nigelcm

Hi, Some time ago had a very unfortunate problem where the key jammed in the passenger side lock. Managed to get it out, but the lock literally broke. Can't lock the door with the key from that side. Have been told the parts inside can fall apart, and I guess this has happened on my elderly 14 year old Fabia. Done some research and got the parts. A spring, a few metal clips and other bits, bit of a struggle to put it together. Has anyone had this problem and fixed it themselves, can they explain how to do it, it's a faff putting the spring and other bits together, and can't seem to do it properly. Thanks.

I would like to replace my Fabia horn. It's a 2000 W Reg 1.9 SDi Classic. Does anyone know how to replace it themselves? Just hoping I do not need to take the front bumper off. I'd like a more meatier sounding horn, can I fit one from a higher model or Octavia or Superb without a problem, I think those are the two tone ones? Any ideas of the cost. Nigel

I'm interested - how do you fit air conditioning to this car? Can it be done to other cars e.g. a Mk1 Fabia? Thanks

Hi, I have an ageing Skoda Fabia 2000 W reg that was in good condition but has succumbed to a few unfortunate dents - they are quite large. One is in the rear door (driver's side) - upper part, the other is in the front wing on the passenger side, on the wheel arch bit. Any suggestions how to fix this cheaply, I've left it for so long. Heard you can get dent repair people but not sure if it can be done and the cost. Was even thinking of finding an old white wing and fitting it and a new door, think this might take ages. If anyone has used one of these dent repair places in London please let me know and give me an idea of the cost. If you have any of the above parts in white that would be good too! Might leave it otherwise - it is an old car but still looks fairly smart and has no rust ! Nigelcm

Sorry I know this post is a few weeks old, but an interesting post. I'm running B100 biodiesel I buy from an outlet and made to the necessary standards (EN14214) in my unmodified Fabia 1.9SDi. I have seen a reduction in mpg marginally, but it's very small. I've been running this for almost 40k miles now. I am interested in running on SVO. Any tips on the ratios are people running their SDi with vegetable oil and what type of oil are they using? I still really think the SDi is a great simple engine and even though it is horribly underpowered, shame it gets so much flack!, Are there any newer engines anyone has run B100 Biodiesel or SVO in from the VAG group, sounds like PD's potentially may not work with it, and newer engines have a DPF which adds to more problems.

On the note of repairs. Have ended up with two dents in my old Fabia Mk1, does anyone know of any places to get them sorted out. Know it's an old car but would like it repaired, heard there are dent repair companies, any recommendations for London?

Hi, Is a cambelt change really between £200-300. I rang up for VW/Audi Specialist and they quoted £400. The dealer also quoted $400 including the pump for my 1.9 SDi Fabia (2000 W reg) . If anyone knows a cheap place in North London, please let me know. Thanks

Hi, Try to find out if anyone knows a cheap place to get a cambelt changed on a Fabia 1.9 Sdi in North London. Can I ask is it worth changing the water pump? Thanks, Nigel

Hi, Mine's running fine on Biodiesel (1.9 Sdi), running for the last 10,000 miles now. It's on 118k. In the warmer months perhaps it might even function on a bit of vegetable oil. Wouldn't risk that now. Best advice is to try an older VAG group engined car, but always try out diluting biodiesel and increasing percentages slowly upwards. If you don't want to risk it, don't do it. It's not worth wrecking your car. Although in many cases it might just be a simple blocked filter which is cheap as chips and easy to change, on the left side of the engine bay. Nigel

Hi, I'm changing my oil in the Fabia. Any recommendations for my old Fabia. It's a 1.9 SDi (2000 Wreg) with 120k miles. Previously used some 15W40 Fuchs Titan for diesel engines. Wondering if I should go for something like 10W40? Thanks, Nigel

Hi, Thanks for this. I think it is the thought of spending over £400 on a car which is at best worth £900. I'm going to have to have a look around. My arms are aching!! Nigel

Hi, My power steering has failed on my 2000 W Reg Fabia (120k miles). Sorry as I have mentioned this in a previous post. In a bit of a dilemma. A local VW specialist has said it is the pump having done a diagnostic check on it. They claim is it £269 for a new pump (cheap in my opinion), £180 labour, £18 for the fluid. Looks like a £470 or so job. Might get it for £430 with a discount if I'm lucky. I'm thinking it could also be the steering angle sensor, although no mention was made by the VW Specialist. So have decided to take it for £45 to the Skoda Dealer to check, they have said £210 for the sensor, fitting and resetting if that is the cases (the sensor is about £110). This could save me the heart ache of wasting money on an expensive pump. Any thoughts? Both I know are weak point on the Mark 1 Fabia and Polo and Ibiza alike. Is it worth getting it checked at the dealer before I proceed to the new pump, being such an old car I don't want to fork out the earth for it. By the way no steering symbol on the dashboard, did initially have this and it went out, but had the flickering lights before this then dead steering. Will appreciate any opinions or anyone kind enough to plug it in to find out what has happened to it. Thanks.

Hi, This is long shot, but does anyone know how to use VAG.com? I have the cable and I think the software. Or do I have the basic version? Can't seem to find out much. If there's anyone charitable in the North London area, could anyone run me a quick diagnostic check on my old Fabia, think the steering sensor or pump is not working and need some idea of what has gone wrong? Thanks. Nigel

Hi, Could anyone tell me how they removed the steering angle sensor? Do you have to take the bumper and I presume the plastic undertray off? Thanks, Nigel

Can anyone help me. My 10 year old Fabia lost it's power steering, the steering light came on, a couple of hundred miles later it has gone out, still no assistance or possibly some. Is this a steering angle sensor fault? Or something more worrying? Will it pass the MOT? It's driveable, and I have driven it fine, a little heavy to do parking with ease. Thanks, Nigel