Mitsubishi L300: Renault 1.6/2.0 dCi DPF blockage and oil dilution

The Renault-sourced 1.6 and 2.0 dCi diesels are prone to diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging on short, urban runs when regeneration cannot complete, and to fuel washing into the sump (oil dilution) which raises the oil level and degrades the lubricant. Recurring 'Check Injection' warnings are often linked to oil dilution. Ignored, it leads to repeated forced regens, a rising oil level and eventual DPF replacement or accelerated engine wear.

• DPF or exhaust warning light
• 'Check Injection' message
• Oil level rising above full and smelling of diesel
• Frequent regeneration cycles
• Poor fuel economy

1. 1

   Pull the dipstick and check the oil level and smell — over-full or diesel-smelling oil points to dilution.

2. 2

   Scan for DPF and injection codes if you can.

3. 3

   Ask whether the van has done mostly short urban trips, which is the worst-case use.

Parts involved: Diesel particulate filter.

$400 to $4,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

• “Any DPF or 'Check Injection' warnings?”
• “Has it done mostly short urban trips?”
• “Has the oil level ever been over-full or smelled of diesel?”

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.