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SandyFish

Black Smoke & Power Loss: Q Hybrid Lambda Sensor Issues?

Unsteady engine

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Check engine light on

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Jerking on acceleration

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Poor fuel economy

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Black smoke from exhaust on acceleration

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Loss of engine power

Hey everyone! Having trouble with my 2017 Infiniti Q Hybrid. The engine's acting up with black smoke during acceleration, power loss, rough idle, and jerking. Fuel consumption has also gone through the roof. I suspect it might be a faulty Lambda sensor. Has anyone dealt with similar symptoms? What did your mechanic find and how was it fixed? Looking for real experiences to help diagnose this before heading to the shop. Thanks!

4 comment(s)


Sinabachracer

Hey there! I had a similar issue with my 2019 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid (also had an M37 before). I've got some experience with hybrids, though I'm not a pro mechanic. Sounds exactly like what I dealt with last year! The symptoms match perfectly my car was doing the same dance with black smoke, power issues, and terrible fuel economy. Turned out to be a clogged lambda sensor the ceramic inside was all gunked up. Got it fixed at my regular workshop for about 375€, and the car's been running like a charm since. But hey, just to be sure what's your mileage and have you noticed any check engine lights? Also, when did these symptoms first start? This info would help confirm if we're dealing with the same issue.

SandyFish (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience! My mileage is at 17596 KM and these symptoms started about two weeks ago. No check engine light yet, but the jerking and smoke are getting worse, especially during morning starts. Was your repair a quick fix? It's good to hear your car's running well now hoping mine's just the lambda sensor too. Really want to avoid any major repairs if possible!

Sinabachracer

Hey again! Yeah, our situations are really similar I remember when my Q50 started acting up around the 19000 KM mark. The fact that your symptoms are worse during cold starts is exactly what I experienced too! For me, the check engine light actually came on about a week after the initial symptoms, so don't be surprised if yours pops up soon. The repair was pretty straightforward took about 2 hours at the workshop. They cleaned the sensor first to see if that would help, but ended up replacing it completely since it was pretty far gone. One thing I'd suggest though don't wait too long like I did. I drove around with the symptoms for about a month before getting it fixed, and it definitely didn't help my fuel consumption! The longer you wait, the more fuel you waste, so it kind of balances out the repair cost anyway. Just a heads up my symptoms also started with no check engine light, then got gradually worse. Really glad I got it sorted when I did. Given that you're at 17596 KM, it's about the right time for these sensors to start acting up. Keep us posted on what you find out!

SandyFish (Author)

Thanks so much for all the detailed info! You've really put my mind at ease. I'll definitely take your advice and get it checked out ASAP no point wasting more fuel or risking bigger issues. I've actually already called my local Infiniti dealer and booked it in for tomorrow morning. The symptoms matching yours so closely, especially with similar mileage, makes me pretty confident it's the lambda sensor. Really appreciate you sharing your experience it's super helpful knowing what to expect with the repair time and cost. I'll update the thread once I get it sorted out in case anyone else runs into similar issues. Thanks again for all your help!

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