QuentinG

Finally I managed or got around to getting a diagnostic done and a code B10BE07 Fresh Air Blower - Front Mechanical Malfunction - was found. The error has been cleared so now it is a matter of seeing whether it recurs.

Many thanks for that info, it backs up what I was thinking. Now I need to find a suitable place to test it. Of the two garages I use, the local one fitted the new motor and the one I have used for many years said I must have had a 'soft start' motor fitted by garage 1. I think I'll try the VAG specialist up the road. Thanks again

Many thanks for replying, yes the outside temperature is fine and consistent. I have not got it on recirculate, very rarely use that function, should I have? Once the fan is working, it feeds through all four vents and the screen outlets, I haven't checked the rear footwell vents.

Hi, could I ask for some advice relating to my otherwise very reliable 2011 Octavia 1.6 TDI Elegance estate please? The problem is that the fan, particularly but not exclusively on the first start of the day, takes between 3-5 minutes to start operating. After that it behaves normally until (maybe) the next restart. All the controls and lights work normally, just not the fan. I first had this problem some months ago and I thought it had packed up altogether. The heater motor was replaced but to no avail. Any advice would be appreciated, it's been more noticeable recently due to the frost and temporary loss of my garage.

All very interesting to read, was wondering as I have not had a letter for many months. I was already sceptical and since my 1.6 TDI goes really well and is very economical, I won't be heeding the recall. The car is looked after by a Citroen specialist with a VAG trained chap on the staff and they seem very capable with the diagnostics.

That might explain why I like it (except for all the nanny state commands and warnings). I was a bit worried I would find it short of power after my 2001 1.8 Turbo but have only found myself running out of accelerator travel a couple of times. I am averaging low fifties mpg but had never had a car where driving style and conditions influenced the mpg as much as this one.

Thanks very much for the information and the offer, only just logged back in. When I spoke to them before seeing your reply they said they thought they should be able to do it; but they also thought they could disable the 'depress clutch' interlock and it transpired they couldn't. Given the possible consequences I might leave it until I can get to you or to Whitby. It was so easy on my Octavia 1!

Thanks everyone, maybe I will ask the Skoda specialist (former dealer) where I got it. He was willing to configure stuff but I didn't think of this one at the time. Otherwise I'll have to wait until I am next near Whitby!

Hi all, is there a way of setting up a nearside rear foglamp on my 2011 estate. I have always preferred and had two foglamps on the rear (although only need to use them two or three times a year). On my previous Octavia I this was a matter of buying a lhd rear light unit and putting a suitable bulb in the bottom space. The II is a different setup altogether of course. Thanks, Quentin G

Interesting...I don't drive any differently in either car. I've found the most effective way of dealing with it is to ease off very slightly and increase my distance from the car in front, it works pretty well as in most cases they gradually back away to a safer distance.

Does anyone else get tailgated on a regular basis in their Skoda? I have an Octavia 4x4 Turbo estate and it happens all the time, yet I also have an MG ZT and it never happens. Is it a badge prejudice thing, or do people see the (usually empty) dog cages and assume 'slow driver'? Strange...