ameliemystic4

Skoda Octavia rough running and exhaust smell

I'm at my wit's end with my 2004 Skoda Octavia with a gasoline engine! The check engine light is on, and the engine is running terribly rough. It's like driving a tractor. There's a strong exhaust smell, and I'm pretty sure there's an exhaust leak somewhere. I only have 25968 km on the clock. From what I've read, it might be the lambda sensor causing all this trouble, but I'm not sure where to start. I understand there are NOx sensors and oxygen sensors involved in managing the exhaust. It's like a symphony of problems under the hood. Any ideas?

4 comment(s)

Sounds like you've got a similar problem to what I had with my Octavia. Check the oxygen sensor. When mine went bad, the engine ran rough, and I could definitely smell the exhaust more than usual. Is there any visible exhaust leak?

You mentioned the oxygen sensor. Was it just the smell and rough running, or did you also have an exhaust leak? I'm wondering if it could be something else, like the exhaust pipe itself is cracked. Did you notice any difference in fuel consumption?

Yep, the smell and rough running were the main things, plus the check engine light, of course. I didn't have an actual exhaust leak, like a hole in the exhaust pipe. If you suspect that, get it checked out professionally. It's probably best to take it to a workshop; they can diagnose it properly and replace the lambda sensor if that's the culprit.

Thanks a lot for your help! You were right, it was the lambda sensor. I had it replaced at the workshop, and now everything is running smoothly again. Cost me around 375€, but at least the check engine light is off and that awful exhaust smell is gone.

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