Black smoke and power loss in a 2021 Opel Astra: exhaust gas recirculation as a possible cause?

Hello, I drive a 2018 Opel Insignia, diesel, had very similar symptoms. It was actually a problem with the electric changeover valve. In my case, the cables that control the valve were damaged. This can explain the loud hissing and loss of power, as the changeover valve is not working properly and therefore affects the engine pressure and fuel supply. It's unsightly, especially when it comes to engine performance, but it's also not something that can't be fixed. My mechanic replaced the damaged cables on the electric changeover valve and since then everything has been running normally again. So a good repair experience. Good luck! Best regards

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Hi and thanks for the quick reply, It sounds like your problem was very similar to mine. Can you remember the repair costs? Was it a costly affair? And did everything work fine after the repair or were there any further difficulties afterwards? I'm looking forward to your reply! Many thanks and best regards, [your name]

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Hello, sure, I still remember the costs. I paid €155 to have the damaged cables on the electric changeover valve removed. That was it in the end. As far as the function of the exhaust gas recirculation was concerned, I also had the feeling that it was faulty. But after the visit to the mechanic, everything was fine. The symptoms have completely disappeared and the engine is running smoothly again. So don't worry, if everything is done properly afterwards, your car should run smoothly again. Best wishes and good luck with the mechanic!

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Hello, thank you very much for the detailed and useful answer. That really reassures me. 155 € also seems to be a fair price. I'm glad to hear that your car is running smoothly again after the repair. That gives me hope that it will be the same with my Astra. I will take my car to the mechanic this week and describe the situation. Hopefully the problem will be solved soon. Thanks again and best regards, [your name]

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