Verso 08 T180 D-4D, Check Engine, VSC, TRC OFF P2002 sorted!

[QM_Westview]

Corolla Verso 2008 T180 D-4D, Check Engine, VSC, TRC OFF light, P2002 Fault Code - Sorted!

Hi, 

I've just sorted out the above problem myself.

My car: Corolla Verso T180 D-4D Diesel 2.2 Manual, 2008. 
Millage: 65,000miles. 
Driving pattern (last 6 months): shopping and weekly tennis journey only, 5-10 minutes London street based.
I don't know anything about Diesel car problems before. 

Over three weeks ago, I suddenly noticed the VSC, TRC OFF and Check Engine lights are on, but the car drives fine for shopping and tennis journey. I spent a lot of time learning and trying, almost all from youtube. To cut a long story short, below I show what I think is relevant:

First, I bought a ODBII code reader device (£7) and installed Car Scanner app (free) on my mobile. 
   https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BCQ3SFZT       
    
I managed to read two DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code), one live one confirmed:
     P2002
     ECU: 10
     Particulate trap, bank 1 - efficiency below threshold 

I learnt I should do a manual DPF regeneration. However, whatever I tried on motor way, the engine speed can hardly reach 3000rpm, the acceleration is lack of power. Max car speed is around 60miles/hour. Only when down the hill, can 70miles/hour happen. I did in total over 200miles in 3 early mornings with different ideas but same result. Simply my initial DPF regeneration effort failed. 

Then I bumped on to this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KGIOcUmYE0 and learnt there is a DPF cleaner diesel additive can use. So I bought a Wynns Diesel Particulate Filter Cleaner 325ml (£12.49) yesterday.

This morning I started another round of DPF regeneration. Early try still failed, whatever the gear, the acceleration is still restricted. I then went to add a full tank and parked on the hard shoulder on the motor way. With hazard light on and aircon/fan on, I went from first gear, and manage to reach engine RPM over 4000 briefly. Then changed the gear to 2nd and manage to reach 4500 RPM a short while. then 3rd gear 4500 RPM, this time drove over 3 miles... then 4th gear... 5th gear...6th gear. The acceleration is fine now, I can drive normally. I continue to drive for another 20 minutes. But all the warning lights are still on. I then stopped the car. ODBII reader only read one P2002 this time, which is the confirmed, the live one is gone. I cleared the DTC and continue to drive for another 20 minutes. All fine (DTC is empty now) !! I think my manual DPF regeneration is successful this time.    

One important lesson I learnt: when doing DPF regeneration, should start from 1st gear, then 2nd, 3rd... The whole process should be continuous. If interrupted, you need to go from 1st gear again. I am not a car mechanic. My experience here is only for your reference. So use with caution. Good of luck!

 

[TonyHSD]

Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts. 
I like and I use wynns additives too. I had really positive experience cleaning my exhaust system in hybrid Toyota and I always recommend this brand . 👍