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JBeckRider

2010 Kia Opirus: Experiencing Black Smoke, Poor Fuel Economy and Engine Issues

Stalling while idling

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Unsteady engine

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Poor fuel economy

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Jerking on acceleration

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Loss of engine power

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Engine shuts off by itself

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Black smoke from exhaust on acceleration

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Shaking while idling

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Check engine light on

Hey fellow gearheads. Recently I've been having some troubles with my 2010 Kia Opirus, running on gasoline, current mileage at 44,512 km. Just want to know if anyone else has experienced something similar. She's been belching out black smoke during acceleration, shaking while idling with the engine occasionally cutting off by itself. Ooooh, and that check engine light just won't leave me in peace! That combined with some horrible fuel economy, erratic engine and a jerking sensation when I try to step on it (and who could forget the charming tendency to stall while idling). I kinda suspect it's this air mass sensor acting up, but after a not-so-fun round last time with a mechanic, I'm a little hesitant to just blindly trust another. Anyone gone through the same problems with their ride? Any thoughts and recommendations on how to handle this at my local garage would be fantastic. Thanks a lot!

4 comment(s)


TimWeberFan

Hey there! I feel your frustration. I own a 2007 Kia Magentis, and I've been where you are now. That feeling when your ride starts acting up? Guarantee it's no fun. So, the symptoms you're describing took me down memory lane when I had to mess around with a similar issue. Black smoke, shaking at idle, poor fuel economy, and a stubborn check engine light. In my case, it indeed turned out to be the mass air flow sensor acting up. My mechanic had to replace it, which wasn't really a simple task. You heard it right, this isn't a simple tweak. They had to get in there and do some significant work ensuring that it properly communicated with the engine system. In addition, they also had to do a thorough cleanup of the air intake system since all those unwanted particles, dust, etc. can mess either the new sensor or even the engine itself. For good measure, a comprehensive inspection of all related wires, connections and circuits was done to rule out any possible other problems. Honestly, it's a bit of a vital part of the whole engine function, so you would want it working smoothly. However, don't despair! While it can cause headaches when it acts up, once fixed, your ride should return to its optimal performance. Just remember, make sure to clearly explain all your symptoms to your mechanic, and request a full replacement of the Mass air flow sensor based on your findings. Good luck with the Opirus!

JBeckRider (Author)

Hey, thanks for the reply! Reading about your ordeal reminded me yet again why we're all attached to our rides no matter what. Glad to know your Magentis is back to its old self again. Just curious, do you recall how much the grand total was for the sensor replacement and all the work done for your issue? Oh, and after fixing that, were there any other problems that popped up or was it smooth sailing from there? Cheers for sharing this gold info!

TimWeberFan

Hey there! Happy to share the info! So, to tackle your query about costs, the entire job of replacing and troubleshooting the Mass air flow sensor set me back by around 415.00 €. Not exactly pocket change, is it? The price tag includes the new sensor and all the labor that went into ensuring it was fixed properly. And about your second question, well I'm pleased to tell you that it has been smooth sailing since that pesky sensor was replaced! No more black smoke, jerky acceleration, or restless idling. The car's running just as it should now. Took a while, but it was worth every cent. Hope this puts you at ease and your Opirus gets back to full strength soon. Best of luck!

JBeckRider (Author)

Wow, that's a relief. A little taxing on the wallet, but at least it's a lasting fix, right? Honestly, just the mental peace of seeing no more black smoke and a relaxed idle will make it worth it. And hey, think of all the fuel costs saved in the long run with better economy! Looks like I know exactly where my next paycheck is headed now. Thanks heaps for the insight, it's been a great help! Time to brave up and set an appointment with my local mechanic—with your shared experience, I am going into this well-informed and ready. Here's to hoping my Opirus will purr like a kitten soon enough. Cheers for all the help! Definitely owe you one!

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