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Truck Component

PACCAR Aftertreatment (MX engine)

PACCAR · Aftertreatment / Emissions · DPF + SCR + DEF

Class 8 In production
Aftertreatment / Emissions
Manufacturer
PACCAR
Category
Aftertreatment / Emissions
Subtype
DPF + SCR + DEF
Class
Class 8

What this component does

PACCAR Aftertreatment is the emissions control system for PACCAR MX-11 and MX-13 engines — used in Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks with PACCAR power. Similar architecture to Cummins and Detroit (DPF + DEF + SCR) but with PACCAR-specific calibration and parts. PACCAR-engined trucks have a separate aftertreatment supply chain from Cummins-engined trucks of the same OEM (e.g., a Kenworth T680 with PACCAR MX-13 has different aftertreatment parts than a T680 with Cummins X15).

Specifications
Manufacturer
PACCAR
Category
Aftertreatment / Emissions
Subtype
DPF + SCR + DEF
Truck class
Class 8
Production
2010–present
Applications
All PACCAR MX-11/MX-13 engines (Kenworth + Peterbilt)
Design and engineering

PACCAR-integrated DOC + DPF + SCR + DEF dosing. Mounted in chassis like Cummins/Detroit. DEF tank 8-15 gallons.

Generations
  • PACCAR Aftertreatment Original (2010–2018)
    First-generation SCR + DEF.
  • PACCAR Aftertreatment Refined (2019–present)
    Refined SCR algorithms.
Reliability and longevity

Mixed history — PACCAR aftertreatment had more reliability issues than Cummins or Detroit in the EPA 2010-2014 era. Post-2017 improvements have closed the gap.

Common problems

DEF heater failures (industry-wide). EGR cooler cracking (more common on PACCAR MX-13 than Cummins X15). DPF plugging.

Maintenance schedule

DEF top-off, DPF cleaning, NOx sensor replacement at standard intervals.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • ✓PACCAR-integrated with MX engine + TX-12 transmission
  • ✓Kenworth/Peterbilt dealer service
  • ✓Reliability improving 2017+

Cons

  • !EGR cooler issues more common than Cummins/Detroit
  • !Pre-2017 aftertreatment had higher failure rates
  • !PACCAR-specific parts (less aftermarket choice)
Trucks that use this component
Related DTC codes
Other Aftertreatment / Emissions components

Related

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PACCAR Aftertreatment (MX engine) system?
The PACCAR Aftertreatment (MX engine) is the emissions control system for Class 8 trucks with PACCAR engines. PACCAR Aftertreatment is the emissions control system for PACCAR MX-11 and MX-13 engines — used in Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks with PACCAR power. Similar architecture to Cummins and Detroit (DPF + DEF + SCR) but with PACCAR-specific calibration and parts. PACCAR-engined trucks have a separate af
What is DEF and how much do I use?
DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) is a urea-water solution that's injected into the exhaust stream to convert NOx to harmless nitrogen and water vapor via the SCR catalyst. Typical consumption: 1 gallon DEF per 50 gallons of diesel — about 2% of fuel volume. A typical Class 8 long-haul truck uses 5-7 gallons of DEF per 1,000 miles. DEF is available at all truck stops at $2.50-4.00/gallon.
Why does aftertreatment fail so often?
Modern aftertreatment is the #1 source of unscheduled diesel truck downtime. Common failure modes: DEF heater failures (cold weather), NOx sensor degradation at 200-400K miles, DPF face plugging from short trips or extended idle, EGR cooler cracking, SCR catalyst poisoning from sulfur contamination. Major fleets budget $0.05-0.15/mile for aftertreatment-related maintenance over truck life. Tampering (DPF delete) is illegal — federal fines up to $5,000 per violation under the Clean Air Act.
What are common DTC codes for this aftertreatment?
Common codes: P204F, P207F, P2200, P2459, P226C, P244A, P244B. P204F (DEF heater control circuit) and P207F (DEF system performance) are the most-cited. NOx sensors (P2200-P2228) degrade with mileage. DPF efficiency codes (P0420, P0421) typically mean DPF face plugging or DOC failure.
When does the DPF need to be cleaned?
DPF cleaning intervals vary by duty cycle: highway long-haul (high regen rate) typically 350-400K miles. Regional / mixed: 250-350K. Stop-and-go vocational: 150-250K. The truck will display a "DPF cleaning required" warning when soot accumulation exceeds threshold. Cleaning options: ash cleaning ($800-1,500 at a service center) or DPF replacement ($3,000-6,000). Both are required maintenance — driving past the warning eventually triggers a derate that limits the truck to 5 mph.
Can I delete the DPF and DEF system?
**No — this is federally illegal.** Tampering with emissions controls is a violation of the Clean Air Act (42 USC 7522) with federal fines up to $5,000 per violation, plus state penalties. EPA enforcement has increased in 2022-2024 — over 500 fleet inspections nationwide have resulted in fines for DPF-deleted trucks. CARB in California has zero tolerance. Many oil-field operators delete DPF anyway, accepting the risk. Insurance carriers may deny coverage on deleted trucks. **Do not delete emissions equipment for on-road operation.**

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