Problems with Opel Meriva 2007: Malfunctions when starting, increased fuel consumption and black smoke

Hey guys, my Opel Meriva (gasoline, year of manufacture 2007) has recently been experiencing some strange symptoms. It emits black smoke from the exhaust when accelerating, the indicator light comes on, the engine switches itself off, the cold start takes longer than usual, the engine runs unevenly, fuel consumption has increased and sometimes it won't start at all. Has anyone ever had a similar problem and could it be due to a defective cold start injector? Otherwise I am totally at a loss. I would appreciate your experience and troubleshooting tips. How did you get this solved in the workshop? Thanks in advance!

(Translated from German)

4 comment(s)

Hello, I have an Opel Zafira (petrol, built in 2005) and had similar problems some time ago. I'm no expert, but I've tinkered with the car a few times. At my regular garage, the mechanic explained to me that the problem was apparently with the engine control unit. After some back and forth, I decided to replace the control unit for 1000 euros. After that, it ran like clockwork again. But to be able to help you more precisely, I need a few more details about your car. What about maintenance and general condition? Have you recently replaced any parts? Any information could be helpful.

(Translated from German)

Hey, thanks for your reply. My Meriva now has 63446 km on the clock and the last inspection was recently, so everything is still in the green, so to speak. Apart from that, no parts have been replaced and I've never had any major problems with it. With your experience, do you think replacing the engine control unit could solve my problem? It's really annoying when you're not sure whether your car will start or not. I look forward to your assessment!

(Translated from German)

Hey, glad to hear from you! Well, if your Meriva is still so young and hasn't caused any major problems yet, it could be something else. But as I said, I'm no expert. In my case, the new control unit for my Zafira really worked wonders. But I wouldn't rush off to the garage and order a new control unit. First try to narrow down your problem a little more specifically. For example, how often does the problem occur? Is it always in certain conditions such as cold weather or when the engine is warm? Of course, it could be that the engine control unit is faulty. But it could also be something small like a dirt filter. You know how it is. Sometimes it's the smallest things that cause the biggest problems. So, before you fork out a lot of money for a new control unit, first see if you can define the problem more precisely. Does the problem occur every day? Or only when you're driving on the highway? Take it easy, we'll get it sorted! You have a good community here, so don't panic. Hope you get the problem solved soon.

(Translated from German)

Hey, thanks for the advice! You're right, I should first try to pinpoint the problem a bit more precisely before I go to any expense. At the moment it seems to occur rather irregularly, so not necessarily only in combination with cold weather or when the engine is warm. But good point, I'll keep an eye on it and observe it more closely. Thanks also for the encouraging words, that really helped me. I'll let you know when I have more information. Hopefully the Meriva will be running smoothly again soon. Thanks again!

(Translated from German)

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