John Deere Parked Exhaust Filter Cleaning Is Not Working? (5 Reasons and Fixes)

If you’re a John Deere equipment owner, you know the importance of keeping your machine in good condition. While JD machines are known for their efficiency and dependability, they can develop problems over time. One of these issues is the parked exhaust filter cleaning not working.

The John Deere parked exhaust filter cleaning not working due to low temperature, incomplete regeneration, malfunctioning temperature management system, clogged DPF, and leaks/damages in the exhaust system.

If you have this issue with your JD machine, you might want to know why it occurs and how to resolve it. Read on as we dissect these issues and possible fixes. 

John Deere Exhaust Filter Cleaning

Your John Deere equipment might feature a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC). These components clean the accumulated soot from the exhaust filter to comply with environmental regulations.

The equipment relies on two filter-cleaning processes, passive and active regeneration. Passive regeneration is automatic and handy when the filter has less soot. The temperature, speed, and load must be optimal for passive regeneration.

Active regeneration occurs when the filter has too much soot. In this case, passive regeneration might not clear the particulate matter. This regeneration process works as a backup system when there’s low temperature, speed, and load to initiate passive regeneration.

Active regeneration occurs in two ways, automatic and parked. If you disable automatic filter cleaning for a long time, your equipment might resort to parked filter cleaning. Unfortunately, most JD equipment owners claim the parked exhaust filter cleaning fails.

Why the Parked Exhaust Filter Cleaning Fails and Fixes

Why does the parked filter cleaning fail, and how can you fix the problem? Keep reading to find out.

Low Engine Temperature

The engine temperature must reach a certain range to initiate the parked exhaust filter cleaning. The cleaning process might not start with a low engine temperature.

How to fix:

If low temperature is the causative factor, you need to warm up the engine. To do this, move your machine for around 20-30 minutes. Add some load to optimize engine temperature quickly.

Once the engine is warm, the filter cleaning process will start working normally. Before initiating the cleaning process, stop your machine, turn off the PTO, and engage the parking brake. You should also set the engine speed to low idle.

Remember that this is an active cleaning process and requires your input. So, push the parked exhaust filter cleaning button – labeled “P” – to start the cleaning process.

Incomplete Regeneration Cycle

Another reason the John Deere parked exhaust filter cleaning is not working is an incomplete regeneration cycle. The regeneration (filter cleaning process) should go through a complete cycle to remove particulate matter from the filter.

An incomplete regeneration cycle indicates the filter won’t be adequately cleaned. When this happens, the regeneration process might still be ongoing, or something might have interrupted it.

How to fix:

Start by ensuring your John Deere equipment has enough fuel to run through the entire process. The John Deere exhaust filter cleaning time is usually 30-40 minutes. Depending on your JD model, the process can take longer than this.

After confirming the tank has enough fuel, put your machine in regeneration mode. If the exhaust system has no other issues, the filter will begin working correctly after completing the regeneration cycle.

Malfunctioning Temperature Management System

The JD equipment comes with a temperature management system in the exhaust. This system ensures the DPF inlet temperature is high enough to initiate passive and active regeneration.

Generally, the exhaust filter in John Deere machines requires cleaning after 3,000-5,000 hours. If the machine requires a parked exhaust filter cleaning, the temperature management system initiates the process.

A malfunctioning or faulty exhaust temperature management system will adversely affect the parked filter cleaning process.

How to fix:

If the temperature management system is the culprit, seek professional help from a qualified technician. The technician will diagnose the faulty component and repair or replace it. The exhaust filter should start working properly after this fix.

Clogged Diesel Particulate Filter

Your John Deere equipment has a DPF integrated with the exhaust to lower emissions. This filter captures any particulate matter (soot) from the exhaust. With time, excess soot might accumulate and block the DPF. 

In most cases, a blockage in the DPF results in an incomplete cleaning process.

Typically, this problem comes with the following warning signs:

  • A DPF warning light on the dashboard
  • Excessive smoke while operating the machine
  • Engine losing power
  • Reduced fuel efficiency

How to fix:

If your JD equipment has these signs, you should clean or replace the DPF. Before you replace the filter, it’s wise to attempt cleaning it. Locate the filter near the exhaust manifold and unscrew it from its place.

After removing the filter, use a degreaser to remove the clogs. If you don’t have the necessary tools to uninstall the DPF and clean it, go for professional filter cleaning services. Alternatively, you can replace the DPF if it appears excessively clogged.

Leaks or Damages in the Exhaust System

Leaks and damaged components can result in John Deere parked exhaust filter cleaning not working. If you’ve neglected regular checkups, your machine might end up with severe leaks or damage in the exhaust.

An exhaust leak can cause problems such as a failed emission inspection or dangerous fumes entering the cabin.

Several signs indicate your machine has a leaking or damaged component in the exhaust system. They include the following:

  • Increased engine noise
  • Excessive vibration
  • Burning smell
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Loss of power

In most cases, leaks or damages in the exhaust system occur after operating the machine for an extended period.

How to fix:

If your JD equipment has the above signs, inspect the exhaust system for visible leaks or damages. If you can’t fix the problem, hire an experienced technician to repair or replace the leaking or damaged parts.

Final Thoughts

The best way to prevent John Deere equipment problems is by keeping up with the maintenance schedule. But despite all the efforts, your machine might have issues that require prompt fixing.

A common problem is the John Deere parked exhaust filter cleaning not working. This problem results from low engine temperature, incomplete regen cycle, malfunctioning temperature management system, clogged DPF, or damaged exhaust system components. You can fix these issues or hire an experienced technician to resolve them.