DPF severely blocked.
P244B — also written P244B, P 244B, 244B — is the OBD-II code for dpf differential pressure too high. Same code, same fix: this page covers every spelling of it.
Diesel particulate filter (DPF) differential pressure too high — your DPF is clogged or close to it, and the regeneration cycles aren't completing properly.
P244B is a emissions fault code, typically costing £200–£2000 to put right in a UK garage.
What P244B actually feels like to drive
- Engine warning light + DPF light on dashboard
- Reduced power, sometimes limp mode
- Slight smell of fuel from oil dipstick (failed regens dumping fuel into the sump)
- Increased fuel consumption
- Rising engine oil level on the dipstick
What causes P244B?
- DPF heavily blocked
UK vehicles that throw P244B most often
- BMW 320d / 520d (especially short-trip cars)
- Vauxhall Astra / Insignia 2.0 CDTi
- Ford Focus / Mondeo 2.0 TDCi
- Mercedes C/E-Class OM651 diesel
- VW Golf / Audi A3 2.0 TDI
How P244B is fixed
- Forced regen
- Off-car clean
- Replacement
The P244B misdiagnosis that wastes money
We see customers quoted £1,800–£3,000 for new DPFs that could have been forced-regenerated or chemically cleaned for £180–£450. Always ask for forced regen and cleaning options before authorising replacement.
What a UK garage should charge for P244B
Forced regeneration (scan tool initiated): £80–£140. Off-vehicle DPF clean (ultrasonic or chemical): £280–£450. DPF replacement (genuine): £900–£2,400 fitted. DPF replacement (aftermarket): £450–£950 fitted but check legality and emissions compliance.
P244B repair cost in the UK
Most P244B repairs land between £200–£2000 including parts and labour. The spread is wide because the cheap fix (a sensor, a hose, a leak) and the expensive fix (a major component) throw the same code — which is why a proper diagnosis before parts are bought saves the most money.
Bob's tip on P244B
If your daily commute is under 15 minutes, your diesel is fundamentally unsuited to UK driving — DPF problems will recur no matter how many times you clean or replace it. Either change your driving pattern (one motorway run a week) or switch to petrol. Forced regens are a band-aid, not a cure.
Can you drive with P244B?
Drivable but limp mode likely.
Urgency: high.