I have an Octavia 2.0 TDI 140 estate (55 plate).

Occasionally when I start the engine, there is a loud clap/thump, which sounds like something has dropped onto the roof.

I have never come across this problem in any car before and I am pretty stumped as to what is actually happening? Would anybody have any idea what the cause of the problem is and how to fix it?

Sorry I can't provide more information, but as I say I am stumped! :confused:

It's probably the Sterero unit - several people, including me, have had this happen when turning the stereo on. Happening when you started the engine is probably just a coincidence as the stereo was also coming on at the same time (if it was left on from the last ime you switched ignition off).

The first time it happened to my previous (05) Octy I thought someone had banged on the roof (even though the car was still in the drive). Looking round and seeing nobody I then thought something had fallen from the house roof. Got out expecting to see a big dent in the car roof - but nothing there!

I can make it happen at will on my car. Just hold the radio's on/off button down for about 10 seconds.

D

It's probably the Sterero unit - several people, including me, have had this happen when turning the stereo on. Happening when you started the engine is probably just a coincidence as the stereo was also coming on at the same time (if it was left on from the last ime you switched ignition off).

The first time it happened to my previous (05) Octy I thought someone had banged on the roof (even though the car was still in the drive). Looking round and seeing nobody I then thought something had fallen from the house roof. Got out expecting to see a big dent in the car roof - but nothing there!

Hi Lowflyer - thanks a lot for your reply. Thinking through your explanation I think that is exactly what the problem is. As you can imagine, the noise was kind of unsettling, so thanks for putting my mind at rest, that it is not something more serious.

Check with Skoda that the radio recall has been applied to your car. The recall fixes a problem where the radio drains the battery if left for long periods. However, after I had the firmware applied, the loud bang never happened again and that was two years ago.

Edited 12 November, 200916 yr by stacon

It also happens with the Nexus MFD2.

Never happened when I had the Stream in the car, but has happened a couple of times since the Nexus has gone in. Also, if it does happen it needs the ignition switched off for a couple of minutes before any sound comes out of it.

Nearly s*** myself first time it did it -- thought a tile had come down from the house onto the roof of the car, as it was parked in the drive, and blowing a gale:eek:

Mike

Thanks Mike.

Hi Lowflyer - thanks a lot for your reply. Thinking through your explanation I think that is exactly what the problem is. As you can imagine, the noise was kind of unsettling, so thanks for putting my mind at rest, that it is not something more serious.

You're welcome!