Look at what I've spent on parts so far- I have no spare cash for a remap currently! when the time is right she's going to JKM in Portsmouth. First for a new exhaust. Second for a remap. I'll nip to the garage nearby if I get time tomorrow.

This full-time job lark leaves you with very little spare time doesn't it?

I can't really add much Vlad other than ignition switch faults have been linked to headlight problems, and replacing the ignition switch cured both. Some say when this fault occurs the car may start fine if you switch the lights on first. Although if your problem is just one light, perhaps it is less likely to be this 'issue' anyway.

What about putting a multi meter on the starter and see if any juice is getting to it when you turn the key? If it is then it could be a sticky selinoid if there isn't then its something todo with igniton system such as the ignition switch

I can't really add much Vlad other than ignition switch faults have been linked to headlight problems, and replacing the ignition switch cured both. Some say when this fault occurs the car may start fine if you switch the lights on first. Although if your problem is just one light, perhaps it is less likely to be this 'issue' anyway.

If it's relatively inexpensive, generally I'll deem it's 'worth a shot'. thanks for your input on the matter, will have a look into ignition switch costs.

What about putting a multi meter on the starter and see if any juice is getting to it when you turn the key? If it is then it could be a sticky selinoid if there isn't then its something todo with igniton system such as the ignition switch

Raf- that could actually work... need to buy a multimeter now. :p

Oh, and, thanks everyone for potential diagnosis. This is by far the most useful forum for technical questions I've encountered!

Oh, and, thanks everyone for potential diagnosis. This is by far the most useful forum for technical questions I've encountered!

Skoda drivers are a special type of person... we like to be hands on and understand what is going on. Otherwise we would be spending all our money on garages (like most other less technically minded car owners) to get things fixed rather than mods for our polished motors

Indeed!

Well, I ran it round to the local mech tonight at the same time I took one of the work vans round- we're good customers... (the joys of running a Vauxhall Combo, VW Transporter, and a shonky Espace!).

The mech listened politely, gave a speculative diagnosis of the ignition switch, came out, had a go and confirmed it. Apparently it's an extremely common problem with VW Transporters that sport the 1.9 TDi engine too.

New one to be ordered...

Another interesting thing is that the fault code reader he plugged in threw up a CTS error- despite the glow plug light going out instantly and the car getting up to temperature quickly. Is this just because I haven't cleared any faults since changing the sensor over? Or is it just **** and masquerading to work? :p

Could be due to not clearing it, I would clear it and leave it for a week or so and see if it comes back

I don't know how to clear it... I'm so rubbish. :(

You need VAGCOM/VCDS or a hand-held fault code reader to reset the fault codes (or one of those rather evil Liquid Gauge things).

Did your mechanic bloke clear the codes after reading them? As for the CTS, it might be duff ;-) They have 2 outputs - one to the ECU and one to the gauge on the dash. If you happen to be down in Wey at the weekend I'll do it for you - afraid I don't have nay plans to venture more north than Dorchester though....

Haha! No, he didn't clear them. But I'm sure something could be arranged!

As far as going that far down... we're on the island this weekend! I'll have some free time over Christmas I t'ink. Been working around your way lately- Amesbury, Bridport and Frome, to name but a few.

Amesbury is where my office is - I'll be up there next week (Mon, Tue & Thur) and part of the following week (Mon & Wed, iirc) if that helps

Ignition switch, the power of google based guesswork.

Amesbury is where my office is - I'll be up there next week (Mon, Tue & Thur) and part of the following week (Mon & Wed, iirc) if that helps

My work isn't exactly the sociable kind- let's put it this way, my 'office' is typically housing estates, either in the pre-development, partly built or as-built stages... yep, I'm a surveyor...

However, I'll try and find time over Christmas for a visit. If you've not visited, check out Clive's Kitchen, just near the humungous new build (Archer's Gate..?) in Amesbury. Oh. My. Days!

And Kandy- I did actually search a large part of the forum before I asked! Just didn't find anything relating to the switch, although I had my doubts... just wanted confirmation, obvs.

However, I'll try and find time over Christmas for a visit. If you've not visited, check out Clive's Kitchen, just near the humungous new build (Archer's Gate..?) in Amesbury. Oh. My. Days!

haha, I know Archers Gate. I expect most of the buildings have blown down now :-) Can't say I know of Clive's Kitchen. I did go to the new pub the other day.... reasonable food, just a bit slow at service.

I work the other-side of the fence which says that photography is banned.... :peek:

Edited 8 December, 201114 yr by mbames

Ah, I know where you mean... where there's LOTS of interesting machinery taking off on a regular basis..!!

Hats off!

Ah, I know where you mean... where there's LOTS of interesting machinery taking off on a regular basis..!!

Hats off!

Yep, that is the place.. most of it lands again, although ETPS do have a habit of breaking things with their engine-off landings

Once upon a time there used to be lots more activity there....

We were doing the surveying of the as-built (manholes, kerb lines, etc for council) last week and were treated to some awesome sights- Apache going in and coming out, a couple of Gazelles and, most notably, a fair few Typhoons disappearing. One had a very, very fancy takeoff- straight up into the heavens, with a little bit of corkscrewing... show-off.

Either way, lovely part of the world and I'm sure I'll be back soon. Liphook today. By Christ, freezing.

Just to clear this up- it was eventually the ignition switch. Thanks to Kandy for your unexpectedly accurate diagnosis.

Another £80ish later, the car does actually start! Yay!

Now onto the Xenon...

Nice one... a solution for the memory bank!

Well done Sam! Glad you got it sorted. Now get on with enjoying your Octy!

Well done Sam! Glad you got it sorted. Now get on with enjoying your Octy!

Just try not to crash it with your dodgy headlights

Just try not to crash it with your dodgy headlights

Martin- thank you.

Matthew- go away.

I WILL get that Xenon sorted! I have to say it's working a lot more now than it has done in the past, since I've taken the lights off twice and checked connections... still not always a dead cert though. Two days consistently now though! C'MON!!!

Matthew- go away.

<moves quickly out of the way>