2020 Renault Arkana Owner Seeking Advice on Black Exhaust Smoke, Engine Issues, and Suspected Fuel Volume Regulator Problem

Howdy! Totally get your distress. I got a 2018 Renault Kadjar, pretty similar car, and faced a similar situation last year. Just like you, I'm not exactly a car guru, have some basic knowledge of engines and parts. My ride was giving me similar symptoms and I took it to my local mechanic, a chap I've known for years. After some diagnostic tests, he found out that the high-pressure pump was defective. This little bugger was impacting the fuel injection, thus all the issues you listed. Got it replaced and it cost me a solid 1510 euro. I know, steep price but the ride's been smooth since then. Car's been performing better than before, the strong exhaust smell is history and no sight of black exhaust smoke. To better diagnose your issue, could you share more details about your car? Has it gone through a similar repair before? Any recent changes or additions to the car? More info will help me suggest the next best steps for your Renault. Cheers!

Hey! Appreciate you sharing your experience with your Kadjar, sure helped clear things up a bit! To answer your question, nope, I've never faced a similar issue nor has my Arkana undergone any significant repair work. The car is pretty new, only 6728 kilometers on it, and the latest service was done just a few months back. I usually don't mess with it much, mostly using it for city commutes and occasional long drives. Guess I better get it checked by my mechanic soon then. Thanks again, and cheers!

Hey! Glad to see my first-hand experience could be of some help. Truth be told, with only 6728 km on the clock, your Arkana is indeed practically a baby, it's odd you're facing these issues so early. However, cars can occasionally throw curveballs our way, right? Since your city commutes and long drives have been eventful recently, I would definitely recommend getting your car checked sooner rather than later. If it is indeed the high-pressure pump causing the problem, the cost might sting but every ride in your Arkana after the fix will be totally worth it. When you do see your mechanic, maybe ask him to check on the fuel injectors as well, just as a cautionary step. Faulty fuel injectors can have similar symptoms and who knows, the issue might be smaller than we think! And oh, don't forget to keep us posted. We're definitely curious to know what the culprit turns out to be and how the Arkana performs post-fix. Wishing you heaps of luck. Drive safe! Cheers!

Hey again! What an insightful recommendation, it's definitely comforting to hear from someone who's been through similar. Yeah, true, it's a bit strange that my Arkana is acting up so early, ain't what you expect from a new car ah, but you're right, better get ahead of it. And yes, I'll be sure to tell my mechanic to check the fuel injectors along, thanks for the tip! I'll schedule a visit at the earliest, preferably the coming week. And oh, I will for sure keep you all posted, fingers crossed it's not too serious. Cheers and thanks again! Appreciate the help and advice, drive safe too!