Hi Guys,

Owned my car now for a few months. Black VRS 06 plate / BLT engine. Whilst I have had no real problems, I do have two queries/issues:

1) When I get in the car after its rained, it smells like stagnant water???? So I checked all carpets, and there was no wet floor, checked the boot and all was ok there too! So im a little lost as to why the smell is there after rain, but after a few hours its gone. Rain water cant smell that quickly and then dissapear...so im very confused.

2) The gearbox is super smooth....however when changing down, SOMETIMES like 50% of the time, when engaging first or maybe second, the gear goes in smoothly, but I can hear a clunk as it engage...or maybe not hear, i can possibly feel it through the chassis. Its not HUGE, its tiny, but its noticable, and I have had it on other cars too. Was curious as to why it did this. Surely the gear should engage with no knock and when I lift my foot off the clutch?? Just seems odd, but it doesnt affect anything.

3) one more thing. Both left tyres keep deflating. Cant imagine both are punctured...is this common with laquer peeling?

Thats all for now

Edited 23 August, 201015 yr by Blundey

you may say the carpet doesn't feel wet but is there water on top of the plastics in the door shut areas?

I had this same smell and my carpets were dry but I was getting wet in the area described. Since i sealed the doors the smell has gone after a couple of days of 'drying out'

The rear door carriers need to be sealed to prevent the ingess of rain water. It's a simple fix which you can do yourself. there are a lot of threads on this subject.

1) When I get in the car after its rained, it smells like stagnant water???? So I checked all carpets, and there was no wet floor, checked the boot and all was ok there too! So im a little lost as to why the smell is there after rain, but after a few hours its gone. Rain water cant smell that quickly and then dissapear...so im very confused.

Unfortunately this is a very common problem for most VAG cars. Fabia rear doors seem particularly bad although the fronts can leak as well, a good video explanation, complete with fix is here:

2) The gearbox is super smooth....however when changing down, SOMETIMES like 50% of the time, when engaging first or maybe second, the gear goes in smoothly, but I can hear a clunk as it engage...or maybe not hear, i can possibly feel it through the chassis. Its not HUGE, its tiny, but its noticable, and I have had it on other cars too. Was curious as to why it did this. Surely the gear should engage with no knock and when I lift my foot off the clutch?? Just seems odd, but it doesnt affect anything.

Firstly always make sure you depress the clutch fully to the floor when changing gear. If you do this all the time then it could just be that the teeth in certain gears are starting to wear, usually it's no big deal. Also just so you are aware, never try to force a gear, if it crunches and grinds, take it out and try again.

3) one more thing. Both left tyres keep deflating. Cant imagine both are punctured...is this common with laquer peeling?

Do you have alloy wheels? Alloy wheels are generally more susceptible to slow leaks than steel wheels, usually it's because the tyre wasn't sealed to the alloy properly when fitting. It could also be a dodgy valve, but if you keep the dust caps on all the time (which you should), then this shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Hope this helps?

Edited 23 August, 201015 yr by SkodaFabiaOwner

All very helpful thank you. I have noticed there is a leak on the rear right door, however I could not see any signs of wetness or dampness. Where is the water sitting or going? Ill check the video out.

Gearbox - well if this is worn gear, the car is still under warranty, so is this something I should maybe bring up. I believe im full depressing the clutch.

I may need to check for leaks on the tyres :(

All very helpful thank you. I have noticed there is a leak on the rear right door, however I could not see any signs of wetness or dampness. Where is the water sitting or going? Ill check the video out.

Yes, it's all explained very well in the vid by some helpful chap. Basically the water seeps out underneath the door cards and drips onto the rubber door seals and then it seeps down into the carpets and makes them wet, which causes the smell and condensation. There are drain holes in the bottom of the doors, so the first course of action is to check those and make sure they are clear, but I'm afraid the doors will still leak. If you’re still unsure about the location of the leak, sit inside the vehicle and look at the bottom of the door card and seal area, while someone pours a moderate amount of water on the window from a watering can or hosepipe.

Gearbox - well if this is worn gear, the car is still under warranty, so is this something I should maybe bring up. I believe im full depressing the clutch.

Personally I would give it some time and see if it gets any worse, gears do get a certain amount of wear and tear when driving and wear is inevitable at some stage in it's life – also depending on the warranty it might not be classed as a mechanical defect. You know how bad it is and have to live with it so it’s up to you, you can try and push for it if you like? Was the noise not there when you had the test drive?

I may need to check for leaks on the tyres :(

Yep, you could be unlucky and it may well be 2 small punctures. Perhaps a thorn or something has punctured the tyre and broken off and is keeping it plugged?

Edited 23 August, 201015 yr by SkodaFabiaOwner

Re second paragraph. Its so non constant, its difficult to show or judge it. Wasnt there on the test drive. Might not be there today Could be there tomorrow though

Found both rear doors were leaking. Floor wasnt exactly wet though! But even still I know the problem now