Catweazle

Hi Ade, thanks for the input. I agree that in the long term it does not make much difference finacially when I change the timing belt, its got to be done pretty soon. I am just curious to see if the UK recommendations are moving towards what they seem to be in Europe, or in other words are we being ripped off in the UK by having to do this work sooner than it is needed? Thanks again and I will probably be booking the car in to have the work done next week! Chris

Thanks Chappers. I am aware of the need not to push your luck with timing belts and I will probably be booking it in before Christmas under the Skoda fixed price deal thats available at the moment. However, I am still curious to find out if their will be a change to the recommeded interval, as this will be more in line with the recommendations used in many other countries

Afternoon all, has anyone heard about a possible new timing belt change interval recommendation please? This would be for my 2010 Octavia with a 2.0 PD tdi engine, or any VW group car with the same BKD version of the engine My car, a 2010 2.0 pd tdi with 100,000 miles on the clock, is due a new timing belt and i went this afternoon to a local VW main dealer to check on pricing (and perhaps saving a long drive to a distant Skoda dealer). The service department man said that he was aware of a very recent change of interval (as of yesterday) from VW for their brand cars (post 2009 manufacture, they have extended the intervals) and he suggested that I speak to Skoda to confirm if this may apply to my Octavia before booking a time for the work to be done. Skoda technical services maintain that the interval for my car remains at 4 years or 95,000 miles and would not comment on any changes for other VW group vehicles. I am curious about what may be changing with timing belt change recommendations for VW group cars and if it may in any way involve my car with a BKD engine. Anybody heard or know anything? Thanks Chris

Hi there my car is now due a cambelt and water pump change - 80,000 miles done and now getting a little nervous! I want to get it done as soon as possible and preferably somewhere within a reasonable distance from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Obviously I would like to avoid the inflated costs involved with using a Skoda main dealer, so any recommendations of independant specialists would be appreciated. An indication of the likely costs involved would also be appreciated. Cheers Chris

I have had a chance to remove the rear tailgate linings to check to check for leaking washer water causing a problem. There does not appear to be any excess moisture in or around the centre brake light fitting to cause a problem and the washer nozzle is OK and working. However, I have noticed that the centre brake light is on continuously except when the tailgate is opened, whereupon the light goes out! Following the suggestion from Lummox I have looked under the carpet within the boot and it appears to be quite dry. Not sure where the boot loom referred to is, I presume I will need to remove the boot lining to find it? Any suggestions as to the best way to access the boot loom would be appreciated. And yes, I do change faulty brake light bulbs as and when they occur. The left, right and centre lights are working fine when the brakes are applied. Its just that the centre one does not fully go out when the ignition is switched off and the boot is closed!

Lummox thats very good of you to answer so quickly! I will have a look in the boot tommorow when its warmer and light. Many thanks Chris

Can anyone offer any idea what is going on with my 55 Octavia2 2.0PD Estate please? Just noticed that after switching off and then locking the car with the remote, the upper center brake light has remained on. The light is at a lower brightness than when the brakes are applied but netherless definately on. Immediate thoughts are that it is a short to earth of some kind possibly due to the damp weather at the moment. As the car is out of warranty I was hoping that there may be a relatively simple solution? Thanks Chris

Funny you have mentioned this rather puzling noise that you can hear behind the dash, because I have been aware of a similar noise as well! Same car, 2.0 TDi Octavia. L + K Estate, 55 vintage. It usually becomes apparent just after starting to move off and sounds like a quiet "clunk, clunk, clunk", then stops, or seems to stop as speed increases. To my ears it seems to come from the area behind the glove box or perhaps towards the center of the car. I have checked that there is nothing in the glove box to make the noise and nothing obvious about A/C use, road conditions etc. The noise has been a feature of the car for about a year and I have just learnt to live with it. Any suggestions of the source of the noise would be gratefully received. Chris Catweazle

hi there i have a 55 plate (Feb 2006) L+K Octavia 2.0 TDi and it has the sill protectors. Hope that helps. Catweazle