Skoda Roomster Diesel Engine Jerking on Acceleration

I own a Skoda Roomster too, though I haven't stated the model year. Your symptoms sound strikingly similar to a problem I encountered some time ago. Jerking during acceleration, reduced engine power, and that dreaded check engine light – are you experiencing a strong exhaust smell too? In my case, it turned out to be a faulty intake manifold. Have you considered checking the car manifold for leaks or damage?

Indeed, there is a strong exhaust smell. The error memory also contains relevant information, and the engine stalls at idle sometimes, and it is running rough. Your experience is enlightening. Could you elaborate on what you mean by 'checking the car manifold'? Is this something I can inspect myself, or does it require specialized tools or expertise? What exactly should I look for?

Given the additional symptoms you describe – the rough engine running, stalling at idle, and the strong exhaust smell – it does seem highly probable that the intake manifold is the culprit. By 'checking the car manifold,' I primarily mean looking for any visible cracks, scorching, or signs of leakage around the manifold itself. While a basic visual inspection might reveal obvious damage, pinpointing the exact location of a leak often requires specialized tools like a smoke tester. Considering the error codes, the diminished engine performance, and the potential complexity of the issue, I would strongly advise consulting with a qualified mechanic. Continuing to drive with a leaking intake manifold could potentially cause further damage to your engine. Do you know what kind of cost you are looking at?

I appreciate you sharing your experience. It seems my Roomster has fallen victim to the same issue. I have taken it to a trusted workshop, and they have confirmed the intake manifold is indeed defective and needs replacement. The estimated cost is around 1180€. Thank you again for your help.