alessio92

Hi guys, Twice in the past week, my car's gone into Limp mode when accelerating above about 55mph, citing an issue with the o2 sensor bank 1 according to the scanner. Each time, turning the engine off, waiting a few secs and then turning it back on has cleared it and it's gone back to normal. I had a full day of normal driving between the two instances. Does anyone have any ideas why this is likely to have happened? Also, my octavia's a 2013 2.0TDI SE... it has generally only been used for short runs recenlty due to a change in working patterns so I know it needs a good run at speed to help the DPF out, could that be linked?

Well, I solved it. Turns out that the leads are ok, they're rated for up to 3000cc. But on the Alhambra engine bay, I'd made a mistake about where to connect the black cable to earth it. The actual earthing strip is just a thin bit of bare metal with a painted nut or something either side of it. Looks like the first time I'd connectedd to the painted bit not the unpainted bit, which is very thin and can only be clipped to one way!

Frustratingly I don't have a multimeter to check voltage. Will see if I can borrow one. Im starting to suspect the cables may be the issue. Going to check the spec of them and see where our other ones have gone - I did have some chunky ones! Edit - they're supposedly rated for vehicles up to 3000cc...

Hi guys I have a 2013 Octavia 2.0 TDI with stop-start which hasn't been driven since Christmas eve. Apparently we left a door ajar on it so the battery is now too flat to start the car. When I turn the key, all the dash lights come on as normal but when it tries to turn over, all the lights flash with each attempted revolution but it's never succesful. Initially if I tried to turn the headlights on, the dash would light up. I attempted to jump-start it this morning from our Seat Alhambra, also a 2.0TDI. Not by any means the first time I've ever jump started a car, but possibly the first time I've needed to do it on this one. I connected the positive terminals on each battery, then connected the negative on the Alhambra to the earthing point on the chassis of the Octavia. Had the Seat engine running whilst connected for about 25+ mins but still no change except that the dash dials no longer light up if I turn the headlights on (though they do still come on if I turn the key). Essentially I think for whatever reason, when I had the jump cables connected, the Skoda battery wasn't taking any charge from the Seat. I'm assuming I've done something wrong here. Can anyone advise what may be going on or what the correct technique for jump-starting is? Edit - adding in case it's relevant: It was about -2 outside when I was trying this morning, don't know if that may be a factor?

I’ll get that checked, thank you. Th car does have stop-start.

Hi guys, I have a couple of intermittent issues on my 2013 2.0TDI CR SE estate. Firstly, from time to time, you’re unable to switch driving mode (Eco/Normal/Sport). The button on the console is illuminated orange; pressing it briefly turns it green and then back to Orange. Linked with this, when this happens if I try to go to the vehicle status menu on the infotainment system, saying that this information is not available at the moment. this happens sporadically, I haven’t noticed any kind of pattern for it to be triggered, and it usually works again the following day, or the next time I drive if there’s a reasonable gap. However, I am concerned it might be indicative of an engine management fault for something similar. The second issue occurred this morning, and again I’m not sure if it’s linked. When my wife started the engine and put the car into reverse, the usual warning beep was significantly longer and louder than normal. She took it out of reverse and back into neutral, then put it back into reverse again and this time the parking sensors did not work. Just wondered if anyone could advise on what may cause either of these and whether they’re likely to be linked?

Hi guys, Couple of things on my Mk3 Octavia 2.0TDI Estate that I would appreciate advice on. Firstly, the front lighter socket (by the handbrake) is currently dead. The rear one works. Am I right in thinking they’re separate fuses? If so, I’ll try that first, if not I’ll look for a replacement socket. Secondly and rather more significantly, I’ve had a few instances recently where Reverse doesn’t seem to disengage properly. It’s a 6-speed so reverse is in the dog leg at the left. On multiple occasions recently I’ve pulled it back to the middle and then tried to put it in first but it’s gone back into Reverse because it hasn’t popped back up properly. It could just be me but I’m slightly concerned that it’s a fault… is this a thing that happens? Thanks!

81,000 Unfortuantely even with a scanner, the garage don't know what's up so it's going back to Skoda.

I have 6 months, but I was under the impression that I can only reject it in the first 28 days.

Okay, fair. I assumed, with the cars being the same parent company and much of the same Internals, that the codes would be the same. Yep that’s it. I’m seriously considering rejecting the car to be honest. By the time I get it back I’ll have about 3-4 days at the most of the 28-day rejection period and I don’t feel like that’s long enough to evaluate whether it’s been properly fixed or not.

Hi guys, Bought a mk3 Octavia last week as detailed on another thread, and it had an engine light come on straight away so it went back. The dealer’s service depot is at a SEAT garage, but they say they don’t know what’s wrong with the car because SEAT and Skoda diagnostic codes are different and the equipment can’t read the codes, so it’s having to go back to Skoda themselves. Can anyone tell me if this is true or if the dealer is having me on? thanks!

Hi guys, As stated on another thread, I’ve just bought a 1.6TDI. Despite having owned 5 diesels before this, this is my first with a DPF so I’m looking to educate myself. I’m sorry if the following seem like stupid questions, I’ve had a bit of a look through recent threads but can’t see the answers… 1. How often will the DPF regen, and what will trigger this or allow it to start? I do know they should take about 15-20 minutes. 2. How do I know if it is doing a regen, so as not to interrupt it? And do I need to keep driving whilst it’s doing this or just make sure I don’t switch the engine off? 3. How would I know if my DPF needs some major work, treatment or even replacing? Car is on 81k but I’ve no idea about the previous owner’s driving style. Ages ago I read that the recommended interval was 80k but I think that was when they were first introduced in around 2008 so assuming guidance has changed? Thanks in advance.

