Hello,

I own a MK 1 Fabia 1.4 16v in mint condition, It has full service history and 60k on the clock.

I've had it for three months and now some issues have popped up.

Firstly there is a distinct squeak coming from the front passenger side, sound like a rubber of some sort. It's very annoying and I'm not sure how to stop it. It's definitely not the suspension because when pressed down upon it doesn't make a sound. The squeak only occurs on some bumps but not all.

Secondly the headlights flicker, sometimes so badly that other drivers think I'm flashing them to let them out of a junction. The dashboard backlighting also flashes in sync with the headlights. I have suspicions that the flashing is caused by a flat metal square (possibly ECU) in the engine bay directly behind the glovebox. This square makes an awful racket similar to a computer attempting to read a scratched cd. The noise it makes can be heard from inside and outside the car. The flashing of the lights is in sync with this square, whatever it is. If anyone knows what this square is or has experienced similar problems, I would be grateful if you old help me out.

The engine management dashboard light has come on. The cars performance isn't affected whatsoever. I'm certain that there is nothing wrong with the engine because it sounds and runs perfectly and also, having sifted through the mot and service history paperwork, the car has had absolutely nothing wrong with it at all!

Occasionally, when pulling away using the handbrake, the handbrake light will flash along with a beeping sound. I think it is trying to tell me that the handbrake is still on, which I assure you isn't the case. The light goes away after driving over a bump or fiddling with the handbrake.

I'm pretty sure that the car has some kind of electrical fault, but I could be wrong.

Thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy post, I'm not hoping for miracles, but if anyone has had any of these issues and fixed them or has any information at all, I would be very great full if you could share it with me.

Thanks again,

Sam

Hello,

I own a MK 1 Fabia 1.4 16v in mint condition, It has full service history and 60k on the clock.

I've had it for three months and now some issues have popped up.

Firstly there is a distinct squeak coming from the front passenger side, sound like a rubber of some sort. It's very annoying and I'm not sure how to stop it. It's definitely not the suspension because when pressed down upon it doesn't make a sound. The squeak only occurs on some bumps but not all.

Secondly the headlights flicker, sometimes so badly that other drivers think I'm flashing them to let them out of a junction. The dashboard backlighting also flashes in sync with the headlights. I have suspicions that the flashing is caused by a flat metal square (possibly ECU) in the engine bay directly behind the glovebox. This square makes an awful racket similar to a computer attempting to read a scratched cd. The noise it makes can be heard from inside and outside the car. The flashing of the lights is in sync with this square, whatever it is. If anyone knows what this square is or has experienced similar problems, I would be grateful if you old help me out.

The engine management dashboard light has come on. The cars performance isn't affected whatsoever. I'm certain that there is nothing wrong with the engine because it sounds and runs perfectly and also, having sifted through the mot and service history paperwork, the car has had absolutely nothing wrong with it at all!

Occasionally, when pulling away using the handbrake, the handbrake light will flash along with a beeping sound. I think it is trying to tell me that the handbrake is still on, which I assure you isn't the case. The light goes away after driving over a bump or fiddling with the handbrake.

I'm pretty sure that the car has some kind of electrical fault, but I could be wrong.

Thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy post, I'm not hoping for miracles, but if anyone has had any of these issues and fixed them or has any information at all, I would be very great full if you could share it with me.

Thanks again,

Sam

1) It is the suspension, and it's almost certainly the console bushes allowing the wishbone to move fore and aft as you hit bumps, pushing down will not detect it.

2) That is the ECU, it should be firmly attached to a plastic frame, however this frame often breaks because it's brittle plastic, use big zip ties to secure it properly so it can't move.

3) CEL needs diagnosis using VCDS or similar.

4) Handbrake light switch is sticking, take it out and replace it or use WD40 to stop it sticking.

Do these things and report back.

The flashing etc sounds like a bad earth to me.