Black smoke and performance problems in the Skoda Fabia: Possible cause lambda sensor heater?

Hi, I actually had a similar problem with my 2015 Skoda Octavia. My engine control unit was faulty. The funny thing is that the symptoms were almost exactly the same as yours - black smoke, indicator light, fluttering engine power and increased fuel consumption. The problem I had was quite serious, but it could be solved. The team at the workshop had to remove the control unit and replace it with a new one. I'm really glad it happened when I was going for a service and not on the highway! So I would recommend having it checked at the garage. They can determine more precisely whether your engine control unit is faulty. Hope that helps you. Good luck.

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Hey, thanks for your reply! It's interesting that the symptoms were similar to my Fabia. How much did the repair cost you? And have you had any other problems since then or is everything running smoothly?

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Hey, no problem, that's what we're here for! It cost me around 1000 euros to replace the engine control unit. It was a hefty price, but since the repair my Octavia has been running like clockwork again. The mechanic also fixed the defect in the lambda sensor heater. So, since I've been to the garage, there really haven't been any further problems. I hope things go just as smoothly for you after the repair!

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Cool, thanks for the detailed information. That reassures me a little, even if the costs are of course anything but low. But the main thing is that the car runs properly again afterwards. I'll take my Fabia to the garage next week and report what it was in the end. See you then!

(Translated from German)