DanZimFan

Black smoke and reduced engine power in Audi A3 - possible defect in the lambda sensor heater

Hey guys, I'm driving a 2012 Audi A3 with a gasoline engine and I've got almost exactly 210123 km on the clock. My little one has been causing a lot of trouble recently - black smoke when accelerating, the check engine light is on, engine power is dropping and it's running rough. It jerks when accelerating and fuel consumption has also become much higher. I fear that this is due to a defect in the lambda probe heater. Has anyone ever had similar problems and can tell me how it went at your garage? After my last visit to the garage, I'm not in the mood for any more nasty surprises. Thanks in advance!

(Translated from German)

A 2012 Audi A3 is experiencing black smoke, reduced engine power, rough running, and increased fuel consumption, with the check engine light on. The suspected cause is a defect in the lambda sensor heater. However, a similar issue in another Audi was resolved by replacing the faulty engine control unit, suggesting this might also be the underlying problem. The solution involves taking the car to a mechanic for diagnosis and potential replacement of the engine control unit, which previously cost around €1000 but resolved the issue effectively.

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4 comment(s)

Hi, really feel your anger, had a similar experience with my 2009 Audi A4, black smoke and the same check engine light. Was also completely out of order. The problem with mine was actually the engine control unit. The thing had to be replaced because it was faulty. It wasn't a particularly happy phase, but after the replacement my A4 was much better. Maybe that's the case with you too and not the lambda sensor heater. Hope that helps you! Good luck, buddy!

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Hey, thanks for the tip about the engine control unit! I was really hoping it was something smaller. Do you happen to remember how much the replacement cost? And have you had similar problems since then or has everything gone smoothly? I'd like to know if there are any more surprises in store for me. Thank you!

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Sure, buddy, no problem! Well, I paid around €1000 for the repair of the engine control unit back then. A hefty sum, but what can you do when you're left without a car... Since then, everything has run smoothly. And as for the lambda sensor heater that you suspected, my A4 and I have been relaxing since the visit to the mechanic. It's now running perfectly, there really was something wrong with it. So I don't see another visit to the mechanic coming my way any time soon. Hope that helps you! Hang in there, buddy!

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Cool, thanks for all the info, buddy! That really helps me out. I think I'll go down that route and take my car to the mechanic. 1000 € is a lot, but if it runs smoothly again afterwards, it's worth the investment. It's good to know that everything was fine with you afterwards. I feel safer now. I just have to find a mechanic I can trust. Wish me luck with that! Thanks again!

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