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Diesel Particulate Filter for RVs on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Chassis
The Mercedes-Benz chassis is known for its advanced safety and technology features, providing a smooth driving experience with a high-quality feel throughout. Current Winnebago Motorhomes built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis include the Winnebago View, Navion, EKKO 23B, Revel, and Revel Sport. The Newmar Freedom Aire is also built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Chassis. If you own any of these models, or any other motorhome built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, it’s important to understand the regeneration cycle of the diesel particulate filter (DPF).
The diesel particulate filter is an emissions-control component that is designed to capture soot produced during diesel engine combustion rather than allowing it to exit through the tailpipe. This component is federally mandated in diesel vehicles to reduce harmful environmental emissions. Continue reading to learn more about the regeneration process that keeps the diesel particulate filter operating effectively.
Soot collects in the diesel particulate filter (DPF) so it needs to periodically clean itself through a process called regeneration. This regeneration process incinerates soot and turns it into ash by super heating the exhaust system. This keeps your diesel particulate filter from clogging up and keeps it functional.
The DPF will automatically burn off soot when the engine runs hot enough. This typically occurs during consistent, high-speed driving, such as on a highway, as the heat from the exhaust is sufficient to burn the soot. This can occur during normal driving, typically every few hundred miles depending on your driving patterns.
It is important for regenerations to take place in your motorhome if built upon the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Chassis. If the DPF fill level exceeds a predetermined level, there is a point that the driving regeneration will not occur. This may cause the check engine light to illuminate, and you may notice severely reduced power levels. If this does occur, the RV will need to be taken to a Sprinter dealership for inspection. The dealer may need to replace expensive exhaust components if the soot that resides in the DPF cannot be eliminated.
It’s important to avoid excessive idling as these regenerations only take place when the RV is driven for safety reasons. Allowing the engine to idle for too long without monitoring the diesel particulate filter level can lead to expensive emission control component failures that may not be covered under the Mercedes-Benz warranty.
To display the diesel particulate filter fill gauge on the instrument cluster, follow these steps:
- Depress the Home or Back button
- Scroll to the far left to highlight “Service Menu” and depress the touch pad.
- Service Menu will appear
- Scroll to the bottom and depress the touch pad with “Particulate Filter” highlighted
- DPF fill level will appear
By keeping an eye on your DPF fill level, avoiding excessive idling, and ensuring your motorhome gets consistent highway driving, you can help your Sprinter’s emissions system function as designed and prevent costly component failures. Understanding how regeneration works—and recognizing when the system needs attention—allows you to stay ahead of issues and keep your RV performing reliably on every trip.
Winnebago and Newmar Motorhomes on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Chassis
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