The invention relates to a diagnostic process (D) for checking whether an exhaust aftertreatment element is correctly seated in its emission element installation location and correctly integrated into an exhaust
system. An
exhaust gas mass value (MA) characterizing the
exhaust gas mass emitted from the
internal combustion engine between a
start time and a diagnostic time is determined. At the
start time, an
exhaust gas temperature prevailing downstream of the emission element installation location is detected by means of an exhaust gas temperature sensor, and a corresponding start exhaust gas temperature value (T1) is provided. Furthermore, an exhaust gas temperature prevailing at the temperature measuring point after the
start time is detected by means of the same exhaust gas temperature sensor, and a corresponding exhaust gas temperature value (T2) is provided. An exhaust gas
temperature difference value (T21) is calculated from T2 and T1.At the diagnostic point, which occurs as soon as the exhaust gas
temperature difference value (T21) is equal to or greater than a specified limit exhaust gas
temperature difference value (GT), the following is determined: - that the exhaust
mass value (MA) is equal to or greater than a specified limit exhaust mass value (GM), whereupon an initial diagnostic
signal (DS1) is provided, which characterizes a correct integration state of the emission element, or - that the exhaust mass value (MA) is smaller than the specified limit exhaust mass value (GM), whereupon a second diagnostic
signal (DS2) is provided, which characterizes an incorrect integration state of the emission element.