Hi,

I've owned my 2006 Octavia 2.0 TDi PD140 for a couple of years now with no problems whatsoever.

This evening when I went to start it up, on switching the ignition on, all the electrics came into life as usual (radio, fans, etc) but when turning the key all the way to start the engine, it did absolutely nothing, didn't try turning over or anything - it was like I hadn't turned the key all the way.

We drove 50 odd miles to Weston-Super-Mare earlier in the day, parked on the sandy beach, and drove 50 odd miles back with no issues. I drove slowly and sensibly on the sand so I don't think this could have got anywhere it shouldn't have... Today was a HOT day, but I'm sure this shouldn't have any bearing on the issue.

The are no faults reported on the dash. I've tried the other key and no difference. I've tried locking / unlocking the car. I've disconnected and re-connected the battery. No change.

Anybody got any ideas before I call out the AA?

Cheers,

Matt.

I had exactly the same with my VW Transporter and it was the crank shaft sensor.

Regards

Tom

Do the lights dim when you try to start, put the headlights on and try, if they do its a dud battery.

Sounds like a dud battery or loose battery/earth connection to me.

Sounds like a dud battery or loose battery/earth connection to me.

Thanks for the responses so far....

Update: We tried the car this morning and it started no problem at all. Went to use it again about an hour ago and it wouldn't start again. Tried just now and if fired up fine. When it does start, it doesn't struggle at all to fire - the starter motor barely turns before the engine kicks in strongly.

When it wouldn't start earlier, I tried what m0bov suggested and put the headlights on and then tried starting and the lights did not dim at all when moving the key to position 3. I think the battery is fine as the lecky window motors don't sound like they're struggling when using the windows with the engine off.

It's like it's the ignition barrel as the car does absolutely nothing when moving the key from position 2 to 3 - no lights dimming, no clicking relays and absolutely nothing from the engine / starter motor. The glow plug warming light comes on when you put the key in and turn it to 2 and then goes out almost immediately as usual. The electronic immobiliser, power steering and airbag lights also come on and then go out after a couple of seconds as usual.

The only lights left on are the handbrake light, battery / dynamo light and the exhaust gas light which is normal and would normally go out when the engine is started.

I've tried going into the "Vehicle Status" section of the maxidot display but it says "no entry" so this doesn't help much.

A friend of mine has the software and cable to connect a laptop up to the OBD. I don't know anything about the software - might it tell me something useful?

Many thanks in advance,

Matt.

Get the battery load tested (free at Halfords). This will then eliminate this from the diagnosis.

Sounds very like a loose electrical connection either in the ignition barrel or in the starter itself. Unles you're an expert it may need an auto electrician or a Skoda dealer.