Bi-Skoda Household - got my Fabia!

The eagle eyed would have noticed that I registered a while back when we got our Octavia and haven't been around much until now. Apart from a surprise clutch replacement after a few weeks and a little suspension work under warranty during first service, it's been delightfully reliable so haven't had many questions! Well my old Passat was being a nuisance so I ditched it and found myself a 2003 Fabia Elegance 2.0 MPI (I was swithering between it and a 1.4 MPI or 1.2 HTP but glad I got the 2.0).

Looks pretty good for the age I think, will stick a photo up once I get it washed/waxed. There are a few niggles, none of which make it undriveable and a few of them I'm happy enough I know I can sort or have found some good guides on here for. Others will probably need a pro or I'll at least need a hand with.

Maybe I could get a bit of help with these problems and fault codes?

Temp gauge has failed suddenly, had a look at fault codes and found this:

P0116 Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Range/Performance Problem (Pending)

From what I've read in the thread in Technical Guides, assume it's the coolant temp sensor so will see about replacing that and maybe the thermostat. I know the 2.0 8V isn't a common engine though, is the sensor/thermostat located somewhere obvious? Any coolant draining needed?

Fuel gauge/range doesn't work, found this fault code related to fuel/evaporative control system:

P0445 Evaporative Emission Control System Purge Control Valve Circuit Shorted

Jammed/bad solenoid in the valve? Bit beyond my ken this, but can get a mechanic in the family to help if that's the cause (or stick it in to the auto spark if I have to), but where is this located roughly and how is it to replace?

Also idle can be a little bouncy (sits around 900 but moves a bit more than I'd expect) and have had a couple of difficult starts from warm. Don't know if that's related to the above or not. Other bits and pieces like new aerial (another great guide), swapping in my head unit etc I'm confident enough doing.

Great to drive though, good fun!

Edited 9 December, 201312 yr by seaweasel