I got the blasted engine management light on my car for the first time in 5000 miles on Friday night. I took the car down to the local garage on Saturday morning who said they would plug it in for nothing, and it came up with P1293 - Engine coolant thermostat - short to positive. This was using the VW setting (Skoda not on their computer). We had a quick look at the wiring to the two sensors on the thermostat, and all seemed ok. They started pricing up sensors and the first one was going to be £26 (OEM). They reset the engine light, and I went for a spin (before leaving the coolant fans were on, with the engine at 70 degrees C on temperature gauge).

I went for a quick blast up the road and the fans were still running 3 miles later, going back to the garage the engine management light came on.

Has anyone any thoughts on what it might be? Or has anyone experience this with a 1.6 (BFQ engine code)? I am taking it in tomorrow to the garage and leaving it with them, they will do some more thorough tests. I am not keen on spending too much more cash on this car! I just spent £550 on a service, tyres, cam belt etc a few weeks ago :thumbdwn:.

Thanks Rich

Ok - finally sorted. No replies to the original post so I thought I would share with you all what the problem was. Turned out to be the thermostat - I have enclosed some pictures of the part changed which was £55 and 2 hours labour. A bit of expense I didn't want but hey s*** happens!

Engine codes which came up were P1292 & P1293 relating to wiring problems in the thermostat. I had the thermostat taken out so that I could use the car for a few days - and it was fine with this setup. Temp never really went above 70 degrees.

Now fully working and took it for a blast tonight and everything seemed to be ok (touches wood as can't afford any more bills!)