Will a Golf diesel with no DPF pass the NCT?

Will a Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI diesel pass the NCT test if the DPF has been removed?

George Irwin (Newtownards)

Apr 2018 Filed under: NCT

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Expert answer

Hi George,

Technically speaking, it should not, as, before a tester does the exhaust smoke test, they should, according to the NCT manual, check 'visually that the emission control system is complete and properly connected.' Saying that, it's unlikely that many testers will notice that the DPF is missing and, so long as the DPF warning light is not illuminated, there's no reason for them to be suspicious.

In short, it shouldn't pass and contravenes the law on emission of pollutants, but it is unlikely to be picked up by an NCT test centre.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor
@Shane_O_D