I have a problem with my Octavia VRS TDI PD 170.

My journey to work is about 5 miles so the engine temperature never gets up to half way. This morning however I noticed the engine was idling at about 1,000 RPM, instead of the usual 750 RPM or so. Strange I thought but carried on my way to work assuming it would sort itself out. Halfway I noticed the temperature gauge starting climbing rapidly, however it stopped at halfway and wouldn’t go any higher. I was just alarmed at the speed it got the halfway! I pulled over, checked the oil, ok, checked the water, ok. I pulled the oil cap off and there was a white smoke or steam coming out. It was hot but didn’t smell of burning or overheating.

I was only about half a mile away from Meaden’s Skoda in Sway so I decided rather than carry onto work I’d drop it in there for them to have a look at. I drove with the heaters on full heat and full power with the windows down, temperature remained at halfway but didn’t get any higher. Meadens seemed pretty busy but said they’d try to have a look at it for me.

I’m a bit worried. I bought the car about 4 or 5 months ago from an independent dealer and got some sort of 1 year warranty with it. The cambelt and waterpump were both changed by the garage when I bought the car so they should be in good order. Not sure if they checked the head gasket though. I’m also wondering if it’s just a sensor, like a MAF or something causing it to run hot. Could also be the thermostat I suppose.

Any ideas?

Dan

Sounds like it is just doing a DPF regen, which is normal once the soot reaches a certain level in the DPF, half way is the normal running temp, but when doing a regen it heats up quicker

DPF's dont really like it when the journeys are all short, give it an odd blast just to help it clear

Edited 25 March, 201115 yr by Dallan

Didn't think of that!!

Mmmm, maybe I shouldn't have dropped it off at Skoda then!!

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/195727-octavia-vrs-pd170-lag-and-high-rev-idle/

Sound familiar?

All those short runs won't be helping, try taking a longer route to work occasionally!

Edit: as Dallan says.

Edited 25 March, 201115 yr by BigC

Ok, clearly should have searched before posting (and dropping the car off at Skoda on the way to work!!) So, would there normally be a DPF light on if it’s regenerating or not?

When an active DPF regen is taking place the DPF light does not come on as the DPF is working normally and doesn't need you to change your driving style to assist with the regen. The DPF light only comes on when the active regen fails and the ECU needs you to drive the car at constant speed of about 3000 rpm to help it regen the DPF.

Yep sounds like regen , I have never had the light come on in ours in 70,000 miles

When an active DPF regen is taking place the DPF light does not come on as the DPF is working normally and doesn't need you to change your driving style to assist with the regen. The DPF light only comes on when the active regen fails and the ECU needs you to drive the car at constant speed of about 3000 rpm to help it regen the DPF.

That's what I tried to tell Skoda over the phone but they insisted the light would come on. In the end I agreed with them that they would check the car today at some point with the computer. If it was the DPF regenerating then there would be no charge. If it's something else, then I pay for the diagnostics. Fair enough.