Visited a customer tonight luckily in the same village (only 400m from where I live), when I tried to start the car all warning lights came on and stayed on (glow plug light etc)

 

When the start motor was engaged it kept on turning even when the key was released, so very much looking like an ignition switch problem. (also no power to the electric windows).

 

My wife is finding it all 'very amusing' as the last car she had to tow was in 2002 which was our Fabia bought new in 2000. We traded it in for a Ford after Skoda had 4 attempts to fix it.

 

Have to say, otherwise in the 14months 18600 miles the car has been great, however, as I run the car as part of my business reliability is paramount and my confidence in the car has been knocked.

 

Has anyone else had electrical problems with the Octavia Mk3?  

someone rejected a car after constant faults on the canbus iirc.  they were manifiesting in various ways but often the brakes/abs i think.  your problem sounds rather different...thank fully!

someone rejected a car after constant faults on the canbus iirc. they were manifiesting in various ways but often the brakes/abs i think. your problem sounds rather different...thank fully!

That was me, I think. Might be wrong.

I'm about to reject my second one.

Just a bit annoyed because I need a car for my business and tomorrow has now gone to pot.

 

Having said that since the Skoda garage is only a few miles from my office (once I get there!!) I might badger them into giving me a loan of a vrs.

 

Quite fancy a vrs as the next company car and a few days on extended test would be nice.

 

 

Call Skoda Assist, car fixed or replacement vehicle, simples.

I could be wrong but isn't it an automatic ignition on the octavia 3? On my passat it's the same i think, you turn the key and release and it will only start once the glow plugs have done their bit.

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Just had a final try at starting the car and things have moved on, when you remove the ignition key all the warning lights now stay on for about 5 -7 minutes.

 

So I think the problem is with the ignition switch, will contact Skoda in the morning and update.

I could be wrong but isn't it an automatic ignition on the octavia 3? On my passat it's the same i think, you turn the key and release and it will only start once the glow plugs have done their bit.

 

Yes, you just need to flick the key to "Start" and release (with the clutch pressed).

It will wait until the glow-plugs are ready (if diesel) & then crank for ~5s without any further user input.

It should however stop cranking immediately if you switch the ignition key to "Off".

Just had a final try at starting the car and things have moved on, when you remove the ignition key all the warning lights now stay on for about 5 -7 minutes.

So I think the problem is with the ignition switch, will contact Skoda in the morning and update.

 

It sounds more like a CAN bus problem from what you have described.

Most electronic modules these days are not connected directly to the ignition key line but controlled by a master "gateway" module which tells them when to "wake-up" and when to power-down.

e.g.

Even with the car locked & turned-off the instrument display will show the time.

It will normally switch off after a few minutes so it sounds like its not getting the message to "shut-down".

It sounds more like a CAN bus problem from what you have described.

Most electronic modules these days are not connected directly to the ignition key line but controlled by a master "gateway" module which tells them when to "wake-up" and when to power-down.

e.g.

Even with the car locked & turned-off the instrument display will show the time.

It will normally switch off after a few minutes so it sounds like its not getting the message to "shut-down".

 

Gabbo you were on the money, contacted Skoda roadside assistance this morning who sent a technician to the house (very prompt and professional).

 

Turns out to be ‘Engine control module lost comms with instrument panel’.

 

The fix was to hard reset by removing the battery lead, however, a fault message flagged up tonight indicating bulb failure, checked the bulbs and all ok, so it’s looking like there are still issues.

 

I think it would be best to book the car in for a full diagnostics sooner rather than later.