Hi, newbie here. hope I use the right terminology, apologies if not & it's all gobbledegook...

got a 51 reg Fabia, 1.4. Have had it about 2 years so out of warranty.

I have a couple of recurring problems. Firstly the power steering light occasionally comes on, but I tend to ignore it.

More seriously is the engine management light comes on. Had a diagnostic and it was the temperature sensor, so I got the garage to replace it.

1 week later the EM light came on again. Car was in garage anyway (door lock stuck, operated by key not remote control, another recurring problem, grr) so they v. kindly stuck it on the diagnostic again free of charge (I heart my garage) - and again, the fault was the temperature sensor.

Now, the garage couldn't exactly tell me that the problem was likely to be wiring rather than the sensor (liability issues mean he was very tactful) but they strongly hinted at it.

I'm now stuck in the dilemma of whether to get it seen to or not. I gather that even for an auto electrician to look at the wiring is quite expensive. I can't really afford a massive bill at the moment, and as a single young woman I am not keen to be taken for a mug by any old electrician out for my money! On one hand, if it's just a dodgy wire it isn't dangerous for now, is it? But on the other hand if the EM light is always on then I won't know if something more major is up with the car.

Can anyone suggest how much an electrician is likely to charge to check out the temperature control wiring thingies (!) or does anyone have any brilliant advice on how to fix it for free? (bit hopeful there... :yes: )

in the meantime, the cold weather has jammed the door lock AGAIN and I'm climbing in and out via the passenger side until I can get to the garage tomorrow :|

Cheers!

Welcome to Briskoda,

If the fault is due to wiring it can be a complex repair. If the plenum chamber below the windscreen on the outside of the car, has been blocked by leaves etc, water can collect there and attack the wiring loom. Another area to have checked, is the large plug for the ECU (engine management box).

If your lucky, it may only be the contacts on the connector that fits onto the temperature sensor.

Thank you for the reply.

That plenum chamber thingy is indeed full of manky old leaves, I noticed the other day as I was refilling the washer, but was too lazy/cold to hoik them all out. Will do that asap.

Can anyone give me a rough idea of how much an auto electrician will charge to investigate? I don't want to be overcharged even on a quote, and I also need to judge whether I can realistically afford it...

Thank you again