SvendB

Thank you to everyone who contributed - I managed to find the engine number with your help (and it matches the V5). There was a reason for why I wanted to check is that DVLA says to check the engine number (and other things) before buying a car - but the trader didn't know where to find it and it was not obvious at all. For other newbies like me, this is the process I used to find the engine number: Remove the top cover (the big cover with TDI) by lifting near the corners, first in the front and then in the back, it might need to jiggle it a bit to get it out at the back. Alasdair1's suggestions "Try and lift cover as near the push fixings as possible. They can be quite tight and can snap if old and brittle. Be firm but careful" sounds wise - all the three working fixings on mine are quite loose and one of my fitting in the cover is missing. Observe the big label with engine number on the upper cambelt cover towards the left side of the engine. Replace the (TDI) top cover by pushing the 4 rings down over the metal balls. Easy-peasy (when you know). And to answer my own questions: Yes, some disassembly is required (and will possible get dirty fingers). No, the engine number is not on the labels in the boot and service schedule book (in my case).

If any help, I had exactly the same symptoms yesterday - after having removed the battery.

If any help, I had exactly the same symptoms yesterday - after having removed the battery.

My ignorance is being exposed here 😊 - until your post I had no idea where the cambelt is (still don't but suspect it will be clear after the top cover is off and I hopefully find the label I've seen elsewhere). The top cover is presumably the big cover that says TDI? How to remove? Sorry for asking probably really stupid questions.

I would like to check that the engine number in my newly acquired Octavia matches the V5 number. I have seen a number of references and diagrams to where it should/could be but a good root around under the bonnet hasn't identified anything like the 6 digit number on the V5. Attached are some image of various numbers I have found (any info what they are would be interesting). Several reference has been made to a label on top of cambelt cover, I don't see anything that looks like such a cover but (in my ignorance) I think I see what could be the cambelt when looking down on the L side of engine compartment (see picture). Hopefully someone could tell exactly where the number is or should be - maybe even mark on the engine compartment overview picture I've provided. Is some disassembly needed to see the number? Does an engine only have one number? Is the engine number supposed to be on the info label in the boot/service schedule book?

I have exactly the same issue as you described. I hope my solution is as easy as yours but I cannot figure out how to separate the connector (even when operating the little arm either way). The connector seems to spin around without any force. I don't have much room and don't want to damage it. How to separate this connector?

My sticker in boot and service handbook says "CEGA", the V5 says "CEG".

No stop-start, radio is Bolero, presumed original and works kind of ok (only picks up a couple of transmitters even if so, I hope just a loose aerial cable). I'll check voltage after battery replacement. What 'engine on' minimum voltage would you expect after new battery?

I've just bought my first ever Skoda and what a different and better driving experience than the previous and most modern car I've had, a Peugeot 406 2.0L TDI from 2003 (may it RIP). The Octavia has a known issue with not starting after having sat still for a few days, I believe the battery needs to be replaced (I've tested voltage with engine off and with engine running (minimum load), 11.5V vs 13.9V and from looking online that seems to indicate the alternator being ok and the battery is ready to be replaced). When revving there was a small, nearly imperceptible fluctuation in main beams (some say this could imply the alternator is bad, too). Someone warned me I shouldn't change battery myself but should take it to a garage to get it done properly. Having changed a maybe a dozen batteries in the past with no issues (including in summer 2024 on the Peugeot), I was wondering if this is really so. So started from the official place - the manual. The manual does explain how to disconnect, reconnect and replacing the battery. But it also have the following ominous statement: "Removal and installation of the battery is not recommended since it can, under certain circumstances, lead to major damage. Contact a specialist garage." I already have a replacement battery (Halfords HCB013/HCB027 Lead Acid 12V Car Battery 4 year Guarantee, part number 951004) - the one I put in the Peugeot. Since the Peugeot died just a few months after buying the new battery (unrelated) I removed it before scrapping. Co-incidentally, the Octavia is using same battery re Halfords. Halfords say re the battery: "Most vehicles require this battery to be registered with the on-board computer system. Therefore, a professional fitting at a Halfords store or autocentre garage is strongly recommended. Learn more about our Mobile Fitting Services here." And finally, I asked a mechanic who's been working on the car for years and the answer was along the lines: "If you don't know how to do it, bring it to me or take it to a garage". I do know how to physically change a battery, my lack of knowledge is the computer bits and dependent systems impacted by such change. Looking online I can find all kinds of conflicting advice. The previous owner had the battery changed about 4.5 years ago and a friend did it, but they do not know if the friend just swapped batteries or did more, too. Based on the above statements from Skoda, Halfords and a mechanic, 'clearly' I will not be able to change the battery. But is that really so? The manual is a bit contradictory in the way that it says don't do it but also give information on how to do it and includes a list of issues that will be 'deactivated' and no longer able to operate fault-free (power windows, radio code (I don't have a radio code, the previous owner didn't), clock, data in multi-functional display deleted). I have seen various information for how to address these (including paying like £2.99 online to get the radio code). My main worry is the "major damage" statement. I would not want to save a bit of money but risk virtually bricking the car or causing ongoing damage to components/fuel economy. I do want the more minor deactivated things to come back to life, though. Are they just scaremongering to increase business or is there a real risk by amateurs like me changing the battery? Is there a fail-safe process for how to replace the battery and not cause major damage and also to reactivate the other bits that may be impacted by battery change? Does it need a computer registration? Can I do computer registration myself? Maybe by buying a not too expensive tool (I already have an ALDI OBDII Vehicle Fault Code Reader). What is the major damage that may occur from a battery change? Any help is appreciated.