Hi, I've owned a '98 Octavia estate 1.9 tdi for the last three years with few problems. Really appreciate the 70 plus mpg it gives with current diesel prices.

I've never had a working remote and the sometimes the driver's door key operates all the doors or only the driver's. Also if the passenger door is unlocked first it opens all the windows.

I got home after a week's holiday yesterday evening and shortly after the central locking started to go off (auto lock). I can't find a way to stop or cure it. Often it is quicker than I can unlock and open the door. I took out the central locking fuse and it had no effect. It has continued to operate all night and this morning, although it isn't so frequent.

Can any one offer some advise on what to do?

Also, probably as a result of trying to open the door from the inside when the doors were locked, the inside door handle no longer functions. Is this a difficult fix?. My first problem was finding that they use torx screw heads on some of the bolt.

Not happy as my wife's Fabia is waiting for an MoT and she needs it for work.

The Octavia is due for new cam belts. Can anyone recommend a repairer in SW London/ NE Surrey to do this work?

Finally it has done 108,000 miles. Should I consider replacing the clutch? Is there a way of identifying how much wear is left? I only do 2- 3,000 miles per year in it.

I had a problem something like this but the other way round where I couldn't lock the thing, OT the end it turned out to be a dodgy rear door lock unit? May be the same but I wouldn't really know how to check it.

With regards to the clutch as long as its working fine, no slippage and the bite point isn't right at the top I would leave it, I've seen one of these diesel engines do over 150k on the same clutch in a seat Toledo.

I had a problem something like this but the other way round where I couldn't lock the thing, OT the end it turned out to be a dodgy rear door lock unit? May be the same but I wouldn't really know how to check it.

With regards to the clutch as long as its working fine, no slippage and the bite point isn't right at the top I would leave it, I've seen one of these diesel engines do over 150k on the same clutch in a seat Toledo.

Took the outer panel off and found the lock handle hanging on by a single stand. So it is a new cable, but what on earth is the head for the retaining screws of the lock? They do not appear to be torx. Can anyone tell me what the head is and what size? I hate all these non standard (in my day) heads. I'm just getting used to Philips heads! I don't think I can replace the cable without taking it off.

The central locking seams to have improved and is not clicking away all the time now. But it is still hit or miss.