Black Smoke and Decreased Power in 2013 Dacia Lodgy: Seeking Advice

Hey there, yeah, I get your concern. I had a similar deal with my 2010 Dacia Duster. The symptoms you've got sound very familiar, like a not-so-fond memory that just popped back up. Turned out that in my case, one of the lambda sensors was on the fritz. The check engine light, reduced engine power, and the blackish exhaust... all match up. A faulty lambda sensor messes up your mixture control, ends up burning more fuel, which might explain the strong smell and black smoke. It's part of the emission system so, yeah, kind of related to the exhaust aftertreatment. I know, sounds serious but fixing it was pretty standard procedure, nothing overly complex. To replace the defective sensor, the mech had to lift the car, locate the busted sensor, unscrew it and re-fit the new one. Afterward, he cleared the error code from the ECU which reset the check engine light. Though you wanted to avoid hearing any mechanic stories, this time it was notably different for me, no drama from the garage. So, probably a good idea to have it checked out without worrying too much. Guess we all have our "fun" car days, right? Stay safe!

Hey there! reading about your experience feels like déjà vu. Sounds a lot like the issues my Lodgy's been giving me. It never occurred to me that it could be a lambda sensor causing all this ruckus. Just for my budgeting purpose, mind jogging your memory a bit and letting me know how much it cost you to replace the lambda sensor and clear the error codes? I’m trying to be prepared for what’s coming. Also, since the fix, did any other issues pop up or has your Dacia been running smooth? Fingers crossed it's not another can of worms. Thanks for your help really appreciate it!

Hey! Haha, yeah, seems like our Dacias have some moments of rebellion, don't they? To remember the costs, I had to dig up my old receipts. Found it though! Replacing the mischievous lambda sensor and resetting those pesky error codes stung my wallet for about 375 Euro. Not exactly chump change, but bearable considering how critical sensors are for the whole engine operation. Now, about any other problems... Since the mechanic laid his blessed hands on the car, the exhaust aftertreatment malfunction was pretty much history. My Duster's been behaving quite smoothly, no more weird smells, black smoke, drop in power or any other circus tricks. I feel it's like getting a grumpy old dog trained, they might cause some trouble, but once properly cared for, they give less and less headaches. Hope your Lodgy follows the same path! Cheers. Stay safe out there and keep us in the loop, alright?

Absolutely! Feeling more comfortable already. Paying 375 Euro doesn't sound half as bad, considering what I was picturing in my head! Quite a relief knowing it’s a fixable issue and not some endless saga. Glad to hear your Duster's been behaving well since, gives me hope that my Lodgy might pull through this and get back to running smoothly too. After all, what can we do but love these old dogs of ours, quirks and all? Thanks for easing my stress about this, honestly couldn’t have asked for better advice! I'm going to get it checked out soon and will definitely keep you guys posted how it plays out. Stay safe and sound out there, you and your Duster both! Cheers!

How long does a catalytic converter last?

(Translated from German)

A catalytic converter typically lasts around 100,000 to 150,000 kilometers, but this can vary based on driving conditions and maintenance. If you're experiencing issues, such as reduced engine performance or unusual exhaust smells, it might be worth having it inspected. Let me know if you have any further questions or need more guidance!