

CAR SURGEON LIMITED

Fault code P2002 VSC Solution / DPF Regeneration / DPF Removal / DPF Rejuvenation

07853355415

Strictly by appointment only / collection & drop off service only

Big Thank you to Frank & Kev for listing the details of the garage in Birmingham!!!

I was quoted £2376 by Lexus and after wading through posts and various google searches I found this thread and let me tell you I got the DPF cleared and the VSC switched off for £299.00 which included EGR clean and additive in the tank plus collection and drop off of my car which was parked up 27 miles from the location of Car Surgeon Ltd.

They gave me a discount voucher to use within the next year for an Oil and Filter Service for just £49.00 too.

Many thanks Kev and Frank.....

RESULT!!!

[olympus]

I have a 06 IS220d (Belgium) and it has now almost 195000 km ( 121167 miles) problem free...

I also bought the MINI VCI FOR TOYOTA & Software TIS Techstream (software + cable)...

As for the DPF I found several options in the software. A forced regeneration of any kind cannot not be started (forced) if the dpf is less than 40% full.

As I do drive the car euuhh fast(ish) everytime I check the dpf it's always near empty...

You have to use 'low ash' oil (I use Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5w30).... Although I must say that without the DPF the car should be more responsive.. Everything is possible but I wounder if the car will pass the emissions test here in Belgium...

I already have a custom made stainless steel cat back system in, and from what I saw even the cats can be removed because the last sensor is before the cats, so I will probably have those removed too.....

[LexusMgc1]

IS220d 2009 Reg, and just done 55,000 miles,

Had the dreaded P2002 EMC code fault (DPF below threshold) diagnosed by the AA. Symptoms - car would drive OK for about 5 mins and then drop into limp mode, Engine Management System light on.

After further diagnosis by a local independant Garage, they indicated that costs of resolving this problem would be around 5k - I was truly shocked !

They spoke to Lexus Wolverhampton on my behalf, who indicated that the problem should be covered by the Engine warranty, I booked my Car into Lexus Wolverhampton for diagnosis, who promptly completed all the required work at zero cost. Car is running beautifully now.

Excellent Service Lexus Wolverhampton and great Customer Care, you have restored my faith in the brand !

[normski2]

IS220d 2009 Reg, and just done 55,000 miles,

Had the dreaded P2002 EMC code fault (DPF below threshold) diagnosed by the AA. Symptoms - car would drive OK for about 5 mins and then drop into limp mode, Engine Management System light on.

After further diagnosis by a local independant Garage, they indicated that costs of resolving this problem would be around 5k - I was truly shocked !

They spoke to Lexus Wolverhampton on my behalf, who indicated that the problem should be covered by the Engine warranty, I booked my Car into Lexus Wolverhampton for diagnosis, who promptly completed all the required work at zero cost. Car is running beautifully now.

Excellent Service Lexus Wolverhampton and great Customer Care, you have restored my faith in the brand !

Are you mostly doing short journeys?

You need to give it a good wellying every couple of months to get the 5th injector working and promote the DPF regeneration cycle.

If you don't already...think about trying BG44 engine cleaner and AR 6400 diesel additive from Power Enhancer. I found both products very effective in my 220d i had.

[Fayaz]

Thanks ever so much Granger for the details you forwarded so kindly. I rang Car Surgeon the same day & managaed to get the car boooked in for this morning, so I dropped it off to them on Saturday afternoon, looking to collect the car today at mid day.

I collected the car back from them at 4pm this afternoon and it drives absolutely mint!

I have never felt the car to be this responsive, even when I first purchased it just over a couple of years ago.

Great Service, great price, guys definitely knew what they were talking about!

http://carsurgeon.co.uk/

CAR SURGEON LIMITED

Fault code P2002 VSC Solution / DPF Regeneration / DPF Removal / DPF Rejuvenation

07853355415 Strictly by appointment only / collection & drop off service available

http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/84772-lexus-is220d-check-vsc-light-is-on-p2002-dpf-with-limp-mode/

[mrr1]

Had my dpf jetwashed today in 90 quid all in. (Vsc lights, limp mode etc, etc) I'll keep posting to let you know how it goes. It may not be the perfect solution but at least I can run it on the motorway long enough to force a regen.

[JuJo]

What do you mean by "jetwashed" and where did you do that.

