Have an 08 plate Skoda Octavia VRS tdi which intermittently refuses to start again after running. It's getting more common and, having had it back to the garage about 5 times, am starting to think they don't have any more clue what's up with it than I do. Their latest theory is that it's the cam shaft sensor and they want to charge me £90 to replace that. I'm no mechanic but would a cam shaft sensor error allow the engine to turn over but prevent it from 'catching' to start? Anyone with any experience in this area? Bloody car's only been with us 10 weeks :/ The slightly bizarre aspect is that once it finally fires after it refuses to start, the cruise control then wont work that trip but nothing else seems to be affected.

Very grateful for any suggestions/advice cos it's a real bugbear on an otherwise fab car!!

~Furjen

Bump!

There have been a few posts relating to hot starting issues. When I bought my Octavia just over a year ago, it too developed a hot starting issue.

This manifested itself in the following way. When cold, the car started perfectly, however if the car had been driven for any great distance, parked and then started again it would fail to start. The engine would shudder and would make a hell of a thumping noise.

And the problem? It was the battery. Apparently, a warm engine requires more power to start than a cold engine. I changed the battery and all has been well. Also, a tired starter motor can also present the same symptoms.

I see your car is an 08 plate. Apparently batteries are only good for four years.

As for your cruise control problem, I'm afraid I can't assist with that one. I'd try the battery first, before you go down the route of changing sensors.

Good luck, hope you get it sorted.

FP

Hi furgenmex,

Having exactly the same problem with my 56 L & K I was wondering if you tried the battery idea and did it work?

Not having bought a battery for awhile I would think it is a bit of an expensive 'suck it and see' option?

Thanks.

Do you have jump leads and access to a second car? If so, try attaching the other battery to give a boost when this happens. If it still fails to start easily you know it is not the battery.