Our Felicia 1.6 GLi developed cold starting problems recently. Normally a first time starter, over a period of some weeks the car became a little reluctant to start at the first turn of the key when cold. Then, without warning, cold starting became a major issue. The engine would fire first time from cold but immediately cut. A second attempt to start would see the revs rise to 1000 and then it would cut again. On the third try, with careful throttle management, the revs would rise to 2000 but no higher; the engine would cut if they were allowed to drop below 1500. After a couple of minutes at 2000 rpm the car could be driven normally.

Took the car to WJH Motors at Riseley who diagnosed a faulty temperature sensor on the basis of my description of the symptoms. Having had previous throttle box problems with this car, I was anticipating a throttle box change (

He he , I read it! I had a go of the 1st Felicia my Skoda dealer got in , an N reg 1.3 , it was the 1st Skoda they got into stock , as they just became a dealer in 1996. It reminded me of my Dads Polo (a Mk 1) which he bought new in 1979. I always thought the Felica was crying out for the Golf Gti 16V engine tho...now that would have tempted me!

Ive read it although I do have a Felicia and a Octavia RS, as it happens I was talking to a Skoda mechanic at the weekend and the Local Police Octavia RS had a problem with surging engine response the fault was proved to be its temperature sensor!