Possible causes of power loss and strong exhaust odor in the 2008 Toyota Hilux

Hello everyone, I'm a bit worried about my 2008 Toyota Hilux gasoline-powered car (around 276,000 KM on the clock). I have a few problems at the moment: Check Engine light is on, the car has less power, DPF regeneration is going wrong and the exhaust smells quite strong. Do you think this could be due to the exhaust temperature sensor? Unfortunately, I had a bad experience with my mechanic last time and wanted to ask about your experiences. Have you had similar problems and how did you get on with your mechanic? Thanks for your help!

(Translated from German)

4 comment(s)

Hello, I had a similar problem with my 2011 Toyota Auris (around 250,000 KM on the clock) the last time I was in the garage. Exhaust system leaking badly, engine power reduced and Check Engine light was on. The diagnosis was a leaking exhaust gas recirculation valve. The exhaust also smelled terribly strong, similar to yours. At first I thought it might be the exhaust temperature sensor, but no, it was the exhaust gas recirculation valve. It was a serious problem that needed to be fixed urgently. The repair was unavoidable as I wanted to avoid damaging the engine. So, keep me posted and take care. Hope this helps!

(Translated from German)

Hey, thanks for your reply! You're talking about your Auris, but I'm sure it could be pretty similar issues to my Hilux. Your description sounds almost identical to my symptoms. How much did the repair cost you last time? And has anything else unforeseen come up since then? Thank you very much for your help!

(Translated from German)

Hi, I'm glad I could help you! They recently replaced the exhaust gas temperature sensor in my Auris and since then the car has been running smoothly again! No more stench and the performance is back where it should be. Only the warning light was almost at home in the dashboard... However, I had to put €265 on the table to repair the leaking exhaust system. That was quite a chunk, but hey, what do you want to do? I'd rather pay once and have peace of mind. Since then, there have been no more unexpected surprises. Everything is running smoothly again. Keep your fingers crossed that it goes as smoothly with your Hilux. Keep me up to date, will you? Best regards!

(Translated from German)

Hey, glad to hear that everything is back to normal for you! I guess I'll take my Hilux back to the mechanic and ask him to take a closer look at the exhaust system. At €265, it's obviously not a small price to pay, but as you say, it's better to get it right once and then you'll be fine. I'll keep you posted as soon as I have any news. Thanks again for your help and advice! I didn't think I'd get help so quickly. Really great. Take care and look after yourself! Best regards back!

(Translated from German)

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