Amarok DPF issues

[Transfercase?]

Thanks for the insight into your experience. I too need my cars to be reliable, no point in having a car that you cannot have trust in! I have just bought our first Amarok, if it starts playing up then I will have to consider making changes and if those changes are DPF delete well then so be it. I do not have much faith with VW coming to the rescue when out in the bush!

[lloydus67]

Town driving seems to be the cause of many dpf issues, people who carry big loads, tow heavy trailers or do lots of highway miles regularly tend not to have much problems with thier dpf.


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[Lucas_R]

Town driving seems to be the cause of many dpf issues, people who carry big loads, tow heavy trailers or do lots of highway miles regularly tend not to have much problems with thier dpf.

This is correct. Unless there is an underlying issue already, vehicles that that are allowed to get to operating temp for a good period of time regularly are unlikely to have issues. Modern diesel engines do not short trips, traffic, idling and not being able to get to operating temperature and doing regular drives in these conditions will almost certainly lead to the DPF not being able to regenerate = DPF issues and limp mode.

I do a mix of shorter and longer drives in our diesel which is why I use my Carista device periodically to monitor how full the DPF is, and then when its close to full, ill trigger a regen using Carista and drive the car along a local bypass at 80+kph in 5th gear to let the DPF do its cleaning cycle. Not exaclty an ideal situation (taking the car for a pointless fuel and time wasting drive for 20 mins) but its better than having expensive DPF issues and appointments with my mechanic.

Also, it's important to note that DPF's often get the blame for the issue and get a bad wrap, but in most cases its something upstream (boost leak, injector issue, 02 sensor issue etc) that is causing the issue but the DPF is the what cops the punishment and alerts you to the issue. So you get the DPF cleaned and then 500km later the same issue has occured because the root cause has not been identified/addressed which is causing the DPF to get blocked/not regenerate, which is more often than not - a separate component.

[vs355]

Hello. We bought a 2017 Ultimate new and had issues at 2500kms half way between Adelaide and Melbourne (loaded car and decent hwy speed). VW came out and said it needed to go on a long drive (I thought Melbourne to Adelaide was a long drive!?), and that it needed to be thrashed! The lights came on again at Nhill. This time it derated completely. VW Assist were useless, and had no way of getting the car and it's 5 occupants back to Adelaide. I ended up taking our truck and old ute to Nhill and collecting them myself! We sent a $2000 bill to VW and they paid it! Our local Barossa dealer was fantastic and said that it was a known problem and that a revised DPF was being sent to suit Australia. A few month's later and the new DPF in away we went. All was well until 60000kms (Car being used daily on a 1 hr commute from the Barossa to Adelaide and then back daily).The DPF light and glow plug light came on again and the car went into limp mode again, rendering my wife stranded again!Enough was enough. The problem had to go. With the DPF removed and the EGR blanked off, and the ECU given a mild tune (to increase torque and lessen the gearbox lag when leaving a junction or overtaking) at the same time it transformed the vehicle. The fuel economy went down from a long term average of 9lt/100km to 7.5lt/100km. The remap got rid of that frustrating and sometimes frightening gearbox lag when changing gears, and most importantly within two oil changes, the oil was starting to stay clean between services! The vehicle now has 130000kms on it and has not faulted since. The sump oil stays clean and has lost that carbon content that the EGR was throwing back into the engine, and the tailpipe is still surprisingly clean. It emits no black smoke (which is something I stipulated when it was being remapped).

So to round up, the fuel consumption has gone down (better for the environment and our pockets), the lifespan of the engine has gone up (also better for the environment and our pockets as it's not being thrown away or needing work at 200000kms). They are an awesome ute made unreliable with emissions systems that ultimately make the vehicle unreliable, consume more fuel, and shorten the engine's lifespan. Do I think the risk is worth it? Yes, because we bought a new vehicle that needs to be reliable, especially when out on remote touring. It is now a reliable & trusted vehicle. Just a pity we had to take that risk!

