DPF, EGR & Emissions Repair
Constant regens, DEF warnings counting down your speed, or a truck stuck in limp mode? Emissions systems on 2008-and-newer diesels are the number one source of downtime — and we repair all of it, from DPF cleaning and forced regens to EGR coolers and DEF system faults.
Complete Emissions System Services
We diagnose and repair every part of the modern diesel aftertreatment system — DPF, DOC, EGR, DEF, SCR, and the sensors that tie it all together.
DPF Cleaning & Regeneration
A soot-loaded diesel particulate filter chokes power and fuel economy. We perform forced regens, DPF cleaning, and replacement when a filter is beyond saving.
- Forced & Stationary Regens
- DPF Removal & Cleaning
- DPF Replacement
EGR Valve & Cooler Repair
Carbon-clogged EGR valves and leaking EGR coolers cause rough running, coolant loss, and even hydrolocked engines. We clean, repair, and replace them properly.
- EGR Valve Cleaning & Replacement
- EGR Cooler Testing & Replacement
- Intake Carbon Cleaning
DEF & SCR System Repair
Faulty DEF injectors, crystallized lines, failed heaters, and bad quality sensors trigger countdown derates. We repair the SCR system before it parks your truck.
- DEF Injector & Pump Service
- DEF Tank, Heater & Line Repair
- SCR Catalyst Diagnosis
Emissions Sensor Replacement
NOx sensors, soot sensors, exhaust temperature probes, and differential pressure sensors fail often — and each one can put a truck into derate. We test before we replace.
- NOx & Soot Sensor Testing
- EGT & Pressure Sensor Replacement
- Wiring & Connector Repairs
Limp Mode & Derate Recovery
A 5 MPH derate is the emissions system's final warning. We diagnose the fault behind the derate, make the repair, and reset the system so you're back to full power.
- Derate Cause Diagnosis
- Fault Repair & System Reset
- Post-Repair Verification Drive
DOC & Exhaust System Service
The diesel oxidation catalyst starts every regen. A contaminated or failed DOC means regens never complete. We test, clean, and replace DOCs and exhaust components.
- DOC Testing & Replacement
- Exhaust Leak & Clamp Repair
- 7th Injector / Doser Service
Emissions Systems We Repair
Every 2008-and-newer diesel runs aftertreatment. We service the emissions systems on all of them, from pickups to Class 8 trucks.
Ford Power Stroke
6.4L & 6.7L
GM Duramax
LMM through L5P
RAM Cummins
6.7L
Semi-Trucks
Cummins, Detroit, PACCAR
Class 7-8
Heavy Commercial
Medium Duty
Box Trucks, Flatbeds
RVs & Motorhomes
Diesel Pushers
Diesel Vans
Sprinter, Transit, ProMaster
Warning Signs of Emissions Trouble
Emissions faults rarely fix themselves — they escalate. Catch these symptoms early and you can usually avoid a derate, a tow bill, and a much bigger repair.
Frequent or Incomplete Regens
Regens happening more often, or never finishing, mean the DPF is loading faster than it can clean itself — usually a sign of an upstream problem.
DPF or DEF Warning Lights
A DPF lamp, DEF light, or "Exhaust Fluid System Fault" message is the system's early warning — the countdown to reduced speed has already started.
Power Loss or Reduced Speed
Sluggish acceleration, capped top speed, or a sudden 5 MPH limit means the ECM has derated the engine to protect the aftertreatment system.
Rising Fuel or DEF Consumption
A restricted DPF or leaking EGR cooler quietly burns extra fuel. Sudden jumps in DEF use point to injector or dosing problems.
Don't Wait for the Derate
Once a truck hits a 5 MPH derate, it's done working for the day — and possibly stranded far from home. If you're seeing emissions warnings, get it diagnosed while it can still drive to the shop.
Call Before It Parks YouOur Emissions Repair Process
Emissions faults are chained together — a bad sensor can look like a bad DPF. Our process finds the root cause so the same light doesn't come back next week.
Full System Scan
We pull every aftertreatment code plus regen history, soot load, and DEF dosing data to see the whole picture.
Root Cause Testing
Pressure, temperature, and dosing tests isolate the failed component — and whatever upstream issue caused it.
Repair & Clean
We repair or replace the faulty components, clean the DPF if needed, and complete a full regen cycle.
Verify & Road Test
A monitored road test confirms the system passes its own self-checks before the truck leaves our shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about DPF, EGR, and DEF system repair.
My truck is in limp mode. Can I still drive it to the shop?
Usually, yes — limp mode limits power and speed but is designed to let you reach a repair facility. However, if you're in a DEF countdown derate, the speed limit gets progressively lower with each restart, so don't put it off. If the truck is already limited to 5 MPH, call us and we'll help you figure out the best way to get it in.
Why does my truck keep regenerating so often?
Frequent regens mean the DPF is loading with soot faster than normal. Common root causes include a leaking EGR cooler, worn injectors overfueling, a bad differential pressure sensor giving false readings, or lots of short-trip, low-speed driving that never lets a passive regen complete. Replacing the DPF without fixing the root cause just moves the problem to the new filter.
Can a clogged DPF be cleaned, or does it need replacement?
Most soot-loaded DPFs can be cleaned and returned to service at a fraction of replacement cost. Replacement becomes necessary when the filter is cracked, melted from an uncontrolled regen, or contaminated with oil or coolant. We inspect and test the filter before recommending either option — a new DPF for a heavy truck is a major expense, so we don't recommend one unless it's genuinely needed.
What are the symptoms of a failing EGR cooler?
The classic signs are unexplained coolant loss with no visible leak, white smoke from the exhaust (especially at startup), and a sweet smell from the tailpipe. A ruptured EGR cooler lets coolant into the intake or exhaust, and left alone it can hydrolock the engine or contaminate the DPF. If you're losing coolant with no puddle under the truck, have it pressure-tested soon.
Do I really need to keep DEF in the tank in winter?
Yes. The truck will not run at normal power without a working DEF system, and running the tank dry triggers a severe derate. DEF freezes around 12°F, which is why the tank has a heater — a common winter failure in North Idaho. If your DEF light comes on in cold weather, a failed tank heater or frozen line is a likely cause, and it's repairable.
Can you just delete the emissions system instead?
No — removing or defeating emissions equipment on a road-driven vehicle is a federal violation with significant fines for both shops and owners, so we don't do deletes. The good news is that a properly diagnosed and repaired emissions system is far more reliable than most people expect. Most chronic problems trace back to one root cause that was never actually fixed.
Keep Your Truck Out of Derate
From a nagging regen problem to a full DEF system fault, we'll find the root cause and fix it right. Serving Bonners Ferry and all of North Idaho.
Visit Our Shop
Located in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Stop by our shop or give us a call to discuss your automotive, truck, and diesel engine needs.
Contact Information
Phone
208-610-7537Address
51 David Thompson Dr.
Bonners Ferry, ID 83805
Hours
Mon-Fri: 7AM - 5PM