hawke94

I have a 2016 TDI with 5500 miles in MA. In the last 24 hours, I've noticed the regen process happen 3 times: after parking at work yesterday morning; after parking in the garage at home last night; and again after parking at work this morning. Each time, the cooling fans are running after engine shut-off. However, I only noticed the burning smell last night in the garage, not in the open air parking lot. Should I be concerned about this?

gk1

Is it possible the regen failed to complete and was continuing?
Not sure if VCDS scan could show you the status of the regen. Would be interesting to know though.

MCRN

How long were your 3 separate trips? If they were relatively short then its normal for it to cycle a few times since the cycle wasn't able to complete prior to shut off.

I think overall it occurs every 600-800 miles depending on a variety of factors.

DB22

Excuse my ignorance but what is regen mode?

gk1

TDI diesel particulate filter regeneration mode. Basically it gets super hot to burn everything off.

Diesel particulate filter | Vehicle emissions | AA

It's why you no longer see black smoke out the diesel exhaust any more.

DasA6

I agree in saying that if the three times you noticed you happened to be taking short trips, the frequent regens are normal. I've noticed driving around city with stop and go, regens occur much more often, even though it may not seem necessary since you don't drive far.

That being said, smelling the burning smells at various times is normal. So long as it is not regenerating every time you drive, you should be good.