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Semi Truck Won't Regen? We Come to You.

When your truck enters engine derate mode due to a clogged Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), Classic Towing provides mobile DPF regeneration and roadside diagnostics across the Chicago metropolitan area. Whether you’re at a job site in Joliet, a warehouse in Bolingbrook, or stranded on I-88 in Aurora, we bring the tools, software, and emissions expertise straight to your location.

Our technicians can perform:

  • ECM-Initiated Forced DPF Regenerations
  • Fault Code Scanning and Clearing
  • Derate Resolution
  • Sensor Diagnostics and Field Repairs

If a roadside fix isn’t possible, we can dispatch a heavy-duty wrecker to tow your truck to the shop of your choice.

❓ What Is a Forced DPF Regen?

A DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) captures soot from diesel exhaust to reduce emissions. Over time, it becomes clogged.

Regeneration is the process of burning off that soot:

  • Passive regen happens automatically during highway driving.
  • Active regen is triggered by the ECM under certain conditions.

But when those fail—due to short trips, failed sensors, or excessive soot—a forced regen is needed.

A forced regeneration is a manual cleaning procedure initiated via diagnostic software. The truck must be parked, and the engine will idle at high RPMs to burn off soot and restore filter function.

If the DPF isn’t regenerated, the truck may:

  • Trigger a check engine light
  • Enter engine derate (reduced power)
  • Eventually shut down entirely

❓ Common Regen Blockers We Can Fix Roadside

Our mobile techs are equipped with dealer-level diagnostic tools and common replacement parts to fix emissions issues on-site—no tow required.

  1. Exhaust Gas Pressure Sensor (EGPS)
    Located on top of most Cummins engines, this sensor monitors backpressure in the EGR system. Failure can block regen. Often repairable roadside.
  2. EGR Valve
    A stuck or failing EGR valve can prevent exhaust flow and trigger regen faults. In some cases, we can free or service the valve in the field.
  3. Differential Pressure Sensor (Delta P Sensor)
    Measures pressure across the DPF. A failed sensor can falsely indicate restriction. We carry replacements for common engines.
  4. NOx Sensors
    Faulty NOx readings may prevent regen and trigger derate. We diagnose sensor performance and clear codes when appropriate.
  5. DEF Level & Quality Sensor
    This sensor, often part of a module in the DEF tank, monitors DEF volume and purity. When it fails, it can cause false low DEF or contamination codes—even when the tank is full. These include SPN 3031, SPN 1761, and SPN 1569.
  6. Engine Codes That Matter
    Knowing which fault codes indicate a simple forced regen vs. those that require shop service helps us determine if your issue can be fixed roadside.
  • SPN 1921 FMI 0 or 16 – Moderately severe DPF restriction. Often cleared with a forced regen.
  • SPN 1922 FMI 16 – Critical DPF restriction. May require DPF removal/cleaning or replacement, followed by resets.
  • SPN 1569 FMI 31 – Engine derate active due to emissions fault.
  • SPN 3031, SPN 1761 – DEF level/quality sensor faults that can block regeneration.

If you’re showing SPN 1922 or other regen-blocking fault codes, and a roadside repair isn’t possible, we’ll dispatch a heavy-duty wrecker to tow your truck to the repair shop of your choice.

❓ How Long Does a Forced Regen Take?

  • Typical Duration: 30-90 minutes
  • Severe Cases: Up to 240 minutes (4 hours)

We monitor the regen process from start to finish, verify filter performance, and confirm restored power before closing the job.

❓ Need DPF Regen or Derate Repair Now?

Call Classic Towing and get a mobile technician dispatched immediately–no delays, no towing, just fast, professional roadside assistance wherever you are throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.

❓ Service Area - We Come To You

We provide mobile forced DPF regenerations and engine derate repairs throughout the greater Chicago area. Our service coverage includes Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Lemont, and dozens of other surrounding cities.

Wherever you’re located in the Chicago metropolitan area, Classic Towing can dispatch a mobile technician for fast roadside emissions repair.

Forced DPF Regen Service Area:

Alsip

Aurora

Batavia

Bedford Park

Bensenville

Bolingbrook

Bridgeview

Channahon

Chicago

Cicero

DeKalb

Downers Grove

Elgin

Elk Grove Village

Elmhurst

Elwood

Hinsdale

Hodgkins

Joliet

Lemont

Lisle

Lockport

Melrose Park

Minooka

Montgomery

Morris

Naperville

North Aurora

Oak Brook

Oswego

Plainfield

Plano

Romeoville

Schaumburg

Shorewood

Sugar Grove

West Chicago

Wilmington

Woodridge 

Yorkville

❓ Serving Key Trucking Hubs Across Chicagoland

Whether you’re dealing with engine derate at Safe Truck Parking in Lemont, stuck at an intermodal yard in Elwood, or need a regen at the DeKalb Oasis, Classic Towing brings expert roadside service to Chicagoland’s busiest freight corridors. From industrial parks to warehouse distribution centers, we provide on-site emissions repairs where downtime costs you most.

❓ Real-World Mobile DPF & Derate Repairs

Lemont, IL – DPF Code SPN 1921 at Truck Parking Facility

A Kenworth T680 with a PACCAR MX-13 triggered a moderate restriction code (SPN 1921). Our technician performed a forced regen and confirmed soot levels cleared —no tow required.

Elwood, IL – Derate at CenterPoint Intermodal Center

A Freightliner Cascadia hauling out of the CenterPoint Intermodal facility experienced full derate (SPN 1569/1922). We identified a failed delta P sensor and completed a forced regen on-site, restoring full engine power.

DeKalb, IL – DEF Sensor Fault at The Oasis

A Volvo VNL showed DEF quality sensor faults (SPN 3031/1761) preventing regen. Our tech cleared codes and restored system function after field diagnostics and sensor recalibration.

❓ Manufacturers We Service

Whether it’s a forced DPF regen, derate code, or sensor failure, Classic Towing has the mobile expertise to fix emissions issues and get you back on the road—fast. Our mobile emissions services cover most makes and models, including:

  • Cummins
  • PACCAR (MX-11, MX-13)
  • Detroit Diesel (DD13, DD15, DD16)
  • Volvo/Mack
  • International/Navistar
  • Isuzu, Hino, and other medium-duty trucks

Dealing with an engine derate, DPF fault, or emissions problem? Stuck in DuPage, Will, Kendall, Kane, Grundy, or Cook County? Classic Towing’s mobile diesel techs deliver fast, on-site solutions right where you are. Call Classic Towing and get back on the move.

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