Appreciate the proper opinion there
I have a 2019 v6 amarok (3 mths of warranty left) - and last night it came up with teh dpf warning. Did a 25min drive on the highway, as the dpf light turned off - the glow plug flashing light greeted me.....
A call to VW assist - and someone coming out to scan the codes - confirmed it needs to go to the dealer for a forced regen. Whilst this is still warranty, apart from teh inconvenience - then so be it. HOWEVER, with the warranty almost done - I assume if this happens again (this occured once before a couple of years ago), it would be another trip to the dealer - at my expense for it to have a forced regen. As such - I assume it leaves 3 options
1 - Pay the dealer to do a forced regen when it happens (struggle with this idea, as it seems a bit of a joke to have to do it because their system requires it - and the end user cannot do it themseves
2 - Delete the dpf etc. A bit unsure on this one - had an egr delete and tune etc on a 2013 by one of the 'Gurus' of amaroks (I wont name them) - and it was just a bit off (minor surging etc etc)
3 - one of the OBD modules? (frustrated on this, I bought a VCDS for the old amarok, but as it isnt suitable for the newer v6 rok - its basically worthless, and I am up for more $$)

Really interested to hear peoples opinions on what option the have - or will do once the warranty is gone.

[lloydus67]

I’m just about to buy an ODB 11

It’s not restricted to a particular vin or car model, suits all VW/ Audi group vehicles as well as bmw.
It can do a forced Regen and much more. The pro licence (just pay an extra fee) allows you to change as much as vcds.
To be honest though, I would delete and tune using CRD Tuner, they do very reliable tunes and are all over the country.
I’m very happy with my V6 since I had it fixed[emoji6]
I had my 4 cylinder tuned by Roo systems and had to get it deleted after 5 attempts to have it fixed. I wish I knew about CRD back then.
Join modrok facebook group for extensive information and like minded Amarok owners
Lloyd


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[vs355]

[QUOTE=lloydus67;
had to get it deleted after 5 attempts to have it fixed. I wish I knew about CRD back then.
Join modrok facebook group for extensive information and like minded Amarok owners
Lloyd

[/QUOTE]

Cheers for the info on obd11 - unfortunately 2 problems with the above - without getting into a slanging match (and I wont mention the dealer) - but it was a CRD dealer. I had a similar experience - had it reflashed 3 or 4 times - and was made out that I was the problem. Funny that once the flash was removed - issues went away.....
Facebook - yeah, I dont do social media. Was sort of across some of their stuff back in the ausamarok days and then heard about the infighting on modrock (which is/used to be run by crd or one of their dealers).
Nice to actually just get some real UNBIASED opinions as above

[lloydus67]

Where in QLD are you? I can highly recommend Coolum motors, I probably wouldn’t get a tune without the dpf delete. I’m sure it would work, but the dpf and egr are the Amarok’s Achilles heel.


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[vs355]

I’m just about to buy an ODB 11

It’s not restricted to a particular vin or car model, suits all VW/ Audi group vehicles as well as bmw.
It can do a forced Regen and much more. The pro licence (just pay an extra fee) allows you to change as much as vcds.
To be honest though, I would delete and tune using CRD Tuner, they do very reliable tunes and are all over the country.
I’m very happy with my V6 since I had it fixed[emoji6]
I had my 4 cylinder tuned by Roo systems and had to get it deleted after 5 attempts to have it fixed. I wish I knew about CRD back then.
Join modrok facebook group for extensive information and like minded Amarok owners
Lloyd


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The OBD 11 you show - is that aliexpress or temu or something?
Anyone got one from there and confirm they work properly, I assume you dont need to purchase credits or whatever it is?
I am probably most likely inclined to go this route, but the whole purchasing credit thing seems like a joke.


As an update - amarok went to dealer, they did a forced regen, tried to charge me for the privilage..... (politely told them that wasnt going to be happening)

[vs355]

I’m just about to buy an ODB 11

It’s not restricted to a particular vin or car model, suits all VW/ Audi group vehicles as well as bmw.
It can do a forced Regen and much more. The pro licence (just pay an extra fee) allows you to change as much as vcds.
To be honest though, I would delete and tune using CRD Tuner, they do very reliable tunes and are all over the country.
I’m very happy with my V6 since I had it fixed[emoji6]
I had my 4 cylinder tuned by Roo systems and had to get it deleted after 5 attempts to have it fixed. I wish I knew about CRD back then.
Join modrok facebook group for extensive information and like minded Amarok owners
Lloyd


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That OBD11 you show - is that aliexpress or temu or similar? Does it require credits? Anyone confirm they work without issue?
Im inclined to probably go that way rather than getting a tune etc (ends up being $1500 + excercise)

As an update - amarok went to dealer, they did a forced regen, and handed me a bill for the privilage (to which I politely told them I would not be paying it)

[Lucas_R]

^ that OBD11 shown above is very cheap. Very cheap. Almost too good to be true. What are the chances its a Chinese knock off?

