GMC Terrain: Performance and Maintenance / Diesel Particulate Filter

The engine is equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) that will filter or trap particulates. The DPF is under the vehicle in the exhaust system.

Depending on a number of factors monitored by the engine computer, the DPF will need to be cleaned of accumulated solids. When a cleaning is needed, the engine computer will initiate a cleaning action by warming the exhaust gas temperature. This feature has been designed to operate automatically, with limited operator involvement or awareness.

Cleaning the DPF (Exhaust Filter)

While the DPF cleaning is automatically controlled by the engine computer, the vehicle will need to operate continuously for approximately 25 minutes and at speeds greater than 50 km/h (30 mph) to clean the DPF effectively.

Special DPF Driver Messages

If the vehicle is used for numerous short trips or extended slow-speed operation, the engine computer may not be able to clean the DPF effectively. If this happens, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message will display.

If the vehicle continues to be driven in a manner that prevents effective DPF cleaning, the DPF will become plugged. If this occurs, the engine computer will turn on the malfunction indicator lamp in the instrument cluster and a DIC message will display. See Diesel Particulate Filter, Fuel for Diesel Engines and Engine Oil.