Dear all, This is my very first post, I am new to this and would be greteful for some help.

I have a Skoda Fabia vRS PD Diesel 2003 model. On very cold mornings, i.e. -1.0 and below, I start the car (once the glow plug goes out) and then leave it to run..to warm up... After about 10 minutes, the power steering light on the dash appears, so I then proceed with switching off the car and then re-starting it. On re-start, I switch the ignition on, all the dash lights appear on and off really quickly and then I attempt to turn the the key.

At this point the car attempts to turn but it does not. The dash displays go all funny and I am then unable to re-start the car. If I leave the car standing for about 20 minutes and then attempt a re-start, the car starts without any further problems.

Has anybody experienced a similar problem, In the past the power steering light has stayed on a number of times even during warm mornings and by habit I switch the car off and restart to get rid of the warning light.

I have called the AA and he says the battery is fine and charging, last year I replaced the battery..

I would be extremely greteful for some help on this matter.... Thank you in advance......

Edited 11 December, 201213 yr by Azzbo786

Did he do a Drop Test on the Battery?

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/258869-cold-weather

george

Thanks George for your comment - The AA guy did some checks on the battery and said it was fine, not sure what fine means though and not sure what a drop test is too..

I am wondering whether the actual problem is a power steering (sensor or pump itself), because after ten minutes of warming up, the power steering light appears and I cannot move the steering wheel at all and its only at this point I then go to switch off the engine and re-start it again to cause the power steering light to dispappear which in turn does not allow enough time for the battery to charge for an immediate re-start on a really cold morning... Humm.. Help!!!

The fact that you are getting warning lights on tells me that the car needs to go on a diagnostic scanner to determine the fault.

It is an Intermittent fault, will any diagnostic pick-up any previously stored codes..

vcds will pick up stored faults and with a fabia Mk 1 yoo can use vcds lite which is free and a £20 pound cable from Gendan.

I wouldn't recommend starting a diesel and let it 'warm up' stationary: The best thing to do is clear the glass, start the car, and drive straight away.

This doesn't help the main issue though, but a VCDS would be a good starting point - I have one if you're near Bristol anytime soon?

The battery earth lead (the short lead that goes from the battery negative terminal to the N/S inner wing) can also cause the problems you describe.

Dont be fooled by the fact it may look to be as good as new, they can develope a problem which causes a very high resistance under load.

The new VAG replacement is a re-designed/improved lead.

Thank you all for your comments, I really appreciate it..

Thanks Benjiman for the offer, I am based in Reading, I'll see if I can get hold of one.... once again thanks..

Silly question, where is the 16-pin diagnostic socket on a Skoda Fabia vRS...

Open the mini glove box to the right of the steering then hold the edge and move it firmly downwards so that it drops. You will then be able to see the OBD port.

behind the can cooler, / rocket launcher / ejector seat switch

right knee, look for on switch and remove the can holder its behind there

More sensible / timely explanation above

Edited 11 December, 201213 yr by Binzie