Hello there,

I have a Skoda Fabia 1.4 16V Elegance 2001 and it has a problem where on occasion it wont start properly (normally not the 1st start of the day, often when the engine is warm). It will try and start and after a few attempts it will start but on very low revs until it slowly comes up to normal.

My mechanic is putting it on a diagnostic machine tomorrow to see if it throws up any faults, but he said he is at a loss if it doesn't come up with anything relating to the problem. (Obviously I don't want to start replacing parts willy nilly as I don't have the funds to do that).

I am hoping someone else may have some suggestions or even had the problem themselves.

Thanks

Maybe the throttle body is in need of a clean. Think the diagnostics should show that though.

Maybe the throttle body is in need of a clean. Think the diagnostics should show that though.

I doubt the diags will show that, but it was what I was going to suggest. Clean and realign the TB.

This is a not uncommon one judging by the threads on here, but not sure if there has been a real solution put forward. Pretty sure tis not the throttle body, as I have the same problem and have cleaned the throttle body to no avail, as have others.

It is pretty intermittent no? Usually after a short run/short stop engine still warm?

I think people on here have suggested the fuel filter, and possibly something else. I suspect a diagnostic will throw up nothing if it's this fault.

Good luck, I've given up and will live with it, not ideal I know.

Rob

This is EXACTLY! what my 1.4 16v 2001 Elegance fabia did.. was the coolant temp sensor..

Won't show many, if any errors.. but if you get your mechanic to check the read out from the coolant sensor it may well be unstable, possibly intermittently.

I bet you get a massive puff of black smoke too, when it finally goes? you may get the EPC light too?

I have a similar problem with my car and it is discussed in a different thread. I've changed temp sensor but that didn't make any difference. I was suggested to change a camshaft position sensor (CPS) and will do that pretty soon.

But, what I wanted to write here is that in my situation I've found a way how to start a car even if it doesn't want to start. This morning I've managed to run it from the first shot and this never, NEVER happen to me in the morning. Usually, I need at least 4-5 tries before it will start.

This is the procedure:

1. when you turn the key to the final position nothing happens

2. don't turn back key immediately to off position

3. try to go back with your key VERY slowly and your car will start

4. release the key

I don't have a clear explanation why is this and for which problem you have to do like this, but in my case it works.. Yesterday I couldn't start the car after almost 10 tries. Then, accidentally, I've pulled this off. Today, I went to car and tried this first time and it turned on.

It would be great if someone could comment on this one! I guess this just confirms problem with CPS?

I was suggested to change a camshaft position sensor (CPS) and will do that pretty soon.

Over the past year or so I sometimes suffer from bad starting. I'd put this down to the battery on its way out as it seemed to happen more in winter than summer. However got the battery checked yesterday and all seems fine. Plugged Vag-com up and its reporting:

16725 - Camshaft Position Sensor (G40): Implausible signal

P0341 - 00+10 - - - intermittent.