Fiat 500 diesel black smoke from exhaust

[Nick644]

I have a 2008 Fiat 500 diesel. Just recently a major amount of black smoke is coming from the exhaust and becomes quite lumpy on idle. Checked all the levels...all seem fine. Its not overheating. Any ideas? Booked it in for a full service which is due in a couple of months anyway but thought I'd do it early as its becoming undrivable.

[Nigel_O]

Does the 500 have a particulate filter? If so, it sounds like it's blocked.

Has the car been used for mostly short journeys and not driven particularly hard?

[arguti]

sounds like it needs an Italian tune up!

[Nick644]

arguti said:

sounds like it needs an Italian tune up!

Yes, always loved that phrase. I can confirm having driven in italy recently, that ALL cars are given a daily 'Italian tune up'! As the car is only used around town, definitely a contributing factor me thinks. However, its only done 15,000 miles in 4 years It stutters a lot from idle and over the weekend there was a definite metallic rattle coming from the engine! Does the diesel suffer from any well known problems? or am I just unlucky with this one.

[sad61t]

Low, all town, mileage on a diesel is going to coke it up. If that's your normal use, then a small petrol is better suited.