MikeTheThinker

At 9 years old I'd not even bother; just replace it. BTW there should be a date code in some form on the battery in case it's not as original as is thought ...

Well, I'm coming up 70 and have been involved with "small" computers since the early '70s. Will that do?

Any and all PC stuff? Even old stuff?

Compliments of Honest John: "Motorists are being advised to only use main roads if ‘necessary’ during the planned 12 day strikes by workers at National Highways, which is responsible for England’s motorways and major (trunk) roads. The industrial action, which has been organised by the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), is due to start tomorrow, 16 December 2022, initially with National Highways workers in the north west, Yorkshire and the Humber and the north east striking for two days. This will be followed by workers in the London and the south east from 22 December to 25 December, the West Midlands and south west from 30 December to 31 December. A two-day national strike will take place with all traffic officer service employees at all National Highways workplaces on 3 and 4 January 2023. This will be followed by workers in the East Midlands and eastern areas striking on 6-7 January 2023. " https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/driving-1/2022-12/motorists-warned-to-only-use-main-roads-if-necessary-as-national-highways-workers-strike/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter 15 December 2022&utm_content=Newsletter 15 December 2022+CID_c70b26f97dfe444788aa6ffcf36201bb&utm_source=campaign monitor&utm_term=Read more So, we can't travel by rail, shouldn't travel on the highways, can't get sick and use the NHS, can't send letters (Royal Mail) or parcels (Post Office Parcels or DPD), can't get our bins emptied (Biffa) - it's going to be an interesting Xmas!

Nice clean car - and no snow! By the way, what is that black oblong item above the front number plate (see below)?

See below for a piccie of the VAG locking key variants. Once you have identified your failed key either fleabay for a fairly quick replacement or aliexpress for a cheaper but slower supply. Or if you're feeling rich you can try your local VAG dealers ...

The car's a diesel ...

Just checked the '08 Octy in case you had a late '07 build but it looks the same. https://skoda.7zap.com/en/cz/octavia/oct/2008-419/9/941-941040/ Is it just the bulb you need or is the unit damaged/faulty?

This is the parts diagram for an '07 Octy. You may need to look at the option codes to decide which one applies to your car. https://skoda.7zap.com/en/cz/octavia/oct/2007-419/9/941-941040/#25

On the mk2 Octavia forum there was discussion a while back where it was revealed that the Haldex clutch only engaged when the right hand front wheel started to slip. This is apparenly to deal with soft or greasy verges or snow runs on the offside of the vehicle for LHD cars. This means that for RHD cars - where the same Haldex setup applies - that we won't get 4WD assist if our left hand front wheel loses traction. I don't recall whether this was manual or auto and cannot comment on whether the 'feature' has continued into later models.

Can you unlock the car using the plip?

As George noted this is a late registration for a mk2, which ceased normal availability in 2013/14. Take a look at the vehicles VIN (bottom corner of passenger side front windscreen); the three characters at positions 7,8,9 will tell you which model range you have (1Z = mk2, 5E = mk3). There's a more detailed explanation in the post linked below.

I hope you are very happy with your new purchase. We've had five Octys in the family (1x mk1, 4x mk2) and are very happy with the cars. I really enjoy our Scout and - despite the larger motor - can still see fuel mileage over 50 on longer trips.

It's probably a BMM or BMN motor and will likely have a dpf. They're generally solid motors but worth checking for history of regular oil changes and using the correct grade for as PD motor. Also check on cambelt/water pump replacement - due every 4 years - and whether the dual mass flywheel has been replaced at any point.

Still begs the question - how did they get into the sump? I wonder if there has been a previous engine event that was not properly cleaned up?

The only needle roller I can see in a CAYC engine is for the flywheel centre - item 9 (details HERE) and I can't see how a loose roller could drop into the sump from there. Is it possible the foreign object is only there by chance, dropped from elsewhere in a workshop and forgotten? There's also item 8 although the parts catalogue is coy about identifying it. Same applies as to a roller - how would it get into the sump?

From the video I think that makes the fan issue unlikely as failing bearings tend to screech/squeal/rumble (or all three), whereas what I could tell from the audio sounded more like a squeal or whistle or some sort. Just to check, if the noise starts whilst you are out on the road can you change gear and have the noise remain constant without change of road speed?

I was wondering if the noise could be coming from the temperature-controlled radiator fan/s and thus would be more influenced by ambient temperature and cooling system heat than by engine or road speed.

I take it from your list that the screech is independent of engine speed, gear or road speed but only starts at 60 and stops at 20 or below. If you drive at 50 but for a little while does the screech appear?

@AnnoyingPentium: Ryan, this is in your region and may be of interest.

I have a CTek car charger (which includes a maintenance capability) and a couple of small battery chargers. Apart from some at times quirky use of English in the instructions all have performed well for the last 3 years or so.

Interesting. Do you have similar details for the estate as well?

Make sure you are looking for a maintenance charger and not a trickle charger - explainer HERE.

Can I suggest this goes in the Wheels & Tyres forum as it's of interest to other models also?

A robust site or vehicle security box made from powder-coated 2mm steel and supplied with two new locks each with two keys. Dimensions are 960 × 650 × 450 mm. New price just shy of 170 squid. If you want to take a look at their website it's HERE. I got this to use as a toolbox on the drawbar of my trailer but I can't fit it and my bike on at the same time, so I'll be looking for a smaller box. Box is currently at Heswall on The Wirral (CH60) but I travel back and to to Chorley (PR7) if that's of any help. Collection only. It's on Preloved for £85 but I'm offering it to paid Brisky members for a tenner less - £75. Reply through the forum or 0758 110 4800.