Hi people,

I have just purchased a 2001 Fabia 1.4mpi estate and need alittle help with a few issues that are present at the moment . Nothing to drastic but a few minor niggles which need to be sorted out.

1. The rear tail gate (estate) does not lift up enough to disengage its self from the locking mech when the tail gate release handle is pulled. Should there be a spring or is it the gas struts which should lift it up enough so i can open it when i have released it. At the moment i pull the release handle and the tail gate has not release enough to allow it to be opened up.

2. The car had or still has a Meta alarm system on it but the previous owner said the imobiliser was giving an intermmitant fault so it has been disconnected. The central locking will not work now (although i am not sure if it has it) and the imobiliser will not work now.

I have read that the Meta alarm is a purpose made one for the Fabia or Skoda models in general. Does any body now any thing about these alarms.

Ideally I would like to have it reconnected and tested to see if it works or not do you know any where or body that can help.

Or I would like to get rid of it and go back to the standard set up what ever that is.

Any Ideas about these alarms and Fabia fitment ?

3. The engine seems to have a slightly erratic idle and seems to hold back a little when one puts ones foot down. There is also a slight noise coming from the engine like a slight metallic rattle, its hard to say exactly but it sounds not quite right. Any ideas?

4. The water temp gauge takes an age to move and when it does it only moves to midway between half and a quarter markings. Is this normal as i did not get a hand book so cant look.

The engine does warm up though.

Just a few minor niggles.

Thanks

1. should be a case of pull lever inside car, then go to rear of car and pull tailgate upwards - at some point the gas struts will slowly lift the tailgate upwards.

2. A classic trim or model based on classic trim such as Silverline or Blackline would not have central locking as standard.

As for the alarm I know little about them - unusual there's mention of immobiliser being involved as this is integrated into the dash panel. I doubt Skoda would fit an aftermarket immobiliser in addition to the standard one. To be fair, if you want an alarm you're probably best getting another model installed, like a Viper 1002.

3. An unusual idle, with the car shaking, is normal for the 1.4 mpi 8v. Word on here is that the idle is kept low to meet emissions legislation which means it is near stalling.

The metallic rattle is likely to be the timing chain wearing loose. This occurs generally on highish miles. Noise itself isn't an issue but it is likely to get louder over time, and may affect running at some future point.

4. It is unfortunately normal for 1.4mpi thermostats to fail. They break internally. You'll probably need to replace the whole thermostat housing. To check, when engine is stone cold, remove temp sender and stick finger in - if you can move the thermostat there's the problem.