For Duramax owners looking to understand their truck’s performance and health in detail, the BlueDriver OBD2 scanner is proving to be a valuable tool. Initially, I wasn’t using my BlueDriver frequently, but now I’m convinced to keep it connected in my truck thanks to the level of live data it provides, especially concerning the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).
Spending a day observing the data while driving revealed some fascinating insights into my Duramax’s operation. My primary interest was in the DPF’s condition, and the “Diesel Aftertreatment Status” screen on the BlueDriver app delivers just that.
One of the key parameters is DPF Regen Pct. This appears to indicate the DPF’s soot load percentage. I watched it fluctuate throughout the day. It climbed to around 33% and then decreased to about 26%, only to rise again to 32.5%. The conditions influencing these changes were noticeable. Driving uphill at 30 mph with a cold engine and low boost caused the percentage to increase. Conversely, maintaining 50 mph with a warm engine and approximately 15 psi of boost resulted in a slight decrease. This suggests that higher exhaust temperatures during warmer engine operation and higher speeds can passively burn off soot, reducing the DPF load.
Another insightful parameter is DPF Regen Avgd, showing the average miles between regeneration cycles. While my goal is to reach closer to 1000 miles between regens, several factors currently impact this. These include morning idling to warm up the truck, using 4WD, stop-and-go driving, and the current winter blend diesel fuel. Monitoring this average helps understand how driving habits and environmental factors affect DPF regeneration frequency.
Beyond DPF specifics, BlueDriver also provides data on other essential engine parameters. EOT (Engine Oil Temp) is straightforward, indicating the engine oil temperature, which was notably cold in the morning. Exhaust Gas Temp (Bank 1, sensor 5) was also available, although I need to verify if I selected the most appropriate sensor for this reading, as the temperatures seemed lower than expected. Finally, Boost pressure, a self-explanatory parameter, was also displayed.
Overall, using the BlueDriver OBD2 scanner has significantly enhanced my understanding of my Duramax diesel’s real-time operating conditions. For anyone wanting to keep a close eye on their Duramax, especially the DPF system, BlueDriver appears to be a very capable and user-friendly option.
