Fiat Ducato 2013 Diesel: Black Smoke, Power Loss, and Decreased Fuel Economy Issues

Hey, had a similar issue with my 2016 Fiat Doblo, so I reckon you might be on the right track suspecting an issue with the Lambda sensor. My symptoms were damn near identical - black smoke, reduced performance, jerky acceleration and dodgy fuel consumption. Ended up meandering to my garage and my mechanic told me it was indeed a shonky Lambda sensor, but there was also a small exhaust leak. Oi, that was a surprise. The leak was causing the engine to run lean due to the additional oxygen and thus throwing off the sensor. Car was kicking out extra fuel to compensate, hence the black smoke. Trust me, I get that feeling of wanting to avoid another mechanic visit-turned-nightmare. But honestly, sorting the exhaust leak and getting a new Lambda sensor sorted it all out. No major issue, just labor-intensive. So, yeah, don’t feel troubled. Just make sure you reinforce your intake towards oxygen sensor issue while talking with your mechanic the next time. Best of luck. Don’t let it mess your motoring pleasure.

Hey there! First off, really appreciate your insight - always a relief to know I'm not alone in this battlefield. Sounds like our Fiats were pulling the same tricks there, eerie almost! Really wracks me nerves knowing there might be an exhaust leak as well - didn't even cross my mind. That would explain the wonky sensor and the poor old car basically choking on extra fuel. Like she needed another thing to bog her down! On the payment end, mind sparing a few details? I'm curiously and nervously wondering how much you ended up doling out for fixing both the Lambda sensor and the leak. Plus, since you've had these fixes have any other nasties show up? Might as well brace myself for whatever's coming next, right? Cheers for the help, really, it's golden. Car troubles might be a real downer but, you're right, dublin' down on the joy of motoring! Peace out.

Hey, glad my story gave you some reassurance - we're truly in the same boat. As for the repair costs, fixing that pesky exhaust leak put me back by 265€. I know, cringing at the memory, eh? But I assure you, it made a world of a difference. As for your question on any nasties post-fix, honestly it's been pretty smooth sailing. Since the mechanic got his hands on my Fiat and sorted those issues, the Lamba sensor's been behaving nicely. No other gremlins have shown up, thank God. Seems like all those black smoke, power loss, and jerky rides were tied in with the faulty Lambda sensor and the leak. Even with the squeeze on the wallet it was genuinely well worth it, trust me. Cling onto the joy of motoring. It's a bugger, yeah, but once it's done, your sanity will thank you. Hang in there, the road ahead is smoother. Stay strong and ride on! Peace.

Hey fella! Your response, wow, it's like you're the St. Patrick of my car woes, driving out all my worries. That's a fair bit of money, but honestly, hearing it sorted things out for you, I'm ready to pony up the cash. Really, the only nasties I want in my life are those we catch off the Irish shores, not in my sweet ride. It’s a relief to know your Fiat’s been playing nice since you got things fixed. Who knows, maybe after addressing these issues, my Ducato will start behaving like a proper lady and gave up on spewing black clouds of smoke. Ha! You’re right we gotta stick to the joy of motoring, no matter what. So, here's to a smoother road ahead! Thanks again, your advice was spot on, saving my sanity, and my ride. You’re a top bloke, I tell ya! Take care, and happy motoring. Peace out.