P242F on Volvo
Diesel Particulate Filter Restriction - Ash Accumulation (Bank 1)
P242F on Volvo vehicles indicates diesel particulate filter restriction - ash accumulation (bank 1). Au7o has documented this code across 1 Volvo model — most commonly on V60. 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 Volvo range from $300 to $3,000, 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 Volvo by Model
Volvo V60(1 issue)
- Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Clogging on Short-Trip Driving2011-2018
Diesel V60s used mainly for short, low-speed trips cannot reach the exhaust temperatures needed for the diesel particulate filter to passively regenerate, so soot accumulates and the DPF clogs. This brings on reduced power, poor fuel economy, a DPF/emissions warning light, and eventually limp mode and blocked-filter messages. It is one of the most common diesel ownership complaints on this generation and is heavily driving-pattern dependent.
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View P242F across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P242F mean on Volvo?▼
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 Volvo specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes P242F on Volvo vehicles?▼
Common causes on Volvo: 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 Volvo?▼
Repair costs on Volvo range from $300 to $3,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Volvo models have P242F documented?▼
Au7o has documented P242F on 1 Volvo model: V60.