It happen to me this weekend when i was away with my wife and kids and had to bring the car back to London on a platform. Car went into limp mode and couldn't drive it more than 2000rpm. I try to erase the code (torque and ELM adapater), but no success. The car came up with the error code after a couple of miles.

Came home, cleaned the EGR valve(I already cleaned it again a couple of months ago and it was clogged - after that the car was driving very smooth and nice), this time it wasn't clogged but i thought that maybe some carbon stay inside there and didn't work properly. Anyway I've notice after that that my EGR is not working properly - not working into parameter (read it all the time with Torque) and it keeps kick in and out (it have periods when it's working and period when not). I kept erasing the error till i reached on the motorway and then i drive the car for about 40 min in the 3rd gear at 90mph. After that the error didn't came up again, but the tester still not reads the temperatures on the dpf sensor(before it used to read them) and the EGR valve is working in the same way. I ordered another one and after I'll fit it i will try to go again on the motorway in try a hard regen of the dfp and i will try with Techstream as well to see if it will regen. If not i think i have to find some others solution, others than replace it at lexus for 2500 pounds.

[dibo81]

Hello everyone

I will give you the whole story if you have time to read it.

Car was shivering in all revs above 2000, kangoroeing if i can use this word. I live in Peterborough so the closest lexus dealer is on Cambridge (Tried with a local garage first, didnt find anyhtng) . I called them a couple of weeks ago and booked a diagnostic for last Friday. The checked the car for 1 30 hours (BTW they charge 124 pounds an hour) and then they told me they need more time to inspect the vehicle since they did not found anyhing (it was almost 5 o clock) so I need to rebook it for Tuesday and they will check it for at least 3 hours to let me know what is wrong, costing me 400 pounds just for the inspection. Their first idea was oil filter (which I replaced 2 months ago). I said let me think about it and I will let you know.

Next morning I had to drive to Northahampton where the car suddendly lost is power and went to limp mode with check vsc and engine light on. A friend of mine has a 10 pound diagnostic tool with we use on Sunday and the code P2002 came up. To be sure I went to anothe local garage and the same come came up. Called Lexus in Cambridge saying to them I have the code of the problem, did a bit of google research, can you give me an estimate of the cost. Their response was that "we dont trust other garages diagnostics, you need to bring your car here. I explained that the car doesnt drive and they told me to use AA to bring it there. (Not a member, cost 250 pounds). I said can you please let me know of the cost if what I am saying is true and they said this code 90% of the time is the oil fiter, cost 140 pounds. I asked 3 garages and they all said to me that this is bull****!!! I did not knew who to trust and what to do!!! I got annoyed with Lexus that wanted to do the diagnostics since I had the code already.

Searching in the forum, I found this post and read about Car Surgeon in Birmingham. I called and booked an appointment same day. He charged me 309 pounds to clear the DPF, clean the EGR valve. The car drives much much better now but still has a bit shivering in some revs usually between 2000 and 3500. He told me that my EGR is not working properly and need to change it and then the car will be fine.

I am still bit confused to be honest on who to trust and who not to trust. The car is a 56 plate with 160000 miles so there in not point spending crazy amounts of money on it. I am pleased with the guy in Birmingham because he fixed my car in a reasonable cost and also recommended what else is needed so the car to run smoolthly.

Does anyone knows the cost of replacing an EGR valve? Does it need re learning the ECU when doing it or I can do it my self?

I am planning a roadtrip over Christmas holidays doing at least 1000 miles so I want to make sure that I will be fine.

Thanks guys.

[normski2]

I don't know the cost of replacing the EGR valve, knowing Lexus, I'll take a stab at £300.

First thing I'd do is take a look at it and see if its clogged with soot. Give it a thorough clean (off the car) and check the piston seating inside. If its closing properly into the seating under the spring pressure then it should work fine. Check also the wire connections into the plug that attaches to the EGR Valve.

There are lots of vids on youtube about cleaning EGR valve. There are even some for Lexus 220. Follow what they instruct. Precisely what I did when I had my 220d. Its not too difficult to do yourself.

Hopefully, you have resolved your main issue which is the DPF being clogged. Try and give it some good hot runs every couple of months if you are only doing small/short journeys. This will initiate the self cleaning cycle for the DPF.

Good luck with it all.