Well to summarise what has happened. Two weeks gone last Friday my Skoda Fabia VRS (55 plate) on the way home developed a really nasty whining (possibly hissing noise), it then died on me. Unable to start the car and RAC unwilling to do much other than tow. It has ended up at a local Garage. I have used this garage for most things and has always seemed pretty reliable/good garge for common faults. This fault I feel has them stumped, they just don't want to admit it.

I think the fault has gone beyond the Garages capability.

They have done the following so far;

Checked sensor (Cam belt Sensor Fault)

Replaced Sensor

Checked Timing Belt

Disconnected intercooler (car started), loaned intercooler part, car would not start

Checked Turbo (no damage)

Checked oil pipe

Disconnected exhaust (not sure why?)

Last I spoke, they have noted that when the oil cap is removed. The car will start. So have ordered a part (oil breather pipe). Really not sure they have a clue and this is not fun when I think of the cost and real pain with getting to work it is causing.

I cannot afford to go on like this with these guys, car had enough time with them now. 3 weeks. So does anyone know a reliable, specialist in the Tyne and Wear area that can fix this issue and do Skoda's on a regular basis. Checked and nearest Skoda dealership is in Durham. Miles away, and a fair hike to tow the car. Hoping that their might be other options. If not, dealers it will go.

Contact Steve Howe at Triple H Motorsport, he is an amazing VAG specialist... Number is 0191 266 9878

There was a thread a while back if car starts up with intercooler disconnected. I think it was turbo collapsed on the exhaust housing.

Maybe techie or someone will be able to remember something

Ive used Volksparts in Meadowfield, Durham before and can recommend them

There was a thread a while back if car starts up with intercooler disconnected. I think it was turbo collapsed on the exhaust housing.

Maybe techie or someone will be able to remember something

That is exactly what the garage got, they disconnected the intercooler and it started. I will need to see if I can find that thread.

If you want to take your car to Carlisle then Ben Cross is fantastic with VAGs I'd never take my car anywhere else !

Thanks everyone for the suggestions, but I was preferring if possible to find somewhere in the Sunderland area if possible, Carlise is miles away. Newcastle/Durham isn't ideal, but might have to be looked into with the way things are going.

Now three weeks into the saga. Car has now been towed from the first garage to another garage, second garage has had the car since last Wednesday. Rang today and they still haven't even looked at the car. What a joke! :(

Just an update for those interested in what the problem was. It was the bearing on the turbo, it has with age rusted and sheered off, going straight through the cars turbo (word of warning, if your car makes a whining noise, switch-off and seek a garage to tow). After first two weeks with a local garage, it was towed to a garage in Shiney Row. Guys had it around two and a half weeks.

Car had the turbo rebuilt, all piping work replaced and a oil/filter change - cost of £752.

So far, second week running the car it would seem fine. Have had a few splutters in second gear, which I will get checked over when car goes in the garage. But overall, car would seem to be back to normal. Noticed no smoke from the exhaust when accerlating now, so for those of you with VRS which are spitting out smoke, be warned! Could be turbo related/could be something else haha.

Back a happy VRS driver. Planning to keep the car for another year, then trade it in after the wedding.

Edited 21 August, 201213 yr by dougiesunderland

Try mb Motorsport in hebburn he's a vag specialist he done my remap and head gasket never had a bit of bother since. He has a really good rep around the Tyne and wear area

Sorry should of really read what u just put up instead of diving in glad you got it sorted tho

Just an update for those interested in what the problem was. It was the bearing on the turbo, it has with age rusted and sheered off, going straight through the cars turbo (word of warning, if your car makes a whining noise, switch-off and seek a garage to tow). After first two weeks with a local garage, it was towed to a garage in Shiney Row. Guys had it around two and a half weeks.

Car had the turbo rebuilt, all piping work replaced and a oil/filter change - cost of £752.

So far, second week running the car it would seem fine. Have had a few splutters in second gear, which I will get checked over when car goes in the garage. But overall, car would seem to be back to normal. Noticed no smoke from the exhaust when accerlating now, so for those of you with VRS which are spitting out smoke, be warned! Could be turbo related/could be something else haha.

Back a happy VRS driver. Planning to keep the car for another year, then trade it in after the wedding.

glad you got it sorted. i was kinda on the right lines with the turbo then.

be warned i traded mine in.......... 8 months later im back on the hunt for one