Hi,

I’ve got an Octavia Mk2 PD2.0 (no DPF) with 25K miles on the clock.

 

Car starts easily (and first time) if the engine is either stone cold or at normal temperature. However it can appear hesitant to start if the engine is luke warm. Once started the engine always runs perfectly.

 

This happens only very intermittently. But twice on the past 6 weeks I have had to be rescued by the AA. Both times the engine would not even attempt to fire. The AA mechanics said that there were no fault codes. First time he AA managed to start the engine – it had been standing for over an hour waiting for the patrol and I think that by then the engine was stone cold. He was unable to provide a diagnosis.

 

There was no fault code on the second breakdown either. This time the engine eventually started after he squirted in some Easy Start. He suggested that it may be the EGR at fault.

 

I’ve now had several visits to the Skoda dealers to investigate the problem . Of course it starts OK whilst at the dealers and they confirm no fault codes are present. They don’t think it can be the EGR – the problem is too inconsistent and the engine runs just fine once started.

 

They have tried all sorts of things but appear to be stumped.

 

I just can’t trust the car. I’m clutching at straws but has anybody got any suggestions?

Thanks

I get problems with my VRS PD starting on occasions, its been quite a common theme on here and various VW and Audi forums with the 2.0 PD engine, I end up cranking mine for what seems like forever and eventually it will fire up and run lumpy for a bit then its fine.. yet sometimes i can come out at 1 degree above zero and it will start first time.. seems to be luck of the draw with these engines but when it does happen just keep cranking!! it seems wrong to do it and almost like the engine will blow up or something but they do eventually work and it may not happen again for a month, maybe even 2!! 

 

Do a search on here for PD cold start problems.. I think you will find a lot of people having issues, and although not directly related to your problem as you say it doesnt happen when cold, I would bet that they are related and as yet I dont think anyone has find a solid answer..

 

Not sure if these engines are supposed to log faults if you have a glow plug issue but im considering getting mine replaced, however I believe another member on this forum tried it and made no difference..

 

Try looking here to start

 

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/189502-cold-start-problems-with-a-pd-tdi-170/

Could it be a dodgy temperature sensor?

Could it be a dodgy temperature sensor?

 

I hope so!

 

Funnily enough I have just arranged for yet another trip to the garage for tomorrow. They are going to give the battery a full work out and check how quickly it recovers/recharges - previous test have not indicated any problems but they feel its worth another check. Anyway if the battery/alternator passes muster they then plan to change the temp sensor.

 

Fingers crossed.

Dodgy temperature sensor, or as happened to my old 2.0 PD140 Superb MK2 it was the camshaft position sensor outputting rubbish confusing the ECU.

When the camshaft sensor is dying it can confuse the ECU by sending out wrong information but not log a fault on VCDS, eventually the car will failover to just using the crankshaft sensor instead of both to estimate the timing position. As a result the car will crank for a LONG time, several times it took the Superb more than 30 seconds of cranking before the engine fired. After replacing the camshaft sensor it was perfect again, I replaced it myself in about 1hr 20 mins.

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/221139-camshaft-position-sensor-part-number-request/

I had a similar issue with mine, although mine is the 1.9 PD. It would start no problem when cold, but when warm the engine would sometimes fail to catch and would make a hell of a rumbling sound before it cut out.

And my problem was the battery! Is yours on the original one? The factory fitted batteries are known for not being too robust and as yours is approximately five years old, it may well be worth changing the battery and see how you get on.

There are plenty of threads on here about hot starting problems & batteries.

Hope this helps & good luck.

Edited 10 February, 201412 yr by flying pig

Dodgy temperature sensor, or as happened to my old 2.0 PD140 Superb MK2 it was the camshaft position sensor outputting rubbish confusing the ECU.

When the camshaft sensor is dying it can confuse the ECU by sending out wrong information but not log a fault on VCDS, eventually the car will failover to just using the crankshaft sensor instead of both to estimate the timing position. As a result the car will crank for a LONG time, several times it took the Superb more than 30 seconds of cranking before the engine fired. After replacing the camshaft sensor it was perfect again, I replaced it myself in about 1hr 20 mins.

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/221139-camshaft-position-sensor-part-number-request/

 

Well it was in the garage this morning for investigation and lo and  behold a fault code has now appeared (12295)! I'm told the camshaft position sensor requires replacement. 

 

Still does not explain to me why the starting problem only seemed to happen when the engine was slightly warm and that cold/hot starts seemed to be OK. Coincidence?

 

They are changing the temp sensor whilst they are at it as a precautionary measure.

 

Still on the original battery (4+ years old) but that seems to test out OK.

 

Many thanks for all your suggestions. Much appreciated.

Hi have mk2 octavia 332684 on the clock it's a taxi. Starts great cold but it takes a good 6,7,8 times to fire when warm. Iv had my battery tested and it's still got enough in it to start (so the guy said). Iv changed my fuel filter just incase. But it's still not firing.

My mechanic seems to think it's the fuel pump but I don't want to throw money at it if he only thinks.

Can anyone try and shed a light on what the fault might be.

Cheers

I'd be checking the cam or crankshaft sensor first, much cheaper than a fuel pump and surely that would cause other issues not just starting ones.

My guess would be the starter motor, a very common cause of poor hot starting (despite perfect cold starting) on these.