Futurama

Just wanted to update this issue for anyone interested and to thank you for the very useful suggestions. The fault symptoms for the dashboard instrument panel are described in my first post, though I can now add the following result of the test suggested by 'Austin 7'. When adjusting the dashboard illumination, the dimly lit right turn indicator in unaffected. It appears that the the illumination is not caused by light leakage from another light source on the panel. This appears to be an electrical fault. I did not realise it was possible to get these instrument panels repaired and it does seem to be the way to go financially. Compare the cost of repair, approximately £100 plus the cost of removal and refit, versus the dealer quote of approximately £1000 all in. I am sure that the panel could be removed and refitted for far less than £900. Note also the dealer was asked about Skoda 'goodwill', the car has a full dealer service history and has done 50k in 5.5 years; unfortunately there is no 'goodwill' to be had in this case. The car did get though an MOT with the fault described, as I thought it would (but was not sure). After downloading the MOT testers guide, the indication for the driver of an active indication signal is referred to as 'tell tail signs'. In my case, even with the fault, it is obvious to the driver that the indication is active since the dashboard indication flashes brightly when the indicator is active. The pressure is off for now, but the panel will be repaired early next year. Again, thanks to the useful suggestions.

Yeti 2wd, 110bhp 2009/2010 Owned from new Have been advised by a dealer that the instrument panel is the likely cause of a fault, the fault is described below. I am looking for suggestions that might help to reduce the cost of this repair, estimated by dealer around £1000. Can anyone suggest/recommend an independent repairer? I live in Cirencester. Would it be worth talking to Skoda for any goodwill? I would not expect the car to develop such an expensive fault, but that is a risk most car owners face. THE FAULT: The dashboard indication for the right side turn signal is dimly illuminated only if the headlights are on (dipped or main). The fault is not visible when the lights are off or if the side lights are on. Note that the actual external indicators always work correctly. If the car lights are turned on in the daytime (for conditions of poor visibility), the dimly lit dashboard indication is barely noticeable. At night, with the car lights on, the dimly lit right-turn indicator is obvious and a bit annoying. Note that when using the right turn indicator at night, the right turn dashboard indication does flash brightly and is an obvious indication of an active right turn indication. Any helpful suggestions appreciated.

Thank you all for your contributions to my query, especially to those who know technical differences due to different lighting systems or early/later models. I do have an electrical issue with my Yeti and am in the process of looking for additional symptoms. I was wrongly convinced both headlight filaments were lit but this not the case on my Yeti (2009/2010 early model 2wd SE 110bhp). As pointed out, when driving at night on country roads with the high beam on, the ground areas that were lit with the low beam are on dimmer. Also note as already pointed out, with this model, the dash lights do simultaneously show a green dipped and blue high beam when high beam is selected. Again thank you all for helping out. Please take a look at my post for an electrical dashboard problem.

Just to be clear, both filaments (high and low beam) are actually on when high beam is selected. That's a lot of power and heat. The bulb is an H4 (472) 60/55W, so both together is 115W! Please confirm that both actual lights on is normal, not just the dashboard indication. Thanks.

I have noticed the dashboard headlight indication shows that the dipped or low beam stays illuminated when switching to full beam. So both the green dipped light and the blue full-beam dash lights are on together. I regularly drive on unlit roads. Is this normal or do I have a fault? 2wd 110bhp 2009/10 Skoda Yeti. Thank you.

Can anyone say what the solution to this problem was? I have a similar problem and am wondering if this information might help. My Yeti has just developed a symptom whereby the dashboard right side indicator illuminates (not as bright as normal when flashing) when the main lights are on. Thanks for any information you may have.

During the recent period of sub zero temperature (ranging from -1 to -12 deg-C), I noticed a maked decline in mpg. I realise that driving in icy and snow conditions involve lower gears so for any given engine rpm the vehicle forward speed will be lower, and therefore the mpg will lower. However during a few opportunities to drive at speed in 4th , as I do mostly on local roads, the mpg was definately much less than normal. Would adding a radiator grill cover be beneficial? Has anyone else with the diesel engine noticed a big drop in mpg during the cold? My car is a diesel 2.0 litre 110bhp Normally average 48mpg, mostly A & B roads, not much city driving; during the cold spell averaging about 40mpg. Comments?

