Space Star Diesel Woes: EGR Valve Causing Engine Troubles?

Hey there! I've got some experience with cars, not an expert but I know my way around common issues. Had almost the exact same problems with my 2017 Mitsubishi ASX diesel last year. Same symptoms, power loss, rough running, and that annoying check engine light. My local mechanic diagnosed it as a faulty EGR valve. The repair, including parts and labor, set me back about 355€. Took them about half a day to fix it, and the car's been running like new since. What's your mileage? Might help to check if it's about the same time these issues typically show up. Also, have you scanned for error codes? That could confirm if we're dealing with the same problem. Just want to make sure, are you getting any other warning lights besides the check engine? Let me know and I can share more details about my experience.

Thanks for sharing your experience! My mileage is currently at 77826 KM and I just had my service last month. The check engine light is the only warning showing up right now. Haven't had a chance to scan for codes yet, but planning to do that tomorrow. Your repair cost info is really helpful, at least now I have a rough idea what I might be looking at if it's the same issue. Did your car also have that strong diesel smell before you got it fixed?

Hey again! Yes, mine definitely had that strong diesel smell, it was actually one of the most noticeable symptoms! My ASX had around 82,000 KM when these issues started, so we're in a pretty similar range. The diesel smell in my case was a dead giveaway for the EGR valve problem. It was basically because the exhaust gases weren't being recirculated properly. After the repair, that smell completely disappeared along with all the other symptoms. Just thought I'd mention, before I took it to the mechanic, I tried cleaning the EGR valve myself (watched some YouTube tutorials), but it didn't solve the problem. Ended up needing a complete replacement. So if you're thinking about trying that route, just be aware it might not be enough if the valve is actually faulty. Keep us posted about those error codes when you get them! If they're the same ones I had (P0401 and P0402), then it's almost certainly the EGR valve. Good luck with the scan tomorrow!

Thanks so much for all the detailed info! That's super helpful, especially about the diesel smell being connected to the EGR valve, makes total sense now. Really appreciate the heads up about trying to clean it yourself too, might save me some wasted time there! Just got back from getting those error codes checked, and would you believe it? Got the exact same codes you mentioned (P0401 and P0402). Guess I'll be making that mechanic appointment tomorrow. At least now I know what I'm dealing with and roughly what it'll cost, thanks to your experience. You've been incredibly helpful, really glad I asked here! I'll update the thread once it's fixed in case anyone else runs into the same problem with their Space Star in the future.