Hello,

This is my first post on here and just looking a bit of advice from those in the know. I bought a 2007 Octavia 1.9TDI (BXE) hatchback back in Dec 2012 from a dealer who agreed to fit a new clutch and flywheel when I heard it knocking when idleing after a test drive so that sold it for me.

The car has been driving well however every so often when starting I'd hear a very rough clunking and rattling from the engine for maybe a second before dying. Usually if I try again the car will start up absolutely fine with no issues and I'd be on my way.

This was happening maybe a couple of times a month when I got the car and thought little of it. Now however its happening much more often and yesterday and today it took about 4 attempts at starting. Each time giving a rough rumble and clunking before dying out. It usually happens when the car is warm i.e after nipping into a shop or collecting the young lad from the childminders. When it does start it runs perfectly smooth.

A friend mentioned that his Ford focus was doing this before his flywheel failed taking the starter with it and thats very worrying. If the teeth on my flywheel and starter were worn or broken then that may explain the intermittent problem I have. If it is my flywheel then surely its far too early for a failure (assuming the dealer put a new one in and not something he got from a breakers yard). The clutch is not slipping or juddering on take-off but the pedal does feel a bit notchey or rough near the bottom.

So any ideas on what could be going wrong would be greatly appreciated. Is this typical of a flywheel issue or maybe a timing problem? (my 3 month dealer warranty is up by the way so could be costly).

Cheers

Dave

Hello mate,

Does this only happen when the engine is warm? I had exactly the same problem and you'll be pleased to know that it was a very simple fix.

It was the battery! Sounds bizarre I know, however when the engine is warm, it requires more juice from the battery than when the engine is cold. There is a technical explanation, which if you search the forum I'm sure you'll find. I can't remember I'm afraid.

I too was getting a terrible rumble & thump before the engine cut out. I notice that your car is a 2007. If its on its original battery, it's probably coming to the end of its natural life. It won't show any fault codes either.

If not the battery, the starter motor can cause these symptoms as well. I'd start with the battery first and see where you go from there.

Weak batteries, especially on the Octavia can throw up all sorts of bizarre problems, not only what you're experiencing at the moment.

Best wishes & good luck.

FP

Flying Pig,

This does indeed sound bizarre, but funny enough my battery may be on its way out. The day I went to view the car the battery was totally flat and needed a booser cable to start- dealer said the car was getting cleaned all day and the interior lights may have drained it. If I dont use the car for maybe 2 or 3 days the battery just about has enough juice to get it started.

As far as I remember the rough starting is when the engine is warm. I dont think its ever happened first thing in the morning.

A new battery is definitly worth trying first so thank you for the advice. I'll let you know if it cures the problem.

Dave

Dave,

I'd put my shirt on it being the battery. Like you, I was fearing a problem with the DMF. I have a 50 mile commute to and from work. The car would start fine in work and then I'd drive home. I'd park the car for a few minutes whilst I moved my wife's car off the driveway and upon starting it, I was faced with the same symptoms as you.

After a bit of digging on here, I came across a thread mentioning the battery scenario.

I changed the battery and touch wood, it's never done it since. That was about twelve months ago.

Let me know how you get on.

Good luck

Dave.

I'd have a tenner on the battery too.