Given that it’s been at a dealer for about a month I’m wondering if the DPF hasn’t had chance to regen properly. How often should it regen, and how long does it need to do it, or what would trigger a regen?

Hi guys, Bought a 2013 Octavia 1.6TDI estate yesterday from a well known dealer chain. Whilst it’s been with them it has been MOT’d and had a cam belt and water pump change. Within 5 minutes of leaving the dealer, we had a tyre pressure warning light on; I didn’t think much to this as it could be perfectly innocent. Drove it home yesterday and then to the shop and back (approx 6 mile round trip) today. On our way back from the shops, the engine coil light started flashing. I’m going to call them and arrange to take it back to be looked at first thing tomorrow, but I just want to know what the flashing coil light could mean, and whether it could be something that the dealer would have known about and has tried to cover, or whether it’s probably just bad luck? Trying to decide whether to let them repair or just reject it outright… there are a couple of smaller things which in isolation I wouldn’t quibble over but the price we paid was the absolute top of our budget and I need this car to be as spot on as possible - allowing for the fact that it’s a 9 year old car. Thanks!

Hi guys, Hoping someone on here can help as I'm struggling to get any replies elsewhere online! I'm looking at buying a VW Touran, 2nd facelifted version so 2010 onwards. It's the first time I'll have had an MPV. The examples I'm looking at are mainly the 1.6TDI - the only other one we'd consider is the 2.0TDI as we don't want a petrol. They've mostly done 80 - 100k miles. Just wondered if anyone could offer any buying advice? Was the 1.6TDI affected by dieselgate or does it have any other known issues that I need to be aware of? How do running and maintenance costs compare to something like a Golf or Octy estate? Any advice gratefully appreciated as I may go to view one this evening.

Hey guys. I’m in the market for a new car which I hope will be either a Mk2FL or mk3 Octavia. My searches so far have led me to a couple of Scouts; I don’t specifically need Scout capability but wouldn’t say no if it’s the best example in budget (under £7k) I previously had a MK2 4x4 but have some questions - hope someone can help! - One of the examples I saw said the engine was 140bhp. Forgot to check the other but I thought the MK2 2.0TDI was a 105BHP as standard; is it different for the Scout? - Auto vs Manual: I’ve only ever owned manuals but drove an auto Corsa on holiday this year and the idea of an auto Octy appeals - but are they any good? 2011-2014 is probably what my budget allows for if that helps. - Tyres: my 4x4 had All-Season tyres on and it was amazing in bad weather. If I get a Scout that doesn’t have them on, it’s something I’d like to do but might not be able to justify doing all 4 in one go- is it legit to do one axle at a time I.e. backs then fronts? Or does that cause issues? - Much difference in running costs compared to a standard Octavia? In the long run I can probably justify slightly higher running costs but I really can’t stretch my initial budget any further so gotta get the best I can for the money, Scout or not! Would also welcome any general buying advice in the current market! cheers!

Cheers. To be honest I don’t want sporty… I’ve got an A4 S-line at the moment and the ride is really poor so wanna improve on that!

Hi, Has anyone owned both a Leon estate (2012 or newer) and an Octavia (Mk2 or Mk3)? Are they the same platform? I need a new car and Octavias were my first choice but their brilliance means second hand prices are high. I’ve seen a couple of attainable Leon estates and I’m genuinely interested as I’ve always wanted a Seat. I’m really interested to know how they compare in terms of owning and running costs (given Seat are the ‘sportier’ brand but there are mostly shared parts & engines I believe) and in particular what the space in the rear seats and boot is like - I need a large boot and rear seats comfortable for adults. Would really value any advice you can offer! Thanks!

Thanks, that's helpful. On a petrol, how many miles is too many?

How does the 2.0 compare on fuel? And yeah, my FIL also looks after his but I was more meaning he doesn't provide much of an analysis on how it drives! I definitely want as far under 150k as possible within budget. The A4 was on 167 when I bought it, which was the lowest I've ever had, but it still turned out to be worn out. Thank you.

Thanks, that's really helpful. Is there a better engine option than the 1.6TDI? My FIL has one and it seems ok but for him it's just a car!

Hi, At some point this summer I need to buy a new car and I'm leaning towards an Octavia III Estate. I'd probably prefer a diesel (1.6TDI?) as I currently do about 10k miles/year - this may increase depending on job situation - and I'm not fussy about whether it's auto or manual (are the auto 'boxes ok?)... but I've got absolutley no idea of what I'd get for my money in the current, rather silly, used car market. Have I got any chance of getting one that isn't totally shot for, say, £5k? What should I be looking for in terms of age/mileage? What are the trim levels? I previously had an 08 Octavia 4x4 1.9TDI and currently running an 07 A4 which is costing me a bomb so I need something that's a real step up in reliability and will last! Thanks in advance for any advice.

Hi. Over this summer, my wife and I may be borrowing my grandma's Golf MK5 for a period of 1 - 2 months between me selling my car and buying a new one. There are currently 4 named drivers on the car - my grandma & her three daughters. I'm just trying to work out how best to arrange insurance if we do this. Do we see if her insurer will allow us to add a fifth (and maybe sixth) driver? I think I'd heard that too many named drivers can push the premium up, or some insurers will only allow 4. Or can we take out a separate policy to cover our use without affecting or voiding the main policy on the car? Or is there a third, better way? Would like to keep cost down as much as possible. Cheers

Thanks all, your advice is very much appreciated!

Cheers guys, also wondering how long is justifiable for a test drive? Ifeel like I’d need a good 25 mins or so on a mixture of roads to get a good feel, is that legit?