Hi there, just got a Fabia (2004 1.2, with only 29000 miles).

I've noticed that occassionally it doesn't start first time. Turn key, absolutely nothing. Return key to off and do again and it starts perfectly. It runs perfectly too. It did have new battery (and MOT) a few weeks ago by old owner, and has only been driven back from garage since then. I've given it 1/2 hour run to charge battery, but given that when it doesn't start it makes no effort at all, but then subsequently starts just perfectly I'm not so sure about the battery idea. Also it seems not to start without clutch depressed (I thought that was only mandatory on later models).

Anyway off to get basic service from dealer early next week, but wanted to get a feel for what it may be if anyone has advice here...

(found this place whilst searching for stuck CD issue for which there's a couple of good threads here, and resolved now....)

Hello - Ian.

Edited 30 May, 201313 yr by bother21

Hi there, just got a Fabia (2004 1.2, with only 29000 miles).

I've noticed that occassionally it doesn't start first time. Turn key, absolutely nothing. Return key to off and do again and it starts perfectly. It runs perfectly too. It did have new battery (and MOT) a few weeks ago, and has only been driven back from garage since then. I've given it 1/2 hour run to charge battery, but given that when it doesn't start it makes no effort at all, but then subsequently starts just perfectly I'm not so sure about the battery idea. Also it seems not to start without clutch depressed (I thought that was only mandatory on later models).

Anyway off to get basic service from dealer early next week, but wanted to get a feel for what it may be if anyone has advice here...

(found this place whilst searching for stuck CD issue for which there's a couple of good threads here, and resolved now....)

Hello - Ian.

Welcome Bother21 I am sure someone will be able to answer shortly

Are you getting ignition lights when you turn the key? Do they go out when you turn it further to start but nothing happens?

Could it be a failing starter? If it wants the clutch in to start, could the strain of turning the gearbox too be pushing it past its ability?

Are you getting ignition lights when you turn the key? Do they go out when you turn it further to start but nothing happens?

Are you getting ignition lights when you turn the key? Do they go out when you turn it further to start but nothing happens?

Yes all lights come on when ignition turned on, and most go out a few seconds later. I think a couple of lights (battery) stay are supposed to stay on until started and I haven't checked whether this is the case with an attempted start.

Edited 30 May, 201313 yr by bother21

similar thing used to happen to mine (diesel), it would drive fine, but occasionally I would pull up, turn engine off for a few mins, then it wouldnt start first time, but after turning ignition off and back on again it would.

I've had a and a new cam sensor (same time as new cam belt) and later on new battery (wouldn't start in winter - now has a Bosch S4).

It no longer does this, but I cant remember if it stopped after the sensor or the battery.

Edited 30 May, 201313 yr by Thisday

Could it be a failing starter? If it wants the clutch in to start, could the strain of turning the gearbox too be pushing it past its ability?

Crossed my mind (albeit briefly) - the all or nothing nature of this issue makes me doubt it (when it wont start it seems to make no effort at all as if computer/electrical) but then they are funny things (always remember an AA man hitting one on a previous car to clear the dust (or some such thing) to get it to work again, which it did...). I like things that can be sorted by banging them (like removing stuck CDs), I don't like computers. Although 9 years old this is the most modern car I've owned

Edited 30 May, 201313 yr by bother21

I would suspect that this may be a dodgy ignition switch, but if all the lights go out when you turn the key when it doesn't start you could have an electrical problem with the starter motor-all the juice is going to ground or the starter is stuck. Is there any noise at all, like a click, when you try to start and it doesn't turn the starter?

I would suspect that this may be a dodgy ignition switch, but if all the lights go out when you turn the key when it doesn't start you could have an electrical problem with the starter motor-all the juice is going to ground or the starter is stuck. Is there any noise at all, like a click, when you try to start and it doesn't turn the starter?

Not sure about the noise on failed start, will have to recheck (when it does it next), I think there is (?)

Warming to the starter motor idea (at least it's something I can vaguely understand).

Thanks for all the responses.

Or maybe the battery earth strap which bolts to the passenger side front suspension turret, maybe needs undoing and cleaning.

If the nut/bolt gets hot after trying to start first time, then it sure needs a good clean.

DB

Sounds like an intermittent connection at the starter solenoid, check the connector for corrosion of contacts, and the wire going into it.

All good ideas, thanks.

Can't get it not to start this afternoon! .....and it now does start without clutch, perhaps edging me toward original idea of improperly charged battery. Give it more driving (I've no charger) and watch cautiously I guess for next occurence...