Fiat Punto Owner's Handbook Manual page 93

WARNING
The diesel particulate filter
(DPF) (for versions/markets,
where provided) reaches high tem-
peratures during normal operation.
Do not park the vehicle on grass, dry
leaves, pine needles or other flam-
mable material: fire hazard.
WARNING
The catalytic converter
reaches high temperatures
during normal operation. Do not
park the on grass, dry leaves, pine
needles or other flammable materi-
al: fire hazard.
92
DIESEL PARTICULATE
FILTER (DPF)
(for versions/markets where provided)
The Diesel Particulate Filter is a mechan-
ical filter, integral with the exhaust system,
that physically traps particulates present
in the exhaust gases of diesel engines.
The diesel particulate filter is needed to
eliminate almost all particulates in com-
pliance with current/future legislation.
During normal use of the vehicle, the en-
gine control unit records a set of data (e.g.
travel time, type of route, temperatures,
etc.) and it will then calculate how much
particulate has been trapped by the filter.
Since this filter physically traps particu-
late, it should be regenerated (cleaned)
at regular intervals by burning the carbon
particles.
The regeneration procedure is handled
automatically by the engine control unit
according to the filter conditions and ve-
hicle use conditions.
During regeneration, there may be: a lim-
ited increase in minimum revs, a slight in-
crease in fumes and high exhaust temper-
atures. These are not faults; they do not
impair vehicle performance or damage the
environment.
If the dedicated message is displayed, re-
fer to the "Warning lights and messages"
section.