Alasdair1

Think they are based in exeter but have multiple warehouses around UK hence the random surcharge to Highlands. Last order arrived within 36 hours so a lot quicker than autodoc etc plus at least 25% cheaper than my local motorfactors. Alasdair

Only problem I had was one part of order (wheel bearings) that incurred a surcharge for some reason. They said it was being sent from another location. I missed email so they didnt send it. I ordered another euivalent brand (apec) and it arrived no problem. I to are no stranger to their website unfortunately. Alasdair

Sorry havent a clue either. Maybe purge valve is sticking closed then stuck open or the PCV valve is faulty? Sons had poor idle. low then high etc plus poor mpg. I replaced purge valve and also his brake servo vaccum pipes were split so taped up and idle returned to normal. Have read that some folks needed to replace charcoal canister as well as purge valve. He had problems last MOT with emissions due to small leak in centre of exhaust. Sealed it and emissions were ok. It was a tiny leak that I and the MOT guy thought wouldnt make that much difference. Its odd it jumps from rich to lean. Alasdair

I had similar problem. If I used handbrake the caliper would bind. I took lever off kept caliper upright and soaked overnight in penetrating oil then manually operated it as said. Took a while but eventually it freed off. Have a look at https://www.partsinmotion.co.uk/ Been using them for a couple of years and prices are good and so is their service. Alasdair

To clarify I mean the lever on the caliper that the handbrake cable attaches to not the actual handbrake in the centre consol. I operated it manually and then wound piston back in and repeated until it was free. Could also be a sticking cable. Alasdair

If its like mine 1.9tdi it could very well be the handbrake lever part thats not releasing properly and causing it to bind. I took mine apart and oiled/greased and manually operated it until it freed off. eventually I replaced caliper which was around £35 online. There are I think 3 different rear calipers. A smooth one,ribbed one and Bosch. Have a look on https://brakesint.co.uk/ They have pictures of the different types including piston sizes etc. I had a look at reconditioning mine but at £35 I just bought a new one online. Had a look and 1SS doesnt seem to be a valid code Alasdair

Not sure the Bosch one matches the one that came out as far as I can see unless it was replaced by previous owner with wrong one?. What year is yours. Alasdair

According to Bosch its the equivalent to old one used on Fabia Mk1 AZQ year 02.2003 - 11.2004. Alasdair

On my sons fabia m1 1.2htp there are two lamda sensors available from memory depending on the Vin/age. His is AZQ. Maybe you have got the wrong lamda? Think there maybe a number missing off the bosch part number as they are usually 10 Alasdair

Same here done a fair few over the years and only now have the open sockets in my tool box. Hope I wont need them if you know what I mean. Last one had to cut the main strut nut off as it was so tight the allen key centre rounded. Alasdair

Not sure still havent got round to looking at his as weather is awful. His is fine for gear change but wont return to middle as spring has broken. You could try resetting gear cables to see if it makes any difference first. Alasdair

Just did a couple on the front of my sons mk1. Found a tiny smear of silicone grease on bushes and subframe made the job a lot easier. Alasdair

If the radio doesnt work with ignition off it may need the ignition on so it gets power to get the timer to countdown. Alasdair

Meant add disconnect battery neg for 15-20mins then reattach before the above procedure. Alasdair

Think it may need VCDS or OBD2 to do it but came accross this on a VW forum. Not sure if it will work on yours but cant see the harm in trying. 1. Turn the key to the "ON" position, BUT DO NOT START THE CAR! 2. Leave the key in the "ON" position for 3 minutes WITHOUT TOUCHING ANYTHING. 3. After 3 minutes, turn key to the "OFF" position, then start the car as normal. May have to be done with bonnet fully open. Alasdair

Another thought might be did you code/calibrate the throttle body after replacing actuator? Not sure but think you need to use VCDS to tell the ECU the position etc. If its not coded then it may lead to rough idling and stalling. Alasdair

I would get it scanned with vcds and see if there are any random codes stored. It does sound electrical but could be fuel related. Check the strip fuses near battery compartment. If there individual check for hair line cracks/corosion etc. It could also be a failing relay for fuel pump etc. Alasdair

Reckon it would be better to upgrade to a VRS clutch/heavy duty if its possible. 350NM is fairly high. I would leave it until it slips and then upgrade it. Depending on how old the clutch is it may happen fairly quickly. Alasdair

You could try a leak down test on each cylinder. It might help pinpoint where its gone. It should tell if the head gasket is failing but dont think it can check EGR cooler. If the EGR cooler is new then I doubt its the problem. Alasdair

If the car is running well and no warnings I would leave alone. You could try some EGR fuel cleaner additive. Alasdair

On my sons MK1 it was just the strip fuse in front of battery that caused ABS/BRAKE warning. On his they are individual and can develop hair line cracks that are almost impossible to see. New fuse and problem cured. Alasdair

Theres a reversing light switch on the gearbox which may have failed or perhaps wiring to it. Think its lower down at front of Gbox accessible from below. I would check it for continuity. Alasdair

On my sons fabia theres a connector at door pillar. Not sure on Octava but if its there you could try and disconnect connector at door pillar and check wire continuity back to window controller. Not sure if it might be the window controller thats failed. As said sons fabia one did and no windows etc on passenger side until Breezy Pete fixed it Alasdair

Meant to add are the windows working on passenger side front and rear Alasdair

As far as I am aware the main area for wire breaks is where they flex as it come through door pillar. Inside the door it may be a bad connector/water ingress but so far I havent come accross any broken wire issues inside a door unless its been got to already and not clipped back in place. If its like the fabia it may be related to window control/door system. Maybe Breezy Pete can help. He repaired my sons window controler previously. No probems since. Hopefuly a vcds scan may pin point something. Alasdair