Any truck built in 2007 or later requires an additional maintenance interval – cleaning the diesel particulate filter. Servicing this filter component can remove the accumulated engine oil ash. While thorough cleaning can result in better fuel economy and an extended life of the truck, superficial cleaning can compromise the filter warranty.
Ash doesn’t burn, as it has to be mechanically removed from the DPF when it impedes exhaust flow. To optimize DPF cleaning intervals, one must pay attention to the air cleaner replacement, the periodic turbochanger inspection and injector maintenance.