Engine Exhaust; Diesel Particle Filter - Opel Automobile Owner's Manual

Engine exhaust

9 Danger
Engine exhaust gases contain
poisonous carbon monoxide,
which is colourless and odourless
and could be fatal if inhaled.
If exhaust gases enter the interior
of the vehicle, open the windows.
Have the cause of the fault
rectified by a workshop.
Avoid driving with an open load
compartment, otherwise exhaust
gases could enter the vehicle.

Diesel particle filter

The diesel particle filter system filters
harmful soot particles out of the
exhaust gases. The system includes
a self-cleaning function that runs
automatically during driving. The filter
is cleaned by burning off the soot
particles at high temperature. This
process takes place automatically
under set driving conditions and may
take up to 25 minutes. Fuel
consumption may be higher during
this period. The emission of smells
and smoke during this process is
normal.
Under certain driving conditions, e.g.
short distances, the system cannot
clean itself automatically.
If the filter requires cleaning and
previous driving conditions did not
enable automatic cleaning, control
indicator ! flashes. Continue driving,
keeping engine speed above 2000
revolutions per minute. Shift down if
necessary. Diesel particle filter
cleaning is then started.
Driving and operating
Stopping the journey or switching off
the engine during cleaning is not
recommended.
Caution
If the cleaning process is
interrupted more than once, there
is a great risk of provoking severe
engine damage.
Cleaning takes place quickest at high
engine speeds and loads.
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