Error Code P242F: What It Means & What To Do?

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The engine computer (PCM) monitors the amount of soot in the aftertreatment system, also known as the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). This system is more commonly thought of as a catalytic converter however, it actually traps small soot particles and holds them until they can be heated up, burned and turned into ash. This is the self-cleaning process that is part of the system controlled by the PCM. Under light load driving, the system may tell the driver to change driving characteristics in order to keep the DPF from becoming full of soot. If not, eventually the PCM will derate the engine (reduce power) until the soot in the DPF is reduced, thereby reducing exhaust backpressure.

The main inputs to the PCM for this system are the Exhaust Pressure Sensor and the Exhaust Temp Sensor, along with calculated soot output from the engine. This code tells us that the exhaust temperature coming out of the turbo charger is not high enough to support the burning off of the soot in the DPF. This burn off process is also known as regeneration.

Code P242F will set when the soot / ash levels in the aftertreatment diesel particulate filter system have went beyond the most severe possible. Correction requires DPF replacement.

What causes this problem with the Diesel Particulate Filter Restriction - Ash Accumulation?

• Excessive ash accumulation in the DPF
• Defective DPF pressure sensor
• Clogged DPF pressure sensor tubes/hoses
• Open or shorted circuit/s in the DPF pressure sensor circuit
• Inefficient DPF regeneration
• Overuse of engine and/or fuel system additives

1. Engine Control Module – ECM faults are rare but can be a big problem as faulty ECM will cause wrong vehicle operations and can also result in wrong OBD codes getting stored in the system which can also cause misdiagnosis. Thus, replace faulty ECM components now!
2. Electronic Control Unit – The ECU coordinates with the temperature sensor to control the blower fan for keeping the battery temperatures under control. So, replace faulty ECU components now!
3. Powertrain Control Module – Check for PCM error which might be due to circuit faults that might require complete replacement and reprogramming. Replace it now!
4. Diagnostic Tool - In order to detect the error, one needs high grade diagnostic tools. Visit us today to grab amazing deals.
5. Diesel Particulate Filter - A diesel particulate filter (DPF) is a filter that captures and stores exhaust soot (some refer to them as soot traps) in order to reduce emissions from diesel cars. But because they only have a finite capacity, this trapped soot periodically has to be emptied or 'burned off' to regenerate the DPF. Thus, replace it now

It is essential to know the symptoms of an issue as only then you would be able to solve the problem. So that’s why we have listed out some major symptoms of OBD Code P242F here:

Common Symptoms:

• You feel a loss of power in your engine.
• The DPF light will appear on your dashboard.
• Passive and active regeneration keep failing.
• A pungent smell of diesel.
• Your car seems to be releasing an excessive amount of smoke.

Want to correct the Trouble Code P242F? Read these points mentioned below:

• DPF replacement
• Check for faulty sensors, circuit and wiring issue and resolve them immediately
• Clean the diesel particulate filter properly
• PCM might need reprogramming

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Here are some steps which you should follow in order to diagnose this fault code:

• Begin the diagnosis with a visual inspection of related harnesses and connectors. Focus on the wiring that is routed near hot exhaust components and sharp edges (such as exhaust shields).
• Connect the scanner to the vehicle diagnostic connector and retrieve all stored codes and freeze frame data. Write this information down for future reference. It may prove helpful if this code proves to be intermittent.
• Clear the codes and test-drive the vehicle. If the vehicle has been operated using excessive engine additives and fuel system additives, or if the DPF regeneration schedule has been ignored (passive DPF regeneration systems), suspect that ash accumulation is at the root of the condition for this code being stored.
• Most manufacturers (of modern clean diesel fuel powered vehicles) recommend a maintenance schedule for DPF ash removal. If the vehicle in question is at or near the mileage requirement for DPF ash removal, suspect that ash accumulation is your problem.
• Consult your vehicle information source for DPF ash removal procedures. If the code immediately resets, consult the vehicle information source for instructions on testing the DPF pressure sensor using the DVOM.
• If the sensor does not comply with manufacturer’s resistance specifications, replace it. If the sensor is good, check for clogs and/or breakage in the DPF pressure sensor supply hoses. Replace hoses as required.
• High temp silicon hoses must be used for replacement. If the sensor is functioning properly and supply lines are intact, begin testing system circuits. Disconnect all related control modules prior to testing circuit resistance and/or continuity with the DVOM. Repair or replace open or shorted circuits as required.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing OBD Code P242F

• Follow manufacturer’s DPF ash removal intervals and procedures are critical to DPF efficiency
• If DPF pressure sensor hoses are melted or cracked, they may need to be rerouted after replacement
• Clear clogged sensor ports and clogged sensor tubes regularly