juergenschubert10

Seat Altea engine running rough

Alright, I'm having some trouble with my 2006 Seat Altea. It's a gasoline engine with about 196083 km on the clock. The engine light is on, and it's running rough, plus there's a noticeable exhaust leak and a strong exhaust smell. I'm thinking it might be related to the exhaust treatment system. I've checked for obvious exhaust leaks, but haven't found anything major. Could a faulty EGR valve cause these symptoms? Or am I looking at something more serious, like a catalytic converter issue?

The 2006 Seat Altea was experiencing rough engine performance, an engine light, and a strong exhaust smell. The initial suspicion was a faulty EGR valve or catalytic converter issue. However, it was suggested that a defective lambda sensor could be the cause, as it can lead to similar symptoms, including rough running and exhaust smell. After consulting a mechanic, it was confirmed that the lambda sensor was indeed the problem, and replacing it resolved the issues.

Did this summary help you solve your problem?

4 comment(s)

That sounds suspiciously like a lambda sensor issue. I had similar problems with my Seat Altea – not sure what year yours is, but I bet the exhaust system is similar. Engine light, rough idle, the whole shebang. Have you checked the sensor readings with an OBD scanner? Could also be an exhaust leak affecting the sensor readings, but you'd probably hear that.

Lambda sensor... Okay, interesting. When you say 'similar problems', was it definitely the lambda sensor that fixed it for you? And did you have an exhaust smell too? I've got a strong exhaust smell which I didn't mention. I also read something about DEF fluid and NOx sensors, but I don't know if that's relevant for a 2006 gasoline engine.

Yes, for me it was the lambda sensor. The exhaust smell was definitely there, quite pungent. DEF fluid and NOx sensors are more common on diesel engines, so you can probably rule that out. An exhaust leak itself can definitely throw off the lambda sensor readings and cause the engine to run poorly. Given the symptoms, my advice would be to get it checked out at a workshop. They can do a proper diagnostic and pinpoint the exact cause before you start throwing parts at it.

Thanks for the input. I took it to a local mechanic. Turned out it was a defective lambda sensor as you suspected, causing the exhaust leak and rough running. New sensor fitted and the engine light is gone. Cost me 375€. Appreciate the help.

rmh_community_comment_box_header

community_crosslink_scanner_headline

community_crosslink_scanner_intro

community_crosslink_scanner_title

community_crosslink_scanner_price

community_crosslink_rmh_headline

community_crosslink_rmh_intro

community_crosslink_rmh_title

community_crosslink_rmh_subtitle

community_crosslink_rmh_brand

SEAT

community_crosslink_rmh_model

ALTEA