So I finally submitted to taking the Yeti for electrical diagnosis at the dealers. To sum up the symptoms are: The radio turns of at random intervals when the ignition is on (when the keys are out the radio is ok). The reverse parking display on the Bolero radio does not display, thought the audio bleeping works. The diagnosis is: New ignition switch required. Has anyone else had similar fault and what was the outcome? I wonder how long it takes to obtain then replace this switch. I would that thought that the ignition switch would not power the radio directly but through a relay operated by the ingition switch? Will let you know the outcome.

Excellent post. Thanks 'Great Yeti'.

Thanks for posting. I might build one.

I have exactly the same problem. I suspected the ignition switch since 'jiggling' the key often produced a change in state. Can you please advise how long it took the dealer to do the work? Did they keep the car and give you a courtesy car or was it all done in a few hours? Thanks.

Each to their own I suppose, but consider this. Brigher colours make things look bigger. If you agree that the Yeti is not a massive car, not as long as many estates and not a bulked out as most off roaders, then perhaps brigher options are the way to go? I believe the lighter/brighter colours give the car more presence. Thats my little input for your consideration. Good luck with your choice, I love my brillant silver Yeti.

Todays quote for the Skoda detactable towbar on car without the prep: £900! Central Skoda of Birmingham: I can only imagine they are not interested in doing this work. Another local dealer quoted £690. Has anyone actually had a towbard fitted to a Yeti in the West Midlands at a reasonable price and been happy with the work.? I do want a proper job that will not jepodise the car warranty.

A word of caution regarding deformation of bumpers. Modern bumpers are meant to progressively crush/collapse to soften the blow. Although the end result of a minor impact may not show external damage, there may have been some limited permanent deformation within the structure (often honeycomb like). If in doubt get your local car damage specialist to take a look, shouldn't cost anythinging except your time.

Thank you all for your replies. The dealer has offered to "polish it up". I am not familiar with how effective or permanent this solution so I am not confident to simply agree with the dealer (the one who made these scratches). Can polishing really hide light scratches permanently or will that area of the paint always require special treatment to hide the scratches? I've cleaned the car today in order to inspect for any more marks and to take photographs. The only marks I can find are in the middle of the bonnet. It is difficult to capture the marks with a camera but my efforts are posted below. The marks are light and you would only notice them when inspecting the car after it has been thoroughly cleaned. Do you think these can "polish out"?

Many many thanks to Yetii for making this information available. My best regards, Futurama. ...and thanks again!

Can anyone please advise how to raise the dipped beam on the headlights? Yeti SE 110BHP 2WD, standard headlights =halogen I drive a fair bit on unlit roads, and I would like to see a further ahead on dipped beam (without blinding oncoming traffic of course). The SE model has a dashboard control but this only dips the beams further. I took the car to the dealer and asked them to raise beam by a fraction. They said the beams had been adjusted to the maximum height, Ok I thought. Image my surprise when that evening I discovered they had lowered them significantly! Now they wouldn’t even illuminate a car in front that was more than 20m away. The dealer has significantly lowered the lights from how they set when new despite my request to raise them! Can someone with the know-how please advise the mechanism to adjust the dipped beam up? Is there a screwdriver slot or thumbwheel? I would at least like the beams set to how they where when the car was new and the dealer is unable or unwilling to raise them to the previous setting! Ideas, options? Thanks.

