Can I drive with code P2463?

Avoid driving until a mechanic has checked the code. Too much soot can damage the filter, and the engine may go into limp mode.

Can I clear the filter with a long motorway drive?

Once P2463 is stored, do not count on it. A mechanic first finds out why soot is building up, checks the filter’s condition and, if needed, starts a service regeneration with a diagnostic tool.

Will my car pass its MOT with code P2463?

In the UK, a diesel car first used from 1 July 2008 fails its MOT if the engine management light shows a fault, and a car fitted with a DPF also fails if the exhaust gives off visible smoke of any colour. Elsewhere in Europe it depends on your country’s inspection rules, but the exhaust is checked there too, and a faulty DPF can cause a fail on the emissions test. It is safer to have it fixed before the test.

P2463 Code: DPF Soot Build-Up – What to Do

When the code is set

The ECM calculates how much soot is in the filter, using the pressure difference before and after the filter, fuel consumption, engine load and the distance driven since the last regeneration. When the calculated soot load goes over the limit, it stores P2463.

Can I keep driving?

Have it checked soon

Do not use the car for everyday driving while P2463 is active. Have it checked as soon as possible: too much soot can damage the filter, and limp mode cuts power. If the engine loses power or thick smoke comes from the exhaust, have the car recovered.

Symptoms

The check engine light or the DPF warning light is on.
Less power or limp mode.
Higher fuel consumption.
Black smoke from the exhaust.

Common causes

Lots of short journeys or interrupted regenerations – the most common cause.
A faulty differential pressure sensor or its wiring.
A faulty exhaust gas temperature sensor.
EGR problems that increase soot production.
Oil level or oil pressure problems.
Engine control module software (on some models).

How to find the cause

A mechanic usually works like this:

Read all codes and check the data on soot load and recent regenerations.
Check the differential pressure and exhaust gas temperature sensors, and their pipes and wiring.
Fix faults that increase soot production, for example in the EGR system.
Start a service regeneration with a diagnostic tool if the filter’s condition allows it.
On some cars, first check whether a software update is available.

Notes by make

Audi: In the US, Audi issued a service bulletin for codes P200200 and P246300 on 2014–2015 A6, A7, A8 and Q5 TDI models: the fix is an engine control module software update, not new parts. A workshop can check whether this applies to your car.

Other ways the code is written

Scan tools and workshop printouts sometimes show the code with extra characters:

P246300

Related codes

Frequently asked questions

Evoca fault code diagnostics is an informational aid and does not replace a professional inspection of your vehicle. Only an inspection of the vehicle at a workshop can confirm the cause of a fault.

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P2463 code: diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogged with soot