Hi, wonder if anyone can assist. I have a skoda octavia 2003 1.9 tdi. suddenly i can't start it up......tries to turn over but won't it kick in. A mate had a look in the fuel filter which is dry so he suspect the fuel pump. But to test it i need to find it does anyone know where it is located? If anyone else has had this trouble am i on the right path. by the way i have very little car knowledge!

moved to octavia section :sun:

Chances are that it doesn't have a lift pump. Which engine is it?

The three character engine code can be found on the options label under the boot carpet.

This may help

http://www.partscats.info/skoda/en/?i=cat_vag_models&brand=sk&number=81&set=90&ein=2004&f=419&hauptgr=1234567890&hg=2&grf=020125412&bf=20125&hgug=201&ug=01&parent_id=104178

i think the chatacter code is ALH........does that sound right?

i think the chatacter code is ALH........does that sound right?

Yes. ALH is a 90hp TDI VEP and does not have a lift pump in the tank. The injection pump sucks the fuel via the fuel filter.

If the fuel filter is empty then the injection pump is sucking, so either the hose connections are incorrect/loose or the intake hose is holed.

Has the fuel filter been changed recently?

no haven't changed the fuel filter, ran a bit low on fuel last week and it took 3 turns to fire up but then no problem until yesterday. so are you suggesting replacing the filter?

no haven't changed the fuel filter, ran a bit low on fuel last week and it took 3 turns to fire up but then no problem until yesterday. so are you suggesting replacing the filter?

The first thing I'd do is to fill the filter with fuel. Crank for 20s and if it doesn't start, wait 20s before cranking again. If it still doesn't start after 3 or 4 cycles, wrap a rag around injector 3 and loosen the union nut. Try cranking again.

many thanks, the wife's uncle is a retired diesel fitter i'm sure this is right up his street. I'll let you know that results