Insignia's Black Smoke & Power Loss: Fuel System Crisis?

Hey there! I've got some experience with cars (not an expert, but I've dealt with my share of issues). Had a really similar problem with my 2012 Vauxhall Astra last year after changing the fuel filter. Same symptoms, rough running, black smoke, and stalling. Turned out there was an error in the ECU that needed to be reset after the filter change. Took it to my local mechanic, and they sorted it out with a diagnostic reset. Cost me about 45 Euro, and the car's been running perfectly since. Before I can give you more specific advice, has any work been done on the fuel system recently? What's the mileage on your Insignia? Any specific error codes showing up? Might save you some money if it's the same issue I had!

Thanks for sharing that experience! My Insignia's at 86415 KM, and I did just have a service two weeks ago. It's actually been running fine until these symptoms started showing up suddenly last weekend. No recent work on the fuel system though, and I haven't been able to get the error codes read yet. I'll definitely keep that ECU reset possibility in mind, sounds way better than having to replace the fuel pressure regulator! Might try to get those error codes read first before heading to the mechanic. Does anyone know a reliable place around here that does free diagnostics?

Hey again! Just wanted to follow up on this since I also own a Vauxhall and had a similar experience. After my Astra's situation that I mentioned before, I actually ran into something similar again about six months later, but this time it was different. The symptoms were nearly identical (black smoke, stalling, etc.), but the diagnostic showed it was indeed the fuel pressure regulator. Cost me around 200 Euro to replace, but honestly, it was worth every penny. Given what you're saying about the sudden onset after running fine, I'm actually leaning more towards the fuel pressure regulator being the culprit in your case. The way it just started happening out of nowhere is exactly how mine went. I'd definitely recommend getting those codes read though. Just a heads up, if it is the regulator, don't wait too long to get it fixed. I tried to "ride it out" for a couple weeks and ended up causing more problems. The poor fuel economy alone was probably costing me more than the repair would have! Keep us posted on what you find out with those codes. Always curious to hear how these things turn out!

Thanks so much for the detailed follow-up! That's really helpful to know about your experience with the fuel pressure regulator. You've actually got me worried now about waiting too long, especially with that warning about making things worse! Looking back at my fuel receipts from the past week, I'm definitely burning through way more fuel than usual, so you're probably right about the false economy of waiting. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, it's helping me make a more informed decision. I'll update the thread once I know what's actually going on with it!