Seeking Advice on Troubleshooting Black Exhaust Smoke, Power Loss and Stalling Issues in a 2016 Dacia Duster

Hey! I can relate to this as I had a very similar issue with my 2014 Dacia Sandero. I'd put myself in the 'some experience' category when it comes to car knowledge. Like yours, my car was also showing symptoms like hard starting, rough idling, increased fuel consumption, and a glowing check engine light. Took it over to my local workshop suspicious of an ignition coil issue or a potential misfire. My mechanic checked it and it turned out the cable connection to the ignition coil was defective. The garage sorted it out, I was charged 365€ for the repair. It was back to its awesome self in no time. I advise you to hit the workshop and have them thoroughly check your ignition coil's cable connection; that could be the bug causing all this havoc. In order to give more specific advice, could you share more details? For instance, when was the last time you changed the spark plugs or had your engine serviced? The more info you give, the better we’ll be able to help you out. Hope this helps and best of luck!

Cheers for the advice and sharing your experience! It's been roughly 133910 KM since my precious Duster last had a day out in the service center. The spark plugs were changed towards the end of the last service. However, considering your response and the symptoms, I reckon it's about time I hitch a ride to the workshop for a thorough check-up. And yes, focusing on the ignition coil's cable connection sounds like a good plan. Now, just hoping it goes as smooth as it did for you and doesn't burn a hole in my pocket. Fingers crossed! Again, appreciate your help. Will keep you guys posted on how things turn out. Cheers!

No worries! Good to hear you're getting it sorted. I reckon with the mileage you've clocked, it definitely sounds like a trip to the workshop is overdue. When your spark plugs were changed last, it's quite possible that something might have happened to the coil's cable connection - just a thought. You might also want to ask them to give your fuel system a look over while they're at it, considering the black smoke and poor fuel economy. Yeah, I know fixing these things can be a bit of a budget-buster, but trust me, letting it go on could lead to even more costly problems. Fingers crossed it's as simple as a faulty connection and easy on the pocket just like in my case. And don't forget to update us. Always good to hear resolved cases and hopefully your experience might help someone else in the future. Good luck!

Right you are! It's better to be safe than sorry with the maintenance of our beasts. I think given the situation, it's indeed best not to delay the visit to the workshop any longer. I appreciate your heads up on the fuel system check, would make sure to get it looked into. I truly hope it's just the coil's cable connection acting up, fingers double-crossed on that. I guess there's not much to do but wait and see how it pans out. Will definitely share updates post the vehicle examination, and hopefully, it does benefit someone else facing similar issues. Again, a massive thanks for your time and guidance. Cheers and drive safe!