A parked regeneration is a crucial process for maintaining the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) on your 2010 EPA Compliant International Truck. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough of how to perform a parked regeneration, helping you avoid downtime and keep your truck running smoothly. Understanding the different soot load stages and knowing when to initiate a regeneration is key to preventing DPF clogging and potential engine damage.
Understanding DPF Soot Load Stages
The DPF indicator light signals the level of soot accumulated in the filter. Recognizing these signals is vital for timely regeneration:
- Low Soot Load (Solid Yellow Light): The DPF is starting to fill. Driving at highway speeds (>60km/hr) for an extended period or performing a parked regeneration is recommended.
- Moderate Soot Load (Flashing Yellow Light): Highway driving is no longer sufficient. A parked regeneration is required. Important: Park on a paved or gravel surface, never on grass or soil due to high exhaust temperatures.
- Full Soot Load (Flashing Yellow Light with 5 Short Beeps per Minute): DPF is significantly clogged, impacting engine performance. Immediate parked regeneration is critical to avoid engine shutdown. After regeneration, schedule DPF servicing as soon as possible.
- Over-Full Soot Load (Red Hexagon Warning Light): The DPF is critically clogged, imminent engine shutdown. Do not attempt regeneration. Pull over safely, turn on hazard lights, shut off the truck, and contact your driver manager or International dealer for immediate service.
Steps for Performing a Parked Regeneration
Before starting a parked regeneration, ensure these four conditions are met:
- Truck in Neutral: Shift the truck into neutral gear.
- Parking Brake Engaged: Engage the parking brake firmly.
- Avoid Pedal Contact: Do not touch the brake or clutch pedals during the regeneration process.
- Monitor Coolant Temperature: Ensure the engine coolant temperature is below 170°F (76.6°C).
Once these conditions are met, follow these steps:
- Initiate Regeneration: Press and hold the Engine Re-Gen button for two seconds. The REGEN switch will illuminate. A blinking indicator signifies that one of the pre-conditions hasn’t been met.
- Monitor the Process: The engine will rev higher than normal to a preset RPM. A TEMP light (indicating exhaust temperature, not engine temperature) will appear next to the DPF indicator. This TEMP light should turn off after the regeneration cycle completes.
- Completion: The regeneration process can take 20-60 minutes. Once finished, the REGEN switch light will turn off, the engine RPM will return to normal idle, and the DPF indicator light will turn off.
After the Parked Regeneration
After a successful parked regeneration, you can resume driving. However, if you experienced a Full Soot Load, schedule service with your dealer as soon as possible to clean or replace the DPF. Regular maintenance and understanding the DPF soot load stages will help prevent costly downtime and keep your International Truck operating at peak performance.
