Hi,

I've just bought a Skoda Fabia 1.4 and last week had a full service done on it. It needed some work on the brakes which I had done.

Anyway, went to start the car the other morning and the car started but then died seconds later. I tried it again used the accelerator and still it died. Had one more go, same thing (the battery light came on each time too)

I left it all day, tried it again that night and it started and kept going with no problem. I noticed a slight squealing noise from the engine and the engine sounded a bit rough like it might cut out (but it didn't).

I've not driven it yet and intend to take it to be looked at but just wanted to know what you think it could be? I thought the battery but that was tested on the full service

Take it back and tell the garage to fix it, they may have disturbed something during the service.

Most likely immobiliser trouble if it will run for just a couple of seconds.

Most likely immobiliser trouble if it will run for just a couple of seconds.

+1

Do you see a light which looks like a car with a key under it?

Thanks for your replies.

I've tried the car again and it starts and is running without cutting out (still has squealing noise though)

When it wouldn't start the other day I did see another warning light come on (other than the battery light) but I can't remember what it was. Could the immobilizer problems be linked to the key?......the key I have seems to need a change of battery as It only worked remotely for a few days after buying it then stopped, I have been manually opening the car door since.

Thanks for your replies.

I've tried the car again and it starts and is running without cutting out (still has squealing noise though)

When it wouldn't start the other day I did see another warning light come on (other than the battery light) but I can't remember what it was. Could the immobilizer problems be linked to the key?......the key I have seems to need a change of battery as It only worked remotely for a few days after buying it then stopped, I have been manually opening the car door since.

The battery in the key is only used to power the remote central locking. It's not needed for the immo. Next time it starts and then stops, look out for the warning light.

A common cause of immo problems are the reader coil around the ignition switch or the wiring to the dash insert.

It could also be the key itself, the dash insert or the wiring between the dash insert and the ECU.