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RobSchwarz

Problems with the gasoline engine of a 2016 Opel Mokka: Black smoke, long cold start time and uneven engine running

Jerking on acceleration

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Longer cold start time

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Black smoke from exhaust on acceleration

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Loss of engine power

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Stalling while idling

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Unsteady engine

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Shaking while idling

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Car won't start

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Check engine light on

Hey guys, I recently bought a 2016 Opel Mokka, but somehow it doesn't run smoothly with a gasoline engine. I get black smoke from the exhaust when accelerating, the check engine light is permanently on, the cold start time takes forever, the engine power has decreased and the engine runs rough. I also have the feeling that it jerks a bit when accelerating. Sometimes it won't start at all and sometimes it simply stalls when idling and vibrates when stationary. I suspect that the mixture preparation is not right. Has anyone had similar problems and can give any tips? I am particularly interested in how you solved this problem in the workshop and what your experiences were. Thanks in advance!

(Translated from German)

8 comment(s)


Best Answer

MarionWag87

Hi, I had a similar problem with my 2014 Opel Corsa, I only have some experience with cars so I took it to my favorite garage. They replaced my fuel pressure regulator and it cost me 250.0 euros. It points to a problem with the fuel pressure regulator if the engine runs rough, power drops, takes a long time to start cold, occasionally won't start and just stalls even at idle. Have you noticed any additional symptoms that could help us narrow down the problem?

(Translated from German)

RobSchwarz (Author)

Hey, thanks for your help. So, my Mokka has 117520 km on it, last service was just recently. Other than that, I've noticed that the engine sometimes rattles a bit, especially in cold weather. And the smell of gasoline is quite strong, especially at idle. Hope that helps. I'll give the fuel pressure regulator a try, thanks again for the tip!

(Translated from German)

MarionWag87

Hey, I think it could really be the fuel pressure regulator. It almost sounds as if the fuel is not getting into the engine properly. I also had this rattling in the engine and the strong smell of gasoline that you describe. Try changing it and see if the symptoms improve. But don't forget, even if it runs better afterwards, have the car thoroughly checked again at the garage to make sure that there are no other problems. In my experience, it's always better to tackle such things straight away before they get bigger. Have a safe journey and take care!

(Translated from German)

RobSchwarz (Author)

Hello, thank you for the quick reply. The additional symptoms you mentioned make the fuel pressure regulator even more likely as the cause. I will definitely have this checked and replaced at the garage and hope that the symptoms will improve afterwards. Your advice to have the car thoroughly checked again afterwards makes perfect sense. Sometimes there are several things going on at the same time and you only concentrate on the most obvious problem. I'll take your tips to heart. Hopefully everything will work out the way I want it to and I won't have to put any more money into the car. Thank you, you've really helped me a lot!

(Translated from German)

Paul25

Hello, I have an Opel Zafira Tourer 1.4 LPG. The check engine light comes on together with ESP. Error read out and misfire on 1 or more cylinders" otherwise no symptoms. Workshop has changed everything to do with the ignition. Problem persists.

(Translated from German)

CarlyMechanic

@Paul25

Hello, I have an Opel Zafira Tourer 1.4 LPG. The check engine light comes on together with ESP. Error read out and misfire on 1 or more cylinders" otherwise no symptoms. Workshop has changed everything to do with the ignition. Problem persists.

Hi Paul25, if the ignition system has been thoroughly checked and the problem persists, it might be worth looking into the fuel system. Misfires can be caused by a faulty fuel injector or even a clogged one. Also, consider checking the compression in the cylinders. If there's a significant difference, it could lead to misfires. Please keep us updated on your progress. Do you have any other symptoms or information that might help us narrow down the problem?

CarlyMechanic

@Paul25

I have the same car and the same problem

Check the condition of the spark plugs and ignition coils, as they can sometimes cause misfires even if they appear to be functioning. If they are fine, inspect the wiring and connectors for any signs of damage or corrosion. Let us know how it goes or if you have any further questions!

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