murkey

I have noticed that since the garage has had a play with the aircon my main fain intermittently comes on full blast like its really hot even when the engine isn't that warm, I had a word with the guy who worked on it and he cant understand why as he never touched anything to do with the fan. Could be that all the gas has been taken out the aircon and this is causing problems? Also I got the part number for my compressor - 5KO 820 803 A, I see there are lots of other compressors with very similar part numbers like 1KO 820 803 A or 5KO 820 803 B would these also fit?

Good thread.. I just got my 2008 Octavia 1.9tdi back from the garage for an aircon re-gas, he checked for leaks which was all good, filled it up, found the compressor clutch was shot so took the gas out, he said its not that hard to change as can be done from underneath but the garage want £580+VAT which includes new compressor. So if I was to do it, is it as easy as he said? If I can take off the compressor could I just change the clutch or is it easier to replace the whole compressor? Cheers..

Further to my problems I have an update, this morning while giving my lad a lift to school the Bolero sparked into life! Yesterday in all that heat it was so frustrating, everything I tried and had silly in between volt readings with nothing working, I felt for sometime it was to do with the CANbus, after all it does control the on/off function of head unit, maybe leaving it overnight and taking it for a drive this morning reset it? Messing with the amplified aerial while connected defiantly messed it up as I watched it flicker and go blank while I was unscrewing the 22mm nut, so lesson there - make sure everything is off and unplugged before metal to metal contact! Thanks Langers2k for your replies, it was much appreciated

Thanks for all your help so far.. Moving on, I checked Fuse F8 radio and its just over 12+V so all good, checked block connector again, 8.6V?? Now the ignition switch made me think again so I swapped that back to the original that was temperamental, checked the block connector again 12+V - great, plugged Bolero back in - nothing, tried Stream unit again nothing, unplugged and check block connector again back to 8.6V - what is going on! As a last chance I put the new ignition switch back in but block connector read the same 8.6V.. All this from undoing the amplified antenna without unplugging it. I'm at a loss now so I have put it all back together and I'll have to drive without no radio until I decide what to do next - very frustrating but thanks for your replies so far.

I have now double checked all relevant fuses in engine bay fuse box, so F8 = 15a radio fuse, F12 = 5a Can databus, checked power at rear block connector as suggested and getting around 7v at both positive connections. Tried both my Bolero and Stream head unit with and without the aerial connected and still no joy, it feels like it’s a simple fix but I can’t put my finger on the problem! I’m thinking if the antenna base is shorted out/doesn’t work that may render the head unit to not respond, I did find when I connected the Bolero the first time it wouldn’t switch on with just the block connector connected, as soon as the antenna cable was plugged in it came to life. If the Can databus is shot is it a case of find one used and plug it in or would I have to get it programmed? Sorry for all the questions but it’s driving me mad!!

Thanks Langers, will give that a go now and report back..

Thanks for the reply, the thing is I tried the old Stream that I took out for the Bolero which I know works and that is completely dead too, this makes me think that there is something between the head unit and aerial that has blown/shorted. I do need to check the head unit is getting 12v, if that isn't the case and the fuse is okay what could be the problem - Can Bus?

Hey all hope you can help.. On my Skoda Octavia MKII the antenna/aerial is powered, after taking the antenna base off yesterday I seen the head unit shut down as I foolishly didn't unplug it while unscrewing the 22mm nut, I must have sent a short through the system, now, the 12v powered antenna cable in the back of the head unit has no power and the HU will not switch on. So does anybody know where the power for the amplified antenna resides as in fuse box, inline fuse somewhere, or if I shorted out the antenna base would that cut power to the cable? I know its not the radio fuse in the engine bay box, or the 10a in the back of the HU plus I tried another HU to check I didn't blow my Bolero Very frustrating so any advice very welcome

UPDATE and hopefully helpful to others...but I need more help! The issue I had with the Stream cutting on/off very quickly started to happen with the Bolero - WHAT! So back to the Google searching and Briskoda links popping up with some people having trouble with their Ignition Switch, this can cause all sorts of problems but one of them is like the issue I have, so I replaced the ignition switch today and YES it worked, I have to say it sounded better too, much more punchy solid sound, no idea why this would be the case but it defiantly is? NEW PROBLEM - I knew my ariel/antenna signal is weak due to water ingress so I took a look at that, maybe a bit confident from doing the ignition switch I started to undo the bolt under the antenna, with that the Bolero flickered and went off and will not turn back on AARRGGGGHHHH!! Stupid me didn't unplug the antenna first - have I shorted the system out? I have checked all the fuses in the engine bay and side access box, I took the Bolero out and checked the rear fuse, all okay, I even put the Stream back in and thats dead too, what could there be between the antenna power and head unit to cause this - Can Bus? I dont have VCDS but its tempting with all these problems I'm having.. Anyone have an idea whats going to kill the head unit by messing with the antenna while powered?

Okay thanks, I thought it was an antenna lead. DAB is what I'm really after either through BT or the AUX, with the Stream I just plugged my phone into the AUX cable and DAB from that, as I said the Bolero is not playing ball with the factory AUX and doesn't have the option in the menu? very confusing.. I suppose there is always aftermarket DAB tuners but using the Bolero is the preferred option, what would you do in this situation?

Looking at other threads on BT modules I take it I haven't got one fitted as when I press the Phone button it just mutes? Also is this white connection power or antenna, as I said the Bolero is a double whereas the Stream and my car has only one round connector?

