Dacia Dokker Fuel Efficiency Drop: Exploring Potential Issues with Secondary Air Valve Control

Hey there! Yep, that sounds somewhat familiar. I had a similar issue with my 2011 Dacia Logan. More fuel consumption, check engine light and a strange smell from the exhaust; my symptoms matched yours to the dot. And you're spot on, it was indeed the electric switching valve that was the culprit. Considering what you've shared, I'm pretty sure your secondary air injection system isn't working right, just like it happened with my Logan. Back at the garage, they first diagnosed the issue with a scanner tool, and sure enough, it pointed to a defective Electric Switching Valve. Imagine one tall mechanic squeezed under my car with a flashlight in his mouth. He was all greased up, changing the valve beneath the heat shield. The gentleman at the shop said that the valve stops the hot exhaust gases from entering the air pump at shut-off and, if it's not working properly, it can cause the symptoms you described. It wasn't a quick process, but he told me it's crucial to have this thing in working condition to keep the emissions in check. So, while it sounds serious, it seems to be a common issue for our kind of Dacias. Hope it helps you out! And remember, always double-check the diagnosis if you don't feel comfortable. Safe driving!

Hey, thanks for the insight, your experience seems bang on with what I'm dealing with. Sounds like replacing the valve is no picnic then. Definitely don't want to take a chance with emission issues, so I guess it's a trip to the garage for me. Out of curiosity, can you recollect how much the whole "electric switching valve" swapping saga cost you? I'd like to get a rough idea before I dive in. Also, just wondering if this issue crawled back up or was it a one-time nightmare? Anyways, much appreciated. Keep revving!

Hey! Spot on. Like it wasn't already a bummer dealing with a defective Electric Switching Valve, it definitely took a toll on my wallet too. To get it sorted, the mechanic charged me around 140€. Not the most friendly figure, ay? But what can we do, a car with unchecked emissions is like a ticking time bomb for Mother Nature. After the mechanic replaced the valve, the issue didn't rear its ugly head again. That confirmation regarding the control of the secondary air valve being the villain was really a sigh of relief. Trust me, no nightmares since then and the beast has been running smooth. If you ask me, I reckon it's a worthy investment for the peace of mind it brings along. Just remember to have a good chat with your mechanic, don’t let him pull a fast one on you. All the best with your garage visit! Keep your engine roaring.

Ah, I see. That's not exactly a pocket-friendly bill, but for the sake of the environment and overall car performance, it's definitely something I'm gonna cough up. Your reassuring words sure have put my mind at ease. Well, now that it’s been confirmed by another Dacia owner, I'll gear up for my rendezvous with the mechanic, and make sure this problem's fix is a one-time thing. If all goes well, he won't see me anytime soon and my Dokker will keep smooth sailing. Your advice was much needed indeed! Just standard gearhead helping another gearhead. Will keep you all posted about how it turns out. Here's to no more engine troubles! Cheers.