Hello, a newbie here needing some advice.

My 51 plate Fabia 1.4 8v Classic seems to have a recurring problem. Every so often the engline man. light comes on which seems to coincide with problems starting from cold. It takes a few goes and blasts to get going but then runs ok (aside from the mild juddering at standstill).

After a day or two the light goes off but the problem can surface at any time.

I've read a few posts on here and my problem seems to be a common one and I wondered if anyone could advise me on what to ask my local garage to look at.

To date I have had two new thermostat sensors and a new battery, neither has done the trick and I'm fed up of paying for diagnostic tests that are a waste of time.

Any ideas before I swap for a new car that I can't afford?

Thanks

dgm.

Did the diagnostic tests reveal amy fault codes?

sounds as if you might have an intermittant misfire? which could mean it might only need a set of spark plugs or at worst a coil, ive never worked on that engine befoe though so i wouldnt take my word.

best to get a diagnostic check and see what fault codes it comes up with then youll have a better idea of what your problem is.

sorry didnt read that you had a diagnostic test already done.

Yes, but I was too dopey to ask about them.

Both garages I use just seem to plug it in and give me the sensor problem. I get the feeling it's not this as it seems to be on and off.

In a weird sort of way I quite enjoy the 'will the light come on today' game, however it can be a tad embarrassing stuttering out of the car park at work or waking the neighbours with a few blasts in a morning!

Thanks for the speedy reply - any advice would be great.

dgm

By thermostat sensors, you mean coolant temperature sensors?

Not sure (sorry to be so clueless. I'm afraid I just nod when the lads tell me stuff I should really know!)

If this makes any sense when the engine man. light is on the temp gauge doesn't work - could this be linked or just part of my car's sense of humour?

Thanks

dgm

Are you in the AA or RAC? I had the engine light come once and I called the AA, he did the diagnostic checkand gave me the fault code. Alternatively is there anyone near you with VAG.com to do the check for you?

Not sure (sorry to be so clueless. I'm afraid I just nod when the lads tell me stuff I should really know!)

If this makes any sense when the engine man. light is on the temp gauge doesn't work - could this be linked or just part of my car's sense of humour?

Thanks

dgm

It does sound like its coolant temp sensor related if the guage isnt working either.

When starting your car from cold, the sensor will be giving an inaccurate reading, this causing it to put in too much/too little fuel. Causing your car not to start or cause diffuculty when starting. If you have had them changed before. It might be a wiring fault related to the temp sensor itself.

I think I'll try one more time at my local - doubt he has the VAG.com gear.

I'll ask for the codes and ask him to check out the spark plugs and coil.

Thanks for the advice guys, first time posting on here - glad I did!

dgm

Top stuff vrs 203 - that could be the problem. It gives off a strong smell as if the mixture is not quite right. Is the wiring too complex to look at? I use another garage (saab indie specialist for my 9-5) but it's a 60 mile round trip.

dgm

No, its is only a 3 or 6 pin connector plug. Cant remeber how many pins are in them off hand now.

It might be somthing simple like the sensor itself, broken wire etc.

This coolant sensor might not be the fault, it just a suggestion to the symptoms you have given.

Just get a local garage to have a look at it, preferibly one with VAS5051/5052 or vag com to give you a fault code read out.

Will do!

I just needed a bit of ammo to suggest something other than what I've been told before.

The car's great when it's working properly, cheap to run and easy to use. I'm just getting cheesed off with this hassle and not knowing what to do.

I was starting to wonder how it was seemingly going through 3 sensors and a new battery in 16k! It's only done 60k in total.

Thanks for your help,

dgm