The new Mrs Arragonis-mobile

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Xist

People act like the service department at a dealership is the epitome of technical ability, because they are the best of the best of the best

But often an independent mechanic can perform a better service, and even at a lower price. At a dealership they usually have more brand-specific resources such as softwares, or even some special tools, but having more stuff doesn't mean they're really the best.

[Arragonis]

There are a lot of specialists here in the UK which have the scanning equipment and other tools for most manufacturers.

Maybe it is a wake up call for VAG (and others) that their prices are so high that it is worth indys investing in the equipment required and setting up for themselves.

[Arragonis]

One other issue noted with the Octavia is that the cooling fans have run twice when the car has been parked and the engine has been shut off - this usually lasts between 2-4 minutes (estimated). A quick google suggests that this is due to a DPF regen being interrupted - e.g. by the end of the journey. I have VCDS and at some point I'll do a scan and check when it was last done.

Via the same route I've also found out that Hermann, my A6, has a DPF which makes him very "special" - I'll update that thread maybe.

[Arragonis]

Update - Oil and filter changed and service indicator reset. Oil is indeed new - I wondered as they hadn't started when Mrs A arrived. I might get it done again properly before 13K miles (3k miles now, 10K interval) just to make sure.

The dead fly collection on the front indicates not-eco driven but it has managed 50+ every time anyway.

EDIT - I mean "properly" by getting the engine warmed up so the oil drains fully. I think some of the old stuff will be in there. It isn't over filled which is a blessing.

Going back to old specialist from now on.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

If there is nothing on its VIN that could indicate the presence of the DPF, you can get rid of it with some ECM reflashing to overcome the error codes.

[Arragonis]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

If there is nothing on its VIN that could indicate the presence of the DPF, you can get rid of it with some ECM reflashing to overcome the error codes.

Unfortunately that idea is not going to fly.

Tests for diesel cars and lorries are to be tightened up to ensure vehicles have a critical exhaust filter if one had originally been fitted as standard, Roads Minister Robert Goodwill has announced.

Garages and testing stations will be required check for a diesel particulate filter (DPF) in the inspection of the exhaust system as part of the MOT test (or annual test for heavy vehicles) from February 2014.

The vehicle will automatically fail the MOT test if the filter had been fitted as standard but is found to be no longer present.

The filter works by trapping solid particulate matter from exhaust gases. This type of filter has been in use for more than 20 years and helps meet European emission standards, improving air quality and health standards.

Some firms offer services to remove the filter, claiming it will improve the economy. But it is an offence to drive a vehicle that has been modified this way, as it will no longer meet the emissions standards the car achieved when it was approved for sale in the UK.

This also happened when cataclysmic converters were optional instead of mandatory - people had them taken off and then the car would fail its first MOT requiring much £s to refit them.

Luckily Hermann passed in June with his DPF so it must be working OK.

[Arragonis]

PS Although I think the test might just be that it is present and functioning. The emissions test result will be based on the limits in place when the car was first sold - i.e. it might still pass the emissions test even if the DPF is not at 100%.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

But it still sucks to have the DPF.

[redpoint5]

I wonder if one could make such emission equipment to be modular, so that it could quickly be installed for inspection, and then removed after certification?

Another idea; have the emission equipment look like it's installed, but actually have no filter in place. Then run a tank of biodiesel to pass the inspection.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

I wonder if one could make such emission equipment to be modular, so that it could quickly be installed for inspection, and then removed after certification?

It's widely done in the big rigs, using emulators to avoid error codes at the ECM due to the absence of the sensors from the DPF and SCR.