Hi All, Hope I can get some advice on a newly installed Bolero in my Octavia 2008. So how I got here, current Stream was popping, shutting off and on, was making a weird cycling noise when keys were out so I bought a Bolero from eBay, installed, got a code from eBay and working. Problems - The bluetooth is selected on but phone doesn't find it so taking this is only available on later spec cars? The factory fit AUX that worked with the Stream now does not work - the AUX on/off selection button is not in the Media section unlike Youtube videos showing it on the Bolero When I turn ignition off it acts similarly to the Stream as in shutting on/off/glitchy so could I have a bigger problem with say the CanBus? Not so much a problem but when plugging in the wires I noticed the Bolero has 2 round white connections next to each other like a shotgun whereas the cable in my car has only one single round connection? Hope some of you help and how you got past the same problems if you had them. Cheers.

I know it sounds obvious but the part number is on the connector and has the VW/Audi stamp, doing various searches under that part number the antenna could be the twisted wire type or the bee sting type which gave me doubts, perhaps I'm over thinking it!

My antenna is shot as it has the dreaded water ingress, looking at the part number on the white connector 6Q0035575A this antenna comes up for VW, Seat, Skoda, they look the same, have the same connectors but are they they same as in electronics in the antenna base? Cheers..

Thanks for all your comments, just gone with a Bolero upgrade (£70 eBay) for now and will buy a code from eBay or is there anyone here that provides this service and is reccomended? The Android system is nice but as my car is 2008 I don't know how long I will be keeping the car so don't really want to spend £200+ plus. The Bolero does looks a big upgrade from the knackered Stream and If I decide to go Android in the future I'm sure I will get my money back on the Bolero with the code.

Okay, so looking around at how tech has moved on I have decided to sack off the Bolero in favour of an aftermarket head unit, as my ariel is also shot I think its probably best I just buy an DAB window antenna. So, any recommendations for Octi MK2 after market head units and tips on what I'll need connection wise? Was thinking of something like this -

Sorry to bring up the Stream - Bolero head unit change again but things move on and some of the posts here are now quite old and most helpful links are dead, I have a good idea what I need and what to do but just wanted to check my info before spending.. So I have a 2008 (08) MKII Octavia Estate, the Steam unit is cutting out all the time and if you leave the Stream on and turn the ignition off, take the keys out, the Stream sounds like it is ticking, almost like its trying to load a CD, this has drained the battery once when it caught me out, basically its done and new unit is required. So, I'll buy a Bolero but just wanted to check I have things right? 1, Blaupunkt model is better as I read Delphi LCD can be dull? 2, As my car is an 08 I take it the battery drain shouldn't be an issue? 3, Will need an ariel adaptor for the back of the head unit - any links to what I should be looking for? 4, Codes - Are eBay codes reliable or is this a main stealer issue? Second issue is my main roof ariel has had water ingress so that's done too! Should I go for a like for like replacement or is there better options like shark fins, window mounts etc? Once again apologies bringing up a well talked about subject but hopefully this will be the 2021 version! Cheers..

I bought my battery from eurocarparts, they always have discount codes which worked out quite reasonable and was in stock locally. I also upgraded to the bigger Ah and no problems with plenty of cranking power, the Varta is an original battery and was over ten years old on both my 1.9’s so def needed replacing, thing is if it’s got low cranking amps now in the summer come the winter it will die so best replace it. Im sure a bigger new battery will solve your problems.

Wow thats some miles and nice to read something positive about the BXE, the MK2 I have just bought has 108k and a really good service history, I’m just going to drive it, keep the revs below 3250rpm and not worry it’s a BXE.

Thanks for the replies. So I guess there is a ying and yang to this engine code, yes there has been some bad engine failures but how many have done 150k+ miles? With the sale of another car I'm in it for around a £1k and it suits my needs better with size/load lugging, guess I'll just hope it doesn't let go and enjoy the Octy for what it is.

I'm new here so hi! I have just bought a BXE engine code Octavia MK2 Estate and I know from another car I have that some engine codes can be trouble, the Audi A3 1.9tdi I have is a BXC and has been a really good car hence why I looked for another 1.9 PD based engine. Yes there are horror stories of the BXE code but how bad is it and how much is down to bad ownership, lack of servicing, over revving? Bit of history of the car - Its not the best exterior, as in dirty, lots of fine scratches which I like to sort out but it was maintained really well, it was owned by an old couple who just booked it in for everything, I have all the bills including cambelt, clutch and DMF all done within the last 9k mile, it has 108k on it which is quite low mileage for the PD if looked after so I'm pleased so far. Thing is it makes me slightly nervous the engine could turn itself inside out or am I thinking too much?

Hello, Thought I would join up as just bought a MK2 Octavia 1.9tdi estate, I feel I got it at a good price but it needs a few jobs so will be searching advice here. Look forward to getting involved. murkey

Hi, I’m new here but hopefully have a cure for your starting problem. I had this on my A3 1.9 tdi, starts fine when cold but lumpy/jumpy and sometimes several try’s when hot, just bought a Octavia MK2 1.9 tdi and it done the same, both times a brand new battery worked wonders. Apparently the problem is the starter needs to spin at a certain speed when hot to start the engine, if it’s a bit to slow then you get the kind of half start where it’s all lumpy and it feels like the engine is blowing up! This is why the starter is often blamed as effectively it is the starter causing the issue but really it’s the battery not giving it enough oomph in the first place. Hope you get it sorted..