P242F on Ford
Diesel Particulate Filter Restriction - Ash Accumulation (Bank 1)
P242F on Ford vehicles indicates diesel particulate filter restriction - ash accumulation (bank 1). Au7o has documented this code across 1 Ford model — most commonly on Fiesta. P242F is a generic diesel emissions code indicating the engine control module has detected excessive restriction in the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) caused by ash accumulation rather than recoverable soot. Unlike soot, ash cannot be burned off through normal or forced regeneration, so this typically signals the DPF is reaching the end of its service life and needs cleaning or replacement. The condition reduces exhaust flow and can trigger reduced-power (limp) mode if left unaddressed. Typical repair costs on Ford range from $400 to $2,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P242F
- •DPF at end of service life with accumulated non-combustible ash from engine oil additives
- •Excessive oil consumption (worn rings/valve seals) loading the filter with ash
- •Use of non-low-ash (non-CJ-4/low-SAPS) engine oil
- •Repeated incomplete or failed regeneration cycles over time
- •Faulty DPF differential pressure sensor giving high restriction readings
- •Clogged or saturated DPF substrate requiring professional cleaning or replacement
P242F on Ford by Model
Ford Fiesta(1 issue)
- TDCi Diesel DPF Blockage & Failed Regeneration (Short-Trip Use)2011-2019
Diesel Fiestas frequently suffer diesel particulate filter (DPF) blockage and incomplete/failed regeneration, especially on cars used mainly for short, low-speed journeys that never reach regeneration temperature. Soot accumulates, the DPF warning light appears, and the car may enter limp mode or dump excess fuel into the oil during failed active regens (raising oil level and diluting it). Underlying triggers are often other faults — a leaking/faulty injector, stuck EGR, blocked intake, or failed DPF differential-pressure/EGT sensor — so the blocked DPF is frequently a symptom rather than the root cause.
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View P242F across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P242F mean on Ford?▼
P242F stands for "Diesel Particulate Filter Restriction - Ash Accumulation (Bank 1)." P242F is a generic diesel emissions code indicating the engine control module has detected excessive restriction in the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) caused by ash accumulation rather than recoverable soot. Unlike soot, ash cannot be burned off through normal or forced regeneration, so this typically signals the DPF is reaching the end of its service life and needs cleaning or replacement. The condition reduces exhaust flow and can trigger reduced-power (limp) mode if left unaddressed. On Ford specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes P242F on Ford vehicles?▼
Common causes on Ford: DPF at end of service life with accumulated non-combustible ash from engine oil additives, Excessive oil consumption (worn rings/valve seals) loading the filter with ash, Use of non-low-ash (non-CJ-4/low-SAPS) engine oil, Repeated incomplete or failed regeneration cycles over time, Faulty DPF differential pressure sensor giving high restriction readings. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P242F on a Ford?▼
Repair costs on Ford range from $400 to $2,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Ford models have P242F documented?▼
Au7o has documented P242F on 1 Ford model: Fiesta.