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weird throttle/power issue

richk
in Skoda Fabia Mk2 (2007-2014)

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my wife's 08 1.2 (12V) fabia has a really strange power issue. she drives about 30-40 mins to work, and just as she is getting there, the engine light comes on (epc). when driving its like the throttle suddenly cuts out, then about 3 seconds later it works again, then cuts out....etc etc..... sometimes it happens when the epc light isnt on (and the car drives fine sometimes when the light is on), and is more noticeable when pulling away. the fault does clear itself if left for long enough. skoda cant see the car for about 2 weeks? anyone had something similar?

cheers all :)

Yes...hi Rich! In the past I've had cars come into the workshop with just this fault. But not a Skoda I must say. However, this is something simple usually and could be down to a loose connection to a sensor, but is most likely a fault with the fly by wire throttle control which has probably gone out to lunch. It periodically stops sending signals to the ecu. Best thing is for your garage to check the fault codes which should be there in the KAM. Please let us all know what your garage finds...it's always nice to know about these things for sure as it may help someone else. Good luck.

Edit: Just had another thought, it could also be the throttle position sensor which has been known to go on the 3 pot engine. There are some tests you can do yourself but it's best left to the dealer IMHO.

Edited by Estate Man

Yes...hi Rich! In the past I've had cars come into the workshop with just this fault. But not a Skoda I must say. However, this is something simple usually and could be down to a loose connection to a sensor, but is most likely a fault with the fly by wire throttle control which has probably gone out to lunch. It periodically stops sending signals to the ecu. Best thing is for your garage to check the fault codes which should be there in the KAM. Please let us all know what your garage finds...it's always nice to know about these things for sure as it may help someone else. Good luck.

Edit: Just had another thought, it could also be the throttle position sensor which has been known to go on the 3 pot engine. There are some tests you can do yourself but it's best left to the dealer IMHO, it could be as simple as just resetting the TPS.

  • Author

hello all, my fault code reader arrived and plugged it in. it came up with a 16955 fault, which seems to be due to brake switch? i havent checked the brake bulbs yet, but could this really cause running issues?

cheers

Yes! If the brake switch is faulty it will screw up some readings and cause running problems. It cuts off the fuel when you brake. If the ecu thinks you are braking because of a faulty switch then that could be your problem. Others on here have had this problem related to the brake switch.

  • Author

just another wee update, my wife nursed the car home this morning (after leaving work 5 mins before hand), with the same throttle issues. checked the back brakes and only the centre led one worked. found some replacement brake bulbs and cleared the fault. the engine light is now off, and the car seems to work. will have to wait till later to see if it has fully solved the power issue. cant believe some blown bulbs would cause so many problems.

would dread to think how much that would cost me to get diagnosed in a skoda garage...... love my new fault code scanner :)

just another wee update, my wife nursed the car home this morning (after leaving work 5 mins before hand), with the same throttle issues. checked the back brakes and only the centre led one worked. found some replacement brake bulbs and cleared the fault. the engine light is now off, and the car seems to work. will have to wait till later to see if it has fully solved the power issue. cant believe some blown bulbs would cause so many problems.

Based on the previous comments I could understand if the switch was faulty sending wrong signal to the ECU but really surprised if it does turn out to be as simple as the bulbs - I'm surprised too that both bulbs have failed on a car around 3 years old.

would dread to think how much that would cost me to get diagnosed in a skoda garage...... love my new fault code scanner :)

Where did you get your scanner and how much did it cost?

I got one that hooked up to my laptop for my year 2000 Audi from eBay direct from Hong Kong for under £20.

Premature bulb failure is often down to driving technique. Bulb quality may vary to. Also many people keep their foot on the foot brake when stationary. This heats up the bulbs to super hot and burns them out much more quickly. Not saying your wife does that but it does happen. Glad you solved the problem. I guess 2 blown bulbs must send the same signal to the ecu as a faulty switch.

Edited by Estate Man

  • Author

aye, could be that! i usually use halfords bulbs (awaits the :giggle: ) just because i have a trade card, and they work out at 43p.... i bought some bosch heavy duty ones :) will keep an eye on the car over the next few months. have put a spare pack of bulbs in the car, just in case

Thanks for the link.

At the price of a few minutes of main stealer time for a standalone unit definitely worth buying.

I assume the problem has not reoccurred?

It did cross my mind if the switch was faulty so the brake lights flickering on that would dramatically shorten the bulb life as well as confusing the ECU.

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