[lloydus67]

Amarok DPF issues

Yes it is from AliExpress (I’m not actually sure that you can buy them anywhere else), yes it is pretty cheap. Yes you need credits to pay for the pro or ultimate license to complete more complex tasks, but you can do basic tasks like dpf Regen with the basic license. No it will not give you more power like a tune will.
Finally yes I have seen them used and they work.
Lloyd


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[BPWESTON]

Clearing codes

Notes from my pain and learnings with my Audi SQ5 (similar engine to the V6 Amarok so similar DPF behaviour). And yes the 4 cylinder diesel Amarok would also be similar.

- Oil temp of 80 degrees or more (which it wont get to without at least 15 mins of driving - these engines takes a long time to warm up)
- More than 1/4 tank of diesel (I try to keep my car above 1/2 tank at all times for this reason)
- No need to be doing a certain speed, but it can trigger the procedure earlier if you are going at a decent rate of speed (eg freeway)
- Procedure to clean the DPF's completely takes a good 15-20 mins in which you should not turn the engine off until its finished. (if you do turn off the engine while the procedure is still going the engine fans will be running flat out and will continue to run for a period of time after the engine is turned off. Also you cannot hear the fans running until the engine is turned off).
- You do not need to be driving at high speed for the DPF regen to commence or take place. Once it starts, you can potter around town/idle at traffic lights etc and it will still continue, but it seems to be a faster procedure when travelling at constant speed.

For a very small outlay, I suggest you buy yourself this Carista dongle Carista OBD2 Diagnostic Scanner and Customiser for Android and iOS – AutoInstruct and then this app for Android phone called VAG DPF and then you can do the following:

- Use VAGDPF app to connect to the Carista dongle to monitor the DPF levels and you then know roughly when the DPF needs to regenerate. The app also tells you when a DPF regen starts and when it stops. My car needs to do a DPF regen every 450-500km so im guessing your car will be similar.

- Use the Carista app and dongle to check and reset any error codes you have so you dont need to bother your neighbour all the time.

Some info and screenshots here of the VAG interface. Im an iPhone user so just bought a $50 Android phone from the Post Office to use for this purpose specifically: VAG DPF app on Android to monitor DPF

Hi Lucas,

I have had a similar issue recently with my 2019 Amarok TDI550 3Ltr Diesel

How do you clear the codes to allow the car to do a regen if it has gone straight into limp mode?
- It usually gives me a warning with the DPF warning light but not this time...

I have purchased the VAG DPF app and the Carista OBD2 dongle (still in the post)

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Brad

[lloydus67]

Amarok DPF issues

Just as an update, I received my odbeleven. The AliExpress seller sent me the wrong one, I got the version 1 android type


Lucas was concerned that this product was very cheap and may not work.
I looked on some Australian sites since ordering and the products are similar prices

It’s a subscription service. The hardware gives you a free account that enables you to do most things and is around $85, Aussie sites seem to offer this for between $95 and $150.
The pro account I purchased cost $220 and seems to be around $220 to $280 on Aussie sites. This offers the option of coding similar to VCDS that many people use. Both pro and basic allow the use of coins for 1 touch operations, Raher than coding a function like forced dpf Regen. I haven’t used this function as I don’t have a dpf issue.
There is also an ultimate version that costs around $300 on AliExpress and around $350-380 on Aussie sites.
As it is a subscription service you can purchase the hardware dongle anywhere, the software is then downloaded onto your phone. You then sign up forvthe service and register it to yourself. Once this is done you get either the basic free service or 12 months subscription to the pro or ultimate, plus any coins that you purchased added to your account. As I understand it, if you get the ultimate subscription, everything is included including all 1 touch operations, so you don’t need coins.
Now as I got the android version and want it for my iPhone I didn’t start my pro subscription, but instead started a basic service using my wife’s email address instead of mine. I contacted AliExpress expecting a replacement device, however they are going to give me a full refund, so I will probably buy the pro subscription and hardware from a local seller.
I setup my wife’s old Samsung galaxy S10 with the basic subscription. You need both blue tooth and internet or phone signal to setup you device and connect. I don’t have any issues with my Amarok, however my wife’s Jetta just developed a heap of issues after driving back from central QLD. I plugged the dongle in, turned on the ignition and connected with the phone. All of the menus worked on odbeleven, I was able to go in and see all of the fault codes, print off a report and email it to my email address. I was able to clear all of the faults (except a brake control module that I have been having an issue with for months) I’m happy to post the report if anyone is interested how it looks.
So far it seems to work as expected.
Lloyd

