Amarok Diesel Power Loss & Black Smoke While Driving

Had similar symptoms on a 2020 VW Tiguan 2.0 TDI. The low pressure reading from the DPF sensor triggered the engine protection mode, causing power loss and excessive black smoke, classic signs of a blocked particulate filter. The exhaust back pressure sensor was giving false readings, making the engine computer think the DPF was completely clogged. The emission control system kept trying to run DPF regeneration cycles without success. Required full diagnostics to confirm the sensor failure. The exhaust system inspection revealed the DPF itself was actually in good condition, it was just the faulty sensor causing these symptoms. This is a serious issue that needs proper attention since it affects both engine performance and emissions. Driving with a malfunctioning back pressure sensor can lead to incomplete DPF regeneration cycles and eventual filter damage. Would recommend getting it properly diagnosed at a workshop with specific diesel diagnostic equipment. The symptoms you describe match exactly what happened with the Tiguan before the sensor replacement resolved all issues.

Thanks for sharing your DPF issues experience. I faced almost identical problems with my Amarok last winter, the sudden power loss and black smoke were really concerning. My local workshop confirmed it was the exhaust back pressure sensor sending wrong signals. The DPF regeneration was constantly failing because of this. The fix was straightforward once properly diagnosed with their specialized diesel diagnostic tools. The exhaust system was actually fine, just the sensor needed replacement. Did you end up getting yours fixed already? Would be interested to know the repair cost in your case and if everything has been running smoothly since then. These DPF sensor problems can be tricky to diagnose correctly without proper equipment.

Got the repair done last week and everything is running perfectly now. The reduced power issues and black smoke completely disappeared after replacing the faulty exhaust back pressure sensor. Total cost was 245€ including diagnostic time and parts. The diesel exhaust system is performing normally again with proper DPF regeneration cycles. The emission control warning light hasnt come back on since the fix. The workshop confirmed what we suspected, the sensor was sending incorrect pressure readings which confused the engine management system. Having specialized diesel diagnostic equipment made a huge difference in getting an accurate diagnosis. My Tiguan is back to full power with normal exhaust operation. Would definitely recommend getting these DPF issues checked promptly by a qualified workshop to prevent any long-term damage to the particulate filter system.

Thanks for the helpful input. Finally got my Amarok sorted out last week. Took it to a specialized diesel workshop after reading about similar sensor issues here. The mechanic hooked up their diagnostic system and quickly found the faulty pressure sensor in the exhaust system. The DPF itself was actually clean, just the sensor sending wrong readings to the computer. Total bill came to 290€ including parts and labor. After the repair, the diesel engine runs like new again. No more black smoke or power loss during acceleration. The exhaust smell is back to normal and the warning light has stayed off. The DPF regeneration cycles are working properly now according to their final diagnostic check. Really glad I got a second opinion instead of rushing into unnecessary repairs. Having a workshop with proper diesel diagnostic equipment made all the difference in getting the right fix.