How To Perform a Parked Regen and Get Your Diesel Truck Back on the Road

Moving day can be filled with both excitement and worry, and our goal at Penske is to keep you prepared and ready for anything. If you’ve rented a diesel truck for your big move, you’ll want to know how to implement the diesel exhaust system regeneration, or parked regen, process in case you need to regenerate your truck’s diesel exhaust filter along the way.

The parked regen process is quick, easy, and helps to keep your truck moving. Continue reading to learn more about how to conduct the regen process and why it needs to happen.

The How and Why of Parked Regeneration

Just like a diesel truck lets you know when it needs fuel, it will also let you know when it needs to be regenerated. The good news? We have the clear and easy instructions listed below to help you avoid an unneeded call to our 24/7 Roadside Assistance Team and get you back on the road quickly.

The parked regen, sometimes called a DPF Regeneration, is a self-cleaning process that occurs when soot builds up inside the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). The DPF helps to maintain efficient, environmentally friendly rental trucks while meeting Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions requirements. The regen is a form of cleaning maintenance that ensures proper filtration and engine performance. This process is unavoidable and will eventually lead to trucks breaking down if ignored.

Step-by-Step Guide To Performing a Parked Regen

  • Getting Started
    • Diesel Filter Light
      Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Light
      If you notice the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) light flashing and a PARKED REGEN REQUIRED message appear on the dashboard, you need to take action and follow the steps below to begin a parked regen. This process helps your environmentally friendly Penske truck function properly, and takes approximately 60 minutes to complete.
  • Safely Park
    • Pull your Penske truck safely into a paved flat-level parking area, away from fuel pumps or any other flammable materials such as dry grass, leaves or litter.
  • Prepare Your Truck
    • Once stopped, keep the engine running, shift into neutral and apply the parking brake

      Important: Do not touch the foot pedals. If you do, the process stops and you’ll need to start over.
  • Begin Parked Regen
    • Diesel Filter Light
      Parked Regen Switch
      Diesel Filter Light
      Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Light
      Diesel Filter Light
      High Exhaust Temperature Light
      To begin, press and hold the PARKED REGEN switch for two seconds, then release.

      Note: If the parked regen switch blinks, make sure the truck is in neutral and parking brake is on.

      The engine will automatically rev up, and the switch will illuminate.

      Note: In an emergency situation where your vehicle must be moved, just press PAREKD REGEN again to switch OFF and cancel. The light will stop blinking and turn OFF.

      It is normal for the high exhaust temperature light to be illuminated during a PARKED REGEN.
  • Get Back on the Road
    • When the process is complete, the PARKED REGEN switch light will go off, the engine will return to its normal idle and all dash warning lights will be off. You may safely resume your trip.

      If you need additional help, check the label on your sun visor or contact our 24/7 Roadside Assistance team through the Penske Truck Rental app or by calling 1-800-526-0798.
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