[Lucas_R]

If you have gone into limp mode then you will need to know what error codes are present (use Carista to do a scan of the car). Depending on what is wrong, you may need to address the root cause before you can do a regen. For instance, if you have any existing check engine lights or emissions related errors then the DPF will not do a regen and you will eventually end up in limp mode. Also if your fuel level is too low (keep it above 1/4 tank) or if the car has tried to do a regen multiple times but been interrupted (eg turning the engine off in the middle of a regen) if will go into a limp mode.

Carista should allow you to clear any codes that may be preventing a regen to take place.

But if the car is in limp mode already then there is nothing you can do without a device like Carista or OBD11.

Hi Lucas,

I have had a similar issue recently with my 2019 Amarok TDI550 3Ltr Diesel

How do you clear the codes to allow the car to do a regen if it has gone straight into limp mode?
- It usually gives me a warning with the DPF warning light but not this time...

I have purchased the VAG DPF app and the Carista OBD2 dongle (still in the post)

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Brad

[Guest001]

Just as an update, I received my odbeleven. The AliExpress seller sent me the wrong one, I got the version 1 android type


Lucas was concerned that this product was very cheap and may not work.
I looked on some Australian sites since ordering and the products are similar prices

It’s a subscription service. The hardware gives you a free account that enables you to do most things and is around $85, Aussie sites seem to offer this for between $95 and $150.
The pro account I purchased cost $220 and seems to be around $220 to $280 on Aussie sites. This offers the option of coding similar to VCDS that many people use. Both pro and basic allow the use of coins for 1 touch operations, Raher than coding a function like forced dpf Regen. I haven’t used this function as I don’t have a dpf issue.
There is also an ultimate version that costs around $300 on AliExpress and around $350-380 on Aussie sites.
As it is a subscription service you can purchase the hardware dongle anywhere, the software is then downloaded onto your phone. You then sign up forvthe service and register it to yourself. Once this is done you get either the basic free service or 12 months subscription to the pro or ultimate, plus any coins that you purchased added to your account. As I understand it, if you get the ultimate subscription, everything is included including all 1 touch operations, so you don’t need coins.
Now as I got the android version and want it for my iPhone I didn’t start my pro subscription, but instead started a basic service using my wife’s email address instead of mine. I contacted AliExpress expecting a replacement device, however they are going to give me a full refund, so I will probably buy the pro subscription and hardware from a local seller.
I setup my wife’s old Samsung galaxy S10 with the basic subscription. You need both blue tooth and internet or phone signal to setup you device and connect. I don’t have any issues with my Amarok, however my wife’s Jetta just developed a heap of issues after driving back from central QLD. I plugged the dongle in, turned on the ignition and connected with the phone. All of the menus worked on odbeleven, I was able to go in and see all of the fault codes, print off a report and email it to my email address. I was able to clear all of the faults (except a brake control module that I have been having an issue with for months) I’m happy to post the report if anyone is interested how it looks.
So far it seems to work as expected.
Lloyd

The white as you say one only works on Android The black one also works with Apples You dont need an Ultimate version at all

Autoinstruct are the Agents for them and provide a forum with advice.
I have a white one with a lifetime licence and so can do almost everything for free.

If you can find someone selling one like mine it is the cheapest option. No I wont sell mine

I just use an old S6 and it works perfectly no need for an Iphone which doesnt work as well as the S6 anyway even on the new Black one