Why is my Volkswagen 1.6 TDI running rough?

My Volkswagen 1.6 TDI engine was running perfectly but one morning when I started the engine, it chugged and now holds the revs. It revs up and down with lots of black smoke. What's wrong?

Asked on 10 June 2023 by Frank Forresthilll

Answered by Alan Ross

Black smoke is indicating that the fuel is not being burnt correctly. We would at this stage consider checking the air filter, the EGR valve to see if it is clogged up and the MAF sensor.

Tags: black smoke technical issues diesels engine issues

Similar questions

I get black smoke when accelerating - what's wrong?

I have a 2016 Peugeot Boxer 2.0 HDi and get black smoke under acceleration plus the engine light comes on?

I have just found oil in my radiator and expansion tank - any thoughts as to why?

I have just found oil in my radiator and expansion tank. Any thoughts/suggestions as to what this could be?

Why does our Honda CR-V emit black smoke when we accelerate?

I have a 2009 Honda CR-V CDT-i with 60,000 miles on the clock. Under heavy acceleration there is black smoke out the exhaust - a fair amount. We have done 5000 miles in the five months since buying it...