Hi guys, i've got an X reg fabia 1.4 (8v so terribly slow but i'm only 18) and i've had it a few months now...

I'm starting to notice a few problems with it, first on being recently i've been hearing a sort of knocking noise from the front end? It is audible when ANY sort of vibration occurs when driving (potholes, minor bumps... anything) and if I shake the car from outside it can be heard. Is it anything you think I should be worried about? Coming up to 40k miles so will need a service but i'd rather not pay for a massive service if it can be avoided!

Few minor things now... One of the fog lamps on the front end isn't working... are these easy to replace, i.e. could it be done myself and if so how?

The rear windscreen washer's not working - pump can be heard, there's fluid in there, but yeah, no squirt from the wiper...

... this could be related to the rear windscreen washer maybe? Both of the rear carpets are pretty wet and there's a lot of condensation inside when the temperature drops... my dad's got a dehumidifier I can stick in the car but obviously I need to sort out where the water's coming from - any clues?

Thanks a load in advance everyone!

Maybe not the most useful answer, but try to breakdown your problems and use the search function for each one individually and I'd think that you would find most of the information that you need, for instance (1) "knocking from front suspension" (2) "rear washer not working" (3) "wet rear carpets" - have fun!

First two could be one of many things. On the plus side, front fogs aren't a legal thing and aren't needed for MoTs, and rarely needed (where I am at least) so shouldn't be a massive concern unless you like driving around with them on.:thumbdown: But it might just be a bulb (same fitment as the high beam IIRC) - how to remove them is in the handbook I think.

The rear wiper has likely spilt a connection - a common issue. Easily fixed

The wet rear carpets come from the rear doors leaking - a common issue. Easily fixed.

As rum4mo said, do a search as nearly all of those are common issues, the last two being easily fixed, but the suspension will need some more investigating.

Edited 2 March, 201016 yr by TriggerFish

The fog light could just be the bulb. Easy enough to remove and replace. Pull off the plastic trim beside the foglight and this should reveal 2 torx screws, one above the other. Undo those and the foglight unit pops out

The washer thing sounds like a popped hose. They do that, often in the engine bay area where it goes into bulkhead behind glovebox. Get someone to operate washer whilst you stick your head behind/under the front left wheel to see if its dripping down. If its not dripping there, might be dripping in boot (check spare wheel well)

Not sure on knocking but could be front bushes, suspension top mounts, anti-roll bar bushes, etc. An "MOT" style bit of testing should find it. (usually involves a crowbar )

Your water issue could be linked to the non-working rear washer pipe.

At 40k it ideally needs a new air filter and plugs if they haven't been touched previously. These and oil change are pretty easy to DIY so if cost concerns you I'd take this route. Grab yourself the Haynes manual. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Petrol-Diesel-Service-Repair-Manual/dp/1844253767 You're looking at the 1.4 OHV. For spark plugs you can use Bosch Super 4 FR78 (NOT FR78X as they have a bigger gap) - Bosch claim more power and reduced fuel consumption, but then they would wouldn't they. I think I got the best performance boost from changing out the old choked up air filter.

Oh and please don't try tell the police your fog lights are Daytime Running Lamps. The type approval marked on the glass says otherwise and so will the fine they give you

Edited 3 March, 201016 yr by anewman