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OleSchmittFan

Black smoke and power loss in the Citroën C3: Mass air flow sensor as a possible cause?

Loss of engine power

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Unsteady engine

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Jerking on acceleration

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Shaking while idling

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Engine shuts off by itself

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Stalling while idling

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Check engine light on

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Poor fuel economy

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Black smoke from exhaust on acceleration

Hey guys, I have a problem with my Citroën C3 built in 2017, petrol engine with around 77,000 KM mileage. When accelerating, black smoke comes out of the exhaust, the check engine light is on and the engine sometimes stops by itself. I have also noticed a loss of power, the engine runs unevenly, it jerks when accelerating and the fuel consumption is quite high. The car shudders when idling and sometimes even stalls. I suspect the problem could be with the mass air flow sensor. Have any of you had similar symptoms in your car and can help me? Was the mass air flow sensor actually the problem and what was your experience at the mechanic, especially after bad experiences? Many thanks in advance for your help, best regards.

(Translated from German)

5 comment(s)


SaraFox

Hey, something similar happened to me once, but with my Citroën C1, built in 2014. I had damage to the wiring harness. I then went to my trusted mechanic and he had a look at it. According to their diagnosis, everything was due to the damage in the wiring harness. The check engine light, the erratic engine performance, the jerking, even the increased fuel consumption and the black smoke were all due to this stupid cable. Your guess about the mass air flow sensor could also be correct, but in my case it was definitely the cable. And believe me, it was no walk in the park. The whole part had to be replaced. So not a minor repair, if you know what I mean. In any case, I would have it checked if I were you. Better sooner than later, otherwise the problems could get worse. Greetings back and good luck!

(Translated from German)

OleSchmittFan (Author)

Hey, thanks for your quick reply and the input! Cable damage, no wonder so many things got mixed up. Do you happen to remember how much the whole thing cost you? And did anything else come up in relation to this issue afterwards? I hope you finally had some peace after that! Greetings back and thanks again for the help.

(Translated from German)

SaraFox

Hey, no problem, that's what we're here for! In my case, I had to fork out around €95 to repair the damage to the wiring harness. Of course, I don't know if you'll have to pay the same amount, but at least you'll have some idea. Since the repair, my Citroën C1 has been running like clockwork, no more problems in this respect. The defect in the mass air flow sensor that you mentioned was also repaired during my visit to the mechanic, and everything has been fine since then. So, no need to worry! If you clarify the matter with the mechanic, you will certainly have a free ride again soon. Cheer up and have a good trip!

(Translated from German)

OleSchmittFan (Author)

Hey, That sounds like a relief and gives me hope for my Citroën C3. Your costs seemed quite reasonable too, hopefully I'll have similar luck. Glad to hear everything is running smoothly now and no further trouble has arisen. I'll definitely take it up with the mechanic and see what he says. I think it's actually better to deal with it sooner rather than later before the situation gets any worse. Thanks again for your advice and words of encouragement, it really means a lot to me! Best wishes and stay safe on the road.

(Translated from German)

Blue181274.

Hi I have a Citroen c4 grande Picasso that just stopped after I put fuel in it! I had to have it towed home n it will not even start anymore. The break down assistant put it on diagnostics and to fails came up-p1199 fuel flow regulation .fuel anti breakdown strategy then p1639- injection system supply relay circuit- open circuit. I know have the vehicle not starting at home, wondering if it's worth even taking the garage. Also when I bought the vehicle I was told the diesel particulate filter fluid was replaced but not the filter itself as it shouldn't be a problem. I bought the car in November and the fluid had not long been replaced but I didn't replace the filter n the car has been fine so wondering if it could be linked to that or something entirely different

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