Hidromek · Construction Machine · DPF Fault Solution

Hidromek HMK 300LC DPF Fault Solution

We solve particulate filter (DPF) blockage, endless regeneration and the resulting power derate on Hidromek HMK 300LC construction machines with ECU software. The cause of the fault is diagnosed first and the original software is backed up.

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ECU software work on a Scania truck and a Doosan excavator in the workshop

Construction machines spend much of the day idling and under light load; this is why the filter fills so often on excavators, backhoe loaders and wheel loaders. The machine asks for a parked regeneration and the operator has to interrupt the job; a postponed regeneration eventually comes back as power derate and a service call.

The DPF traps soot from the exhaust and cleans itself at intervals by burning it off at high temperature (regeneration). For this to complete, the engine has to run hot and under load for long enough. When those conditions are not met the filter fills, the differential pressure sensor reads high, and the ECU first warns and then cuts power.

Usage is not the only cause of blockage: a faulty injector, a leaking turbo, a sooted EGR or differential pressure and temperature sensors that read incorrectly will also fill the filter quickly. That is why we start with diagnosis rather than software; work done without fixing the root cause does not last.

When is it needed?

DPF full / regeneration warning
Frequent regeneration and rising fuel use
Engine warning light and reduced power
Oil dilution and a costly DPF replacement

Typical duration: 1–2 hours

DPF Fault Solution on other Hidromek models

Hidromek HMK 102B Hidromek HMK 102S Hidromek HMK 220LC Hidromek HMK 230LC Hidromek HMK 370LC Hidromek HMK 640WL Hidromek HMK 140 LC Hidromek HMK 210 LC Hidromek HMK 310 LC Hidromek HMK 360 LC

DPF Fault Solution for other makes

Aebi Schmidt JCB Bobcat Manitou Zoomlion Atlas XCMG Doosan Hitachi Komatsu Sunward Terex

Send us this for a quick diagnosis

If you include the following when you message us on WhatsApp, we can confirm compatibility and the work needed the same day.

Make, model and model year
A photo of the dashboard warning or the fault code
A photo of the engine ECU label
When the fault started and what has been done so far
For on-site service: province, district and location

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Frequently asked questions

What are the symptoms of a Hidromek HMK 300LC DPF fault?

A particulate filter or engine warning on the dash, frequent and interrupted regenerations, loss of power and limp mode, higher fuel consumption and raised idle speed are the most common symptoms.

What should be done first when the DPF is blocked?

The cause of the blockage has to be found first. The differential pressure and temperature sensors, injectors, turbo and EGR are checked. If the filter can still be cleaned, cleaning is often the more economical first step; we tell you which route is right after diagnosis.

How long does the job take?

Most ECUs are read and written through the diagnostic socket and the job is completed the same day. Some units are removed and worked on the bench.

Can the original software be restored?

Yes. The original ECU software is backed up and archived before the job; the factory setting can be restored on request.

Why does DPF regeneration not complete in the field or on site?

Regeneration needs the exhaust temperature to stay high for a while; low load, idling and short work cycles do not provide that. Faults in the differential pressure sensor, the EGR or the injectors also stop regeneration. The soot load and sensor values are read first; depending on the cause we recommend a forced regeneration, cleaning or a software solution.

The machine keeps asking for a parked regeneration. What does that mean?

It means the soot load in the filter is rising faster than normal. The reason is usually the way the machine is used (long idling, low load) or a fault in the injectors, EGR or differential pressure sensor. Rather than starting regeneration again and again, the cause needs to be diagnosed.