Seeking Advice on 2013 Hyundai i30 Issues: Black Smoke, Engine Shutdown, Idle Control Suspected

Hey there, Funny enough, I've got a 2011 Hyundai i30 CRDI, same brand, similar model but a little older. So, I'm no car guru, but I've got some experience dealing with motors, having been driver and part-time mechanic with my ride for quite a few years now. I experienced a quite familiar issue. Started as a slight shaking at idle and gradually got really out of hand. Sounds like you may be on the right track suspecting the idle control. Indeed, for me, the issue was with the cable/plug on the idle control valve. I had it checked in my local workshop, and the guys there were super helpful. They pinpointed the defective piece and fixed it for me. The fix saved my car and didn't break my bank, it cost me around 155€. Now, before I can give you any more detailed guidance, could you share the specific engine number of your car? That, and any additional symptoms or codes you got from a diagnostics tool would be extra helpful. Every bit of info helps when dealing with these sort of things. Hang in there these issues can be quite frustrating, but trust me, once sorted out, it'll be smooth sailing. Cheers!

Hey! Thanks for the swift response and sharing your experience, really appreciate it. Your car issues do sound a lot like mine, and it's comforting to know you managed to sort it out without breaking the bank. The engine number for my i30 is G4FG, hope this helps. Unfortunately, I haven't run any diagnostics yet, but planning to take it to my local mechanic for a proper check. Also, I did notice a little bit of delay in throttle response. It doesn't happen all the time but it's definitely an unpleasant surprise when it does. To be honest, I'm no car expert so this all is kind of overwhelming. You're spot on about the frustration factor, just gotta keep reminding myself that it'll be okay in the end. Again, thanks for the advice. Look forward to hearing of any other insights you might have. Cheers!

Hey! No worries, we're all here to help each other out! You've got a good engine there, the G4FG. I'm familiar with it, actually dealt with a similar situation a few years ago. I think I can safely say the symptoms you're mentioning, especially the black smoke, engine light and stalling, could be due to a problem with the fuel system. It might be a failing fuel pump, restricted fuel injectors or even a clogged fuel filter. They could cause an improper fuel mix, leading to poor combustion and thus, the black smoke. It can also cause engine power loss because the engine isn’t getting enough fuel. Another cause I'm thinking of could be a faulty Mass Air Flow sensor, because that throttle response problem you described is a classic sign. But take this with caution, because without a proper diagnostics check, it's all just educated guessing. So my main advice would be this - get that diagnostics check done asap. A scan tool could reveal something as simple as a sensor malfunction that's causing all these issues. You don't need to be a car expert, just find a good local mechanic who can do a thorough check. Until then, try your best not to stress too much about it. Cars can be a pain, but they're pretty fixable. And the satisfaction once you've sorted the problem out... priceless. Hang in there you've got this! Cheers!

Hey! Cheers for all of the advice, it's been very reassuring! The issues you've mentioned definitely make sense considering the symptoms. You're spot on about the need for a diagnostics check - I've booked my car in with my local mechanic for the day after tomorrow. I'll ask the mechanic to check out the fuel system as well as the Mass Air Flow sensor, as you've suggested. I'm hoping this really is just a minor sensor glitch that's causing all these dramas. You're so right about the satisfaction once you've sorted the problem out, looking forward to having my car running smoothly again. Big thanks for the invaluable advice will keep you posted. Cheers!