CF ChatterFix
Preventive Maintenance

Aftertreatment / DPF Service

Modern diesel aftertreatment is the most common source of derates and unplanned downtime in a contemporary fleet. Ash accumulates in the filter regardless of how well the engine runs, and no amount of regeneration removes it — eventually it must be cleaned or replaced.

Interval Annual
Est. Duration 3.0 hrs
Steps 4
Applies To Fleet & Vehicle Maintenance

The Procedure

The steps ChatterFix schedules for this PM. Every step is a checkable item on the work order — a technician can speak their way through it without touching a keyboard.

  1. Read and record fault codes and soot load before service
  2. Remove and clean or replace the diesel particulate filter
  3. Inspect DEF system, injector, and quality sensor
  4. Verify a successful regeneration after refitting

Why This PM Exists

Modern diesel aftertreatment is the most common source of derates and unplanned downtime in a contemporary fleet. Ash accumulates in the filter regardless of how well the engine runs, and no amount of regeneration removes it — eventually it must be cleaned or replaced.

What Skipping It Looks Like

Progressive derates that reduce the truck to limp mode, forced regenerations that burn fuel and time, and eventually a filter so loaded it cannot be cleaned and must be bought new.

Setting the interval

By mileage, typically 150,000 miles, but read the soot and ash load rather than trusting the odometer. Heavy idling loads filters far faster than highway miles.

Equipment This Covers

Common Questions

How often should this PM run?
Annual. By mileage, typically 150,000 miles, but read the soot and ash load rather than trusting the odometer. Heavy idling loads filters far faster than highway miles.
How long does it take?
Budget about 3.0 hours for a technician working to the standard procedure. ChatterFix uses that estimate for capacity planning, then learns your plant's actual time from completed work orders.
What happens if we skip it?
Progressive derates that reduce the truck to limp mode, forced regenerations that burn fuel and time, and eventually a filter so loaded it cannot be cleaned and must be bought new.
Can I use this checklist in ChatterFix?
Yes — this exact procedure ships in the Fleet & Vehicle Maintenance industry pack. Pick your industry at signup and it is scheduled on the right assets automatically, with no configuration.

Related Procedures

Stop Retyping Your PM Library

This procedure — and every other PM for your industry — is already built into ChatterFix. Pick your industry and it lands on the right equipment, on the right interval, in about three minutes.