Case Study – Evoque L538 DPF Full

Customer Concern

The customer presented the vehicle with a “DPF Full” message and an AdBlue mileage countdown displayed on the instrument cluster.

Initial Diagnosis

A full DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) quick test was performed, revealing the following faults stored in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM):

P2463-00 – Diesel Particulate Filter Restriction – Soot Accumulation – Bank 1

P2BAE-00 – NOx Exceedance – NOx Control Monitoring System

P2BAE-02 – NOx Exceedance – NOx Control Monitoring System (General signal failure)

P2BAF-00 – NOx System Driver Inducement Active

P246B-00 – Vehicle Conditions Incorrect for DPF Regeneration

The customer contacted JLR Technical Support and was connected to Simon Thomas, JLR Master Technician.

Technical Support Guidance

Although the customer was initially concerned about the AdBlue countdown, Simon explained that the DPF issue must be resolved first, as a blocked DPF can trigger AdBlue-related faults.

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Exhaust Inspection

Simon first instructed the customer to check the exhaust tailpipes for soot deposits. The 2.0 Ingenium engine is known for cracked DPFs, which can cause NOx and EGR flow faults. In this case, the tailpipes were clean, ruling out a cracked DPF.

  1. DPF Data Check

Using the DrivePro2 with DrivePro Domestic and Asian software, Simon remotely accessed the customer’s unit. Navigation path: Land Rover → Evoque → 2017 → 2.0 I4 Diesel → Enhanced Powertrain CAN. Selected: Sensors and Actuators, then searched for ‘DPF’. The DPF soot volume was reported at 49g, which is too high for a dynamic regeneration on JLR vehicles.

Recommended Actions

Simon presented two options:

Option A: Replace the DPF and DPF pressure sensor (as per dealer-level repair, since both are superseded components).

Option B: Remove and have the DPF professionally cleaned by a DPF specialist.

The customer chose Option B – professional cleaning.

Repair Process

After cleaning, Simon advised the customer to reset the learned DPF and DPF pressure sensor values using Special Functions → DPF Reset within the DrivePro software.

While the DPF was off, Simon recommended checking the AdBlue injector for crystallised deposits or soot buildup. In this case, the injector showed minor soot, which was cleaned using a toothbrush and boiled water.

Example leaking ad blue injector

Post-Repair Checks 

Using Autologic Blue Box software: Land Rover → Automatic Detection → Service Functions → Powertrain → Diesel → DEF Functions → DEF Check. The DEF level was reported as 7 litres. Simon advised topping up to 14.5 litres (maximum capacity) for the 2017 L538 model. 

Important: Do not overfill the AdBlue tank. An air gap is required for expansion at low temperatures and proper ultrasonic sensor operation. 

After topping up, Simon guided the customer to perform the following resets: SCR Dosing Adaptation Factor Reset, SCR Quality Monitor Reset, and SCR Monitoring Application. 

Result 

After completing all resets and adaptations, the fault codes cleared automatically, and the instrument cluster messages were no longer displayed. The vehicle was returned to normal operation. 

Summary 

StepActionOutcome
DPF Soot Volume49g measuredToo high for regeneration 
DPFCleaned & values resetRestored flow efficiency
AdBlue InjectorMinor SootCleaned 
DEF LevelIncreased from 7L → 14.5LWithin spec 
SCR SystemResets completed All DTCs cleared