Freightliners are incredibly designed semi-trucks produced by Freightliner Trucks Company – a prominent and trusted manufacturing company in America. Freightliner trucks are excellent works of engineering ingenuity.
Regeneration is of three types and they have different approaches. However, all these types can be performed on a Freightliner. This article will provide insight on the three types of regeneration and how to carry them out.
Active Regeneration
This kind of regeneration is done while the truck is in motion. The vehicle automatically clears off the soot due to its high velocity. Typically, the trucks notifies the driver of the need for regeneration while in motion, therefore the following will be done.
Increase the Truck Speed
Once you notice your truck requires regeneration, increase the speed to top speed allowed on the highway. Increasing the speed increases rate of combustion and temperature in the diesel particulate filter (DPF).
Maintain Top Speed for about 45 Minutes
The whole process need to be thorough, therefore you need to maintain the highway speed for about 45 minutes. During this period, fuel keeps pumping into the filter and thus increases the temperature and burning off the soot. Some Freightliners have a catalytic converter that helps to carry out the whole process.
Active regen is easy to carry out; all the driver needs to do is maintain the highway speed till the whole procedure is over. It is safe to perform but can be carried out only be an experienced driver. This is because you have to maintain highway speed during the whole process. Therefore don’t attempt it if you’re not experienced truck driver.
Passive Regen
As the name implies, passive regen occurs passively – without a direct intention to carry out. Just like active regeneration, it also occurs in motion and occurs automatically. All you need to do is to continue driving.
In passive regeneration, the truck produces the right temperature to burn off all soot built up in the filter. The process continues as long the trucks keeps moving.
In many cases, trucks that undergo passive regeneration are vocational trucks that ply challenging routes. These trucks are used for heavy duties such as logging and transporting oil. These trucks can’t move too fast or stop for too long, thus regeneration occurs in motion.
Parked Regeneration
This type of regeneration is the most effective type. It is carried out when truck is no longer in vehicle is not motion. Parked regeneration occurs as a necessity. The truck gives an immediate sign by blinking the warning lamps. This means you need to park and conduct regeneration.
Freightliners give these signs when there is need for immediate regeneration. If immediate steps aren’t carried out, there may be serious damage in the diesel filter of your truck. Once the warning lamps start blinking, park and do the needful,
The following are procedures for carrying out parked regeneration;
- Start the ignition to turn on the engine, however don’t rev the engine. Keep the engine on and ensure the power take-off mode is disabled.
- Next, take the gear lever out of neutral and take it back into neutral. The vehicle’s transmission has been engaged and then disengaged.
- Put the truck on “Park” or switch on the parking break.
- There is a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) switch on your dashboard. Switch it on and hold it for about 10 seconds. Your RPM increases at this points and your warning light should go off.
- Keep your engine on for about 45 minutes for the regen process to take place. Don’t touch the gear lever or change the transmission. These actions can halt the process or damage your DPF.
Parked Regeneration is easy to perform and you can use the time to rest after a long drive. It is effective and essential to optimal performance of your Freightliner Truck.
How Regeneration Helps you and your Truck
Think of the problems caused by air pollution, especially from the exhaust pipe of vehicles. In-depth research proves that soot (basically composed of harmful compounds of carbon) found in the exhaust of vehicles especially trucks is a major contributor to air pollution.
When your truck undergoes regular regeneration, your diesel particulate filter is free from blockages and soot. The smoke coming from the exhaust is less harmful and your engine health is better. Regeneration ensures your DPF lasts longer and also reduces the cost of repair or buying a new one.
Conclusion
When carrying out parked regen, ensure you are not close to combustible materials. Your truck generates high temperature and a little spark can cause the unthinkable. Stay away from dry gas, refuse dumps or a fueling station. Ensure you have a safe regen and you can enjoy a safe journey.