To adjust the front washer jets you will need a torx screwdriver! DO NOT force the rectangular nozzles up and down with flat blade screwdriver! If you look at the front washer jets you will see a rectangular black plastic nozzle, next to this is round hole for the adjustment using the torx driver. The screwdriver action will wind the nozzles up and down via a gear mechanism. Forcing the nozzle directly will likey result in damage! I only found this out after taking my car to a dealer for headlight adjustment and while there, I asked if they would also fix the washers. I was thinking about doing the washers myself using a flatblade, so I narrowly avoided damaging them myself. While at the dealers they washed my shiny Yet and have put swirl mark scratches in the middle of the bonnet :S Only discovered this after getting home and not sure where I stand with this. Anyway, my pain, is your gain. :'(

The car dealer has scratched by car! How should I react? I am trying not to get too upset and need some opinions or advice. The car was taken to the dealers for a headlamp adjustment. When the car was returned it had been washed. Only when I got home did I notice the light scratches or swirl marks in the middle of the bonnet! Due to the failing light I have not had an opportunity to inspect the rest of the car. Some would say it’s nothing, but to a new car owner whose paintwork was perfect, it looks awful. When you clean the car properly and it’s all shiny you could see it then. There are at least 4 marks, three are maybe 4" long going across the car (left to right) and have a slight arc (as if grit had been present during handwashing/drying of the bonnet). My car is only 4 weeks old and has been hand washed by myself every weekend; the paintwork was perfect. I read the forums on the best way to keep the car looking its best. I bought the gear and cleaning the car using the recommended method to avoid paintwork damage such as scratches or swirl marks. The paintwork damage has really got me upset. :( The dealer has advised my to bring the car back so he can see the damage. What would you advise? Is this worth getting upset about? If the dealer covers the marks with polish, would this be a satisfactory solution? Please can you put this into perspective, I am always worried about overreacting. What are my rights? Should I or have I a course of action other that talking to the dealer? I will post photographs, but this will require cleaning the car and good weather and light. Also I am away for a few days and cannot do this immediately. Any advice appreciated, thank you.

A torx screwdriver is required to replace the licence plate bulb, should this tool be supplied with the Yeti? My Yeti came without the spare wheel option so maybe some tools are missing, can anyone advise if the tool is missing from my car or is this 'normal'? There is a 'tool' with a 'torx' driver at one end (and a flat blade and the other end), but this torx driver is tool big for the number plate lights. The single torx driver supplied is for the rear corner lights, not the number plate lights. Did your Yeti come with torx tool for the number plate light covers? I have always carried spare bulbs and expect to replace them as required, especially the main beam and rear driving lights. I have learnt from these forums that some of the lights need to be relaced by a specialist; if you didn't realise already this list includes the front indicator bulbs and if you have foglights, the front daylight driving bulbs. I do not know yet if there are others and I would be suprised to find that the number plate lights fall into the same category, yet no tool is supplied. I really like my Yeti, but the philosophy guiding the design whereby the end user cannot change bulbs or needs to obtain tools (without being advised beforehand) means either I am out of touch with modern thinking or vehicle manufacturers are loosing touch with reality. I know there are other cars out there with worse schemes for replacing bulbs [mini rant - sorry].

Well spotted, never noticed that before.

If you want to see a gold coloured Yeti... this is just for bit of fun. My Yeti is a brilliant silver 2wd 110bhp SE and it's great, so far so good. A few months ago when dealers only had black or silver I tried to visualise the colours in the Yeti catalogue by modifying a real photo of a Yeti. In addition to the normal colours I made this one. Enjoy!

Can anyone confirm that it is normal if the towing eye is not included with my Yeti? Today collected 2WD 110bhp without spare wheel option. I have the tyre repair kit including canister of gloop and electric compressor. I would have thought that the towing eye would be equally at usefull regardless of weather you have a spare wheel or not. Anyone else out there without a spare wheel?

Can you please tell me if the Yeti comes with standard factory matts is the dealer optional ones are not selected?

Same here; no spare wheel. I too have the 2WD 110bhp without the spare wheel option. I'm not sure why I need a jack but the car feels incomplete without one! Contents 'under the carpet' appear to be: 'Gloop' tyre sealant, looks like a pressured cylinder. Electric air pump. Locking wheel bolt adaptor small silver wrench - what is this for? No towing eyes - Does anyone else without the spare wheel option have towing eyes (these screw into the front or back of the car so that towing rope can be attached) ?