mbp

The brake wear warning light is showing on the dash. Does the Mk1 have the sensor on all four discs, just the front discs, or on just one of the front discs? Also, if the sensor has been triggered does it mean it will also now have to be replaced? Thanks.

Hi Welsh: I'm making progress but I need to take off the passenger door handle to release the cable. There are two inspection holes in the side of the door one above the other about an inch apart. I have to insert an allen key, turn it a number of times, and part of the handle will pull out from the outside. My Haynes manual (and YouTube Video's) say this is the top hole (the one in line with the centreline of the handle. On my Mk1 it is the bottom hole that seems to have the screw but it doesn't line up; all I can see through the top hole is part of the plastic handle. I'm confused.

Hi Welsh. Had a bit of luck; friend inserted a long bar magnet inside the door as I tried the outside handle. After a some wiggles the door opened. Thank goodness! Now I can get at those two side screws to release the module. Question: Do I need to take the window out or can I just tape the window (in the closed position) to the door and just undo the channel guide and move it out the way. Another question: If I remove the the striker plate on the door pillar (so I don't accidentally close the door again), will the plate on the inside of the pillar fall down inside or does it stay in place?

Hi Welsh. Perhaps I didn't make it clear: the door card is off; plastic membrane is off; inside door handle is disconnected. Pulling on the cable doesn't release the latch. I could take it to a dealer but I just cannot see how they could open the latch either, unless the locking mechanism can be manipulated manually somehow. There must be a way, surely. Until I can open the door I can't get the lock out of the door because I can't get at the two screws in the side of the door. Catch 22 scenario! 😞

Thanks Welsh. The actual unit was working perfectly before I decided to investigate an irritating rattle coming from inside the door around the lock area. I made the mistake of closing the door before checking everything still worked ok: The door is now locked from inside and outside. Pulling on cables does nothing. I need that door open to get at the two side screws. Any ideas how I can release the latching mechanism ?

Hi Techie, I press the fob and the vertical rod bobs up and down but I don't hear any mechanism releasing. Can I release the catch from inside the door manually? I appreciate your help.

Had annoying rattle in front door. Took off door card and rubber membrane. Suspected the door locking mechanism. Took out two retaining screws from side of door which freed up the door lock. Couldn't find any problem so replaced everything. I closed the door and now I can't open it. The key fob tries to open it but doesn't; pulling the inside door release cable doesn't. Now I can't get at those two side screws because the door is closed. I'm completely stuck. Anyone got any ideas to get the door open?

Thanks guys, all's clear now.

Hi guys, I have a Mk1 Octavia 1.9 diesel. I would like to know if the steering fluid in the reservoir actually circulates constantly around the system or is it just there as a top-up in case of leaks? If it does circulate, how often does it do this? Would it be a constant flow? Cheers, mbp

Thanks for your post Bigjohn, now I understand.

I replaced the steering fluid using the 'turkey baster' method, repeating the process four times over a few days. The fluid looks a lot cleaner now than it did, but the steering, although not stiff, is no-where near as easy as my neighbour's new Octavia or my wife's four year old Citygo. I'm wondering if the new fluid has actually reached the pump to make a difference, or is it just sitting in the reservoir? So, that's my question: Does the fluid constantly re-circulate? Thanks for your help.

Can anyone recommend a Rear Brake Rewind Tool for a Mk 1 Octavia that will definitely fit. Make and model or distance across the pins would help. A lot of these tools look the same but are not. Cheers.

Hi guys, I have a 2006 Octavia Mk1 Diesel TDi PD that's done just 60,000 miles. I'm about to do an oil & filter service and wondered whether I should change the Fuel Filter too. It's the sealed canister type. It's never been changed before. The Haynes manual states ' Renew the fuel filter * (* Only when using diesel fuel conforming to DIN EN 590). Is this the normal diesel we have in the UK? So, should I replace? If so, has anyone experience of what mileage theirs was changed at and did they feel it was necessary from the state of the old filter? Thanks, Mike

So that I don't buy the wrong rear brake rewind tool, can someone tell me what (reasonably priced) tool definitely fits a mk 1 estate? Thanks guys.

That's exactly what I wanted to know. Thank you guys.

Hi guys, I need to replace front & rear brake pads on my mk1 Octavia ( 1st registered 2006 but definitely mk1 (facelift?) model. I've watched a few videos showing the use of a Laser 1314 rewind tool but they all refer to the rear pads. Will the same tool service the front pads? Does lefthand or righthand thread have any relevance? Thanks

Noticed yesterday that both interior lights at the back of my Estate stay on irrespective of whether the tailgate is open or closed. I've had to disconnect them for now to save the battery. According to the Haynes wiring diagram there is a Luggage compartment light switch, but I'm darned if I can find it! Anyone help me, please? Thanks.

I can always rely on you guys, thanks. So I don't have a problem at all, Regards, Mike

Hi guys, I noticed a damp patch under my mk 1 Octavia the other day. On investigation I found water droplets coming from what seems to be a rubber 'vent' behind a flap in the sound-deadening pad low down on the baulkhead in the engine compartment on the passenger side. The 'leak' stops after a while but re-appears when the engine is started. No water loss from the radiator expansion bottle. Where is this water coming from and do I have a problem? Thanks, Mike

Hi Guys, I've just started towing a caravan with my 1.9 TDi PD 105bhp Octavia Estate. It goes reasonably well if I use the gears but it would be nice to have just a little more power. I've been reading about engine remapping which would be me an extra 30bhp or so. This would do nicely, but is it really achieveable or is it just hype? Also, I'd hate to compromise reliability for power. Has anyone any experience of remapping this engine (or any similar TDi)? What I'm really looking for is extra torque rather than speed. Would also be helpful to know how Insurance Companies view this mod. Any help would be appreciated. mbp

Hi Trundlenut, The side indicators are little white things about an inch square built into the wings. Is that the mk 1 then?

Hi Mac, It was first registered in 2006 but I think it's a 2005 which would make it a mk 1

I'm looking to increase the low-down power of my 1.9 TDi PD 105bhp so that I can tow a caravan. Does anyone have any experience of the tuning system sold by DTUK? They claim an increase of up to 140bhp for an outlay of just over £300. Any advice on tuning/re-mapping this engine or experience in towing with this engine would be helpful. Cheers.

Thanks guys for your replies so far. It's a mk1 105BHP Octavia but first registered in 2006. I bought it at 4 years old when it had done only 7000 miles (guaranteed by Skoda). It had been owned by an old couple who used it to go to and from hospital mainly. I doubt if it ever reached turbo speeds. The Skoda dealer mechanic said the turbo vanes were probably ok, the problem lay with the waste-gate. I think he mentioned a diaphragm malfunction (?). Not at all sure what he was talking about to be honest. Is he right about the Turbo/Waste-Gate being one unit and the whole thing needs replacing? Further guidance, please mbp PS: Can't comment on 'VNT' as I haven't a clue what it means.

Further info for you: I've just come back from speaking to the Skoda mechanic . He says it's the waste-gate that's faulty and as that part cannot be repaired, the whole turbo unit needs replacing. Your comments and advice would be most welcome. mbp.