Method for controlling a spark-ignition engine having an exhaust aftertreatment
system with a particulate filter and a catalyst located downstream of the particulate filter, comprising: Adjusting the
ignition timing, at which at least one cylinder of a spark-ignition engine (10, 200, 300) receives a spark, to a retarded setting. when the amount of
soot retained by a particulate filter (230, 240, 252) exceeds a threshold value and if the engine load is less than a threshold value, wherein a quantity of fuel supplied to at least one cylinder provides rich or stoichiometric exhaust gases which are fed to the exhaust aftertreatment
system, while the ignition angle at which a spark is supplied to the at least one cylinder is retarded, and whereupon the engine's air / fuel mixture is subsequently controlled to be lean in order to oxidize the
soot held by the particulate filter, where the amount of
oxygen stored in the catalyst is monitored and, if this exceeds a first threshold, the air / fuel mixture of the engine is increased to a richer mixture until the amount of
oxygen stored in the catalyst is less than a second threshold, whereupon the air / fuel mixture is controlled to a leaner mixture.