Hi All,

I'm new and not much good with forums and cars. So don't be too harsh on me if I ask stupid questions.  Looking for someone with a big heart to help me out. And hopefully does not use too much motor tech language. i.e keep it simple for a simpleton such as I.

 

My Question Is:

I have a Skoda Fabia 1.4 16v petrol year 2000. Its a great car. However, just like some people, it has let me down. The Speedometer Is Not Functioning.

 

I have a couple of car ramps coming and planning to drive it on them and have a look. Apparently  the cable is somewhere near the oil filter at the front of the engine.

 

The question is: 

1)  Is it an easy task for an idiot to do?

2)  Will I need a new cable and should I order one before I start?

3)  Do I just remove the cable from the oil filter location and insert a new one?

4) Or just take out put some oil on and fit it back in?

 

All help will be mush appreciated. Planning to have a go this weekend.

 

Many thanks for you time,

Your Kit

Be very careful using ramps for the first time, they will slide away from the car as you drive up them, very dangerous.

 

DB.

It's worse than that (or can be). I used to have a pair of ramps, and got rid years ago because modern cars don't have enough ramp angle to climb them.

They are normally mounted on the top.

Becareful

Are you talking about a mechanical cable or electrical?

 

I think the Fabia has an electronic speedo driven by a gearbox sensor.

 

Could be the sensor that is caput?

 

Had a similar problem on a Pug 306 and I replaced the sensor.

 

They are normally on top of the box.

 

Phil

Dear Phil-E 

 

Skoda Speedo Prob 1.4 16v Petrol 2000

 

Many thanks for your prompt reply. Much appreciated.

 

 

''Are you talking about a mechanical cable or electrical?''

 

That is a very good question. When it comes to mechanics I am a virgin. When I move off in the car the speedo needle moves slowly to about 20mph and then comes to rest a zero and stays at that position plus the recorded miles clock, 45,000,  does not move.

 

'' I think the Fabia has an electronic speedo driven by a gearbox sensor.''

 

Do you know if this is located at or near the oil filter. The Skoda manual, which is not very helpful on this matter, seems to suggest can your wiser head move me further on this point

 

''Could be the sensor that is caput?''

 

Maybe? is it just a matter of pulling it out (when found)  and fitting a new one?  

 

When it comes to cars I have a very simple mind so hopeing for a simple answer - is that asking too much.

 

I'm a little scared to take it to garage for repair as I fear the garage my rip me off. I do live in Rip-Off-Britain.

 

Any ideas how much they would charge? 

 

Once again many thanks for your help, 

 

Yours KitFabia

 

Dear Phil,

Many thanks for your prompt reply. Much appreciated.


''Are you talking about a mechanical cable or electrical?''

That is a very good question. When it comes to mechanics I am a virgin. When I move off in the car the speedo needle moves slowly to about 20mph and then comes to rest a zero and stays at that position plus the recorded miles clock, 45,000, does not move.

'' I think the Fabia has an electronic speedo driven by a gearbox sensor.''

Do you know if this is located at or near the oil filter. The Skoda manual, which is not very helpful on this matter, seems to suggest can your wiser head move me further on this point

''Could be the sensor that is caput?''

Maybe? is it just a matter of pulling it out (when found) and fitting a new one?

When it comes to cars I have a very simple mind so hopeing for a simple answer - is that asking too much.

I'm a little scared to take it to garage for repair as I fear the garage my rip me off. I do live in Rip-Off-Britain.

Any ideas how much they would charge?

Once again many thanks for your help,

Yours KitFabia

 

 

All the Fabia's are electronic for the speedo, most use a sensor that is on the rear of the gearbox but I would try to find a friendly garage to read the fault codes first as it could also be a wiring fault or faulty speedo itself. Most likely is the speed sensor but are there any warning lights on the dash at all?

All the Fabia's are electronic for the speedo, most use a sensor that is on the rear of the gearbox but I would try to find a friendly garage to read the fault codes first as it could also be a wiring fault or faulty speedo itself. Most likely is the speed sensor but are there any warning lights on the dash at all?

