Hi, Hop-e someone can offer some advice here. I've a 2003 Octavia Elegance Estate, 1.9tdi non pd. ASZ engine.

Couple of days ago it just wouldnt turn over, could hear relay click but nothing else. Then a moment later I turned the key again & it turned & fired ok.

Since then i get in it not knowing if it'll start or not. Sometimes it'll go straight away & other times it take returning to the car a few times & keep trying till it goes.

When it doesnt go, it doesnt try to turn over, just clicks like battery is dead. Battery checked ok.....

Where do you think I should start.... connection somewhere? Immobiliser? starter motor?

Is this a common fault?

Thanks guys

Sticking stater motor would be my guess. Remove the start motor and clean it up, it is more common on the petrols for it not to retract quickly enough after starting the car, but sounds like your never engages with the flywheel and thus never spins to start the old girl up.

I would first check that you do not have intermittent connection to the solenoid. If you can't see anything physically wrong then wire a small 12V bulb to the small spade connector and the other side of the bulb to a good ground connection point. Make the wires long enough so you can see the bulb when you operate the key switch. It will light when you turn the key to start if the connection is good. If not, check for breaks in the wiring and any connectors in the loom.