My friend is having a problem with his Fabia SDI. It's a 2001 model with 101,000 miles. Battery seems fine, radio plays, lights all work etc. When he puts his key in the ignition and turns it, the engine makes a small attempt at turning over (for a not even one second) then stops. The dash display (clock/mileage etc) goes blank...although the radio/lights etc all electrical bits continue to work.

The car has been serviced every year...although it's now due a service. I told him he should have had the timing belt replaced last year (it was last done in 2006) so that's something that does need sorted. Unless it's too late for him?

Anyone have any idea what the problem might be?

To be honest, sounds like the battery on it's way out. Try jump starting it. There is a possibility that the starter motor has a fault and is drawing more current than is available which will blank the dash. You say the lights etc still work, I take it that is not when you are trying to crank the engine.

He tried to jump start it but it did the same thing. Radio continued to work throughout :-/ Lights were turned on after trying to start the engine - new battery was installed less than six months ago. :-S

Is the glow plug light coming on when ignition turned on and starting not attempted until it goes out? The car should start on the first turn of the engine. Is the starter motor actually turning the engine?