Many thanks Felica  for your time.  Yes there is a light. The little engine icon which seems to cover a number of things. Codes? can I get a code reader myself?  I would like to get my head around this problem so that I'm not riped off at the garage. The  fault code reader seems, to me, to be licence to print money, but for others.  A Skoda Fabia book that I have seems to suggest that the sensor is at the front of the engine near the oil filter. Are you suggesting that may not be the case. 

 

So if it is at that location do I just get a spanner out and pull it out and fit a new one. Or is it Rocket science?

 

Once again many thanks,

 

KitFabia

Are you talking about a mechanical cable or electrical?

 

I think the Fabia has an electronic speedo driven by a gearbox sensor.

 

Could be the sensor that is caput?

 

Had a similar problem on a Pug 306 and I replaced the sensor.

 

They are normally on top of the box.

 

Phil

 

Dear Phil,

Many thanks for your prompt reply. Much appreciated.

''Are you talking about a mechanical cable or electrical?''

That is a very good question. When it comes to mechanics I am a virgin. When I move off in the car the speedo needle moves slowly to about 20mph and then comes to rest a zero and stays at that position plus the recorded miles clock, 45,000, does not move.

'' I think the Fabia has an electronic speedo driven by a gearbox sensor.''

Do you know if this is located at or near the oil filter. The Skoda manual, which is not very helpful on this matter, seems to suggest can your wiser head move me further on this point

''Could be the sensor that is caput?''

Maybe? is it just a matter of pulling it out (when found) and fitting a new one?

When it comes to cars I have a very simple mind so hopeing for a simple answer - is that asking too much.

I'm a little scared to take it to garage for repair as I fear the garage my rip me off. I do live in Rip-Off-Britain.

Any ideas how much they would charge?

Once again many thanks for your help,

Yours KitFabia

No the sensor is definatly at the rear of the gearbox see pic attached.

for a cheap code reader this one is ok

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VS450-Audi-VW-Volkswagen-VAG-Code-Reader-Diagnostic-Scanner-Com-Reset-Airbag-ABS-/221150376718?pt=UK_Diagnostic_Tools_Equipment&hash=item337d96f30e

I have one myself to save getting the laptop fired up everytime a customer comes in with a management light on

.

No the sensor is definatly at the rear of the gearbox see pic attached.

for a cheap code reader this one is ok

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VS450-Audi-VW-Volkswagen-VAG-Code-Reader-Diagnostic-Scanner-Com-Reset-Airbag-ABS-/221150376718?pt=UK_Diagnostic_Tools_Equipment&hash=item337d96f30e

I have one myself to save getting the laptop fired up everytime a customer comes in with a management light on

.

Dear felicia16,

 

Thanks for reply and photo plus ebay item.

 

I have a Haynes Skoda Workshop Manual. Mainly to help carry out simple tasks. I cannot see the item you refer to in the picture. My Skoda is a 1.4 16v fabia 2000. Do I presume you are referring to my car?

 

Where is the gear box? ( I'm amazed I cannot see this information in the manual) Can it be seen from the top or must it be viewed from the bottom? 

 

Standing at the front of the car adjacent to number plate and Looking down from the top with bonnet up: is it to the left, right, top or bottom near bonnet catch?  And looking up from underneath is it left, right, top or bottom near number place?

 

Have tried that link you sent but cannot get the item to come it in ebay. 

 

Is this, once the correct place is found,  a straight forward task?

 

If and when I find the code what will that achieve?

 

Once again a big thank you for your time

 

Yours KitFabia

No the sensor is definatly at the rear of the gearbox see pic attached.

for a cheap code reader this one is ok

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VS450-Audi-VW-Volkswagen-VAG-Code-Reader-Diagnostic-Scanner-Com-Reset-Airbag-ABS-/221150376718?pt=UK_Diagnostic_Tools_Equipment&hash=item337d96f30e

I have one myself to save getting the laptop fired up everytime a customer comes in with a management light on

.

Dear felicia16v,

 

Would you like to reconsider this item number again http://www.ebay.co.u...=item337d96f30e. Or were you have a laugh at my expense? I don't really mind I do have an excellent sense of humour. Look forward to hearing from you again, Yours Kitfabia

err it is a fault code reader for vw based cars, like the skoda is.

to be honest here , if you don't know where the gearbox is I really do not think you are going to fix this yourself, no offence like.