Hi guys, just bought a 2006 Fabia 1.9tdi (100) in black, which has seen 100k and I have a few issues which I cannot find the answer for on here. Apologies if they have been asked before but I couldnt find them anyway :-/

 

 

1) First thing is the battery. I am not sure how new it is (it doesnt look in bad condition) but I notice my lights (interior and exterior) dim when I use other electrical items such as the interior fan, or on big bass hits when the radio is playing etc. I was wondering if the battery was a common weak point with them? Or does the problem sound more like alternator issues?

 

2) I notice when starting up in the morning for the first time that the movement of the engine initially turning over is excessive, to the point where it visibly wobbles/vibrates passengers of the vehicle - a warm start and the vibration is not excessive at all. I was thinking this could be something to do with engine mounts somewhere?

 

3) When accelerating from coasting (so car moving at say 30mph but no throttle being pressed), there is a lag and a sudden jolt before the car seems to engage in acceleration and likewise for letting off the throttle, there is a lag before the engine/gearbox appears to actually stop being engaged.

 

4) When idling and I release the clutch (no gear engaged) a whurring noise starts (sounds like a bearing that is worn). I have done a bit of research on this and it sounds like the clutch release bearing?

 

5) Finally there is a small knock/bang when changing up into 1st, 2nd and 3rd. The smoother and slower my gear changes the less prevalent the noise is and sometimes it doesnt actually do it at all.

 

 

Sorry for all the query's, but if any of you have had any experience with the issues I have described then it would be good to hear from you, or if any of you have any ideas/suggestions on what could be causing the issues I have said that would be awesome.

 

many thanks in advance

 

Mike. 

 

 

1) You'll have to measure the voltage across the battery, about 12.5V switched off and over 14V once running.

 

2) The dogbone may be worn.

 

3) Could be related to 2

 

4) Clutch release bearing it is.

 

5) Could be related to 2

 

4) When idling and I release the clutch (no gear engaged) a whurring noise starts (sounds like a bearing that is worn). I have done a bit of research on this and it sounds like the clutch release bearing?

 

 

 

Input shaft bearing. They can get a bit noisy at idle but often cause no issues.

1) As others, I think this is alternator-related, so check the the voltage on the main terminals, the continuity on the signal wire, and the auxiliary drive belt tension. Also, Fabia have electrically driven pumps for the PAS, so asking if someone near you could check for fault codes related to the steering angle sensor would be the next thing to do if all seems well with the alternator.

2), (3) and (5) - Again as others, these all seem to me to be related and probably an engine mount issue. Also I'd agree it's most likely the "dogbone" (the reason why it's called that is obvious when you see one).

4) Probably the input shaft bearing, but it could be the clutch thrust bearing. Either way, it's a gearbox out job to investigate so if it's just noisy in and out of neutral I'd leave it.

thanks a lot for your replies everyone, very helpful!

 

Have done a bit of additional research on the dogbone bush and I think I will try and DIY the powerflex one in there and see if it solves the issue. Regarding the clutch release bearing/ input shaft bearing, I will leave it as you suggest. I will check the battery volts and take it from there with that. I will report back as soon as I have investigated further.

 

many thanks all :-)

Regarding the clutch release bearing/ input shaft bearing, I will leave it as you suggest.

 

 

 

If the noise stops when you press the clutch down in neutral at idle, and starts again when you release the clutch, it's definitely the input shaft bearing. When you press the clutch down, the input shaft stops turning, hence the noise stops. I wouldn't worry too much about it if it's only a gentle rolling/whirring noise. I've had a few cars where you could hear the bearing at idle (including my current Fabia) and had no other problems.

Re #1. My headlights dim if I turn the steering wheel whilst stationary or at low speeds/revs (can't really tell moving at speed). The power steering pump being electric may be the cause of this but I've got no idea if that's normal on these. I've not noticed the other electrics affecting it other than perhaps when using the electric windows. I've not had the car long but the battery is coming up two years old according to the receipt.

Re #1. My headlights dim if I turn the steering wheel whilst stationary or at low speeds/revs (can't really tell moving at speed). The power steering pump being electric may be the cause of this but I've got no idea if that's normal on these. I've not noticed the other electrics affecting it other than perhaps when using the electric windows. I've not had the car long but the battery is coming up two years old according to the receipt.

 

It's perfectly normal to get a bit of headlight dimming when turning the steering at low speeds as the PAS pump draws a heck of a lot of current. The dimming will be worse with a poor battery. Mine was really bad until I fitted a new, higher capacity battery and now the dimming is only slight.

Re #1. My headlights dim if I turn the steering wheel whilst stationary or at low speeds/revs (can't really tell moving at speed). The power steering pump being electric may be the cause of this but I've got no idea if that's normal on these. I've not noticed the other electrics affecting it other than perhaps when using the electric windows. I've not had the car long but the battery is coming up two years old according to the receipt.

I doubt there is anything wrong with the battery because mines does it and my battery is fine. I say it's Voltage regulator or maybe you need to upgrade the big 3 to improve current flow. Put it into reverse so that the reversing light come on then move your steering wheel left to right and I bet your reversing light dims as you move the wheel like mine does.

 

As for the engine it maybe the dogbone but I doubt it because if it was worn it would do it hot not just cold. I say it more jurky when cold because the diesel lump under the bonnet is not very refined compared to newer diesels, also diesel engines are very lumpy from cold anyway and usually get better once upto temp.

 

Clunkyness whilst changing gear? Again mine does it not sure if it's as bad as yours but I already have a Powerflex dogmount.

 

Your car is probably fine apart from expected wear and tear for 100K, you sound like me for the first 6 month of owning my car everything rattle bang I thought was a problem.

Edited 3 December, 201411 yr by theezenutz

If the noise stops when you press the clutch down in neutral at idle, and starts again when you release the clutch, it's definitely the input shaft bearing. When you press the clutch down, the input shaft stops turning, hence the noise stops. I wouldn't worry too much about it if it's only a gentle rolling/whirring noise. I've had a few cars where you could hear the bearing at idle (including my current Fabia) and had no other problems.

 

yeh thats exactly how it is, It doesnt cause me any problems, its just noticeable as it makes the whirring noise as you say and also a slight clunk/click. Will see how I get on with that one. thanks.

Re #1. My headlights dim if I turn the steering wheel whilst stationary or at low speeds/revs (can't really tell moving at speed). The power steering pump being electric may be the cause of this but I've got no idea if that's normal on these. I've not noticed the other electrics affecting it other than perhaps when using the electric windows. I've not had the car long but the battery is coming up two years old according to the receipt.

 

I think I notice it as my previous car (Polo) i had zero headlight dim even with an sub and amp and upgraded door speakers in. 

I doubt there is anything wrong with the battery because mines does it and my battery is fine. I say it's Voltage regulator or maybe you need to upgrade the big 3 to improve current flow. Put it into reverse so that the reversing light come on then move your steering wheel left to right and I bet your reversing light dims as you move the wheel like mine does.

 

As for the engine it maybe the dogbone but I doubt it because if it was worn it would do it hot not just cold. I say it more jurky when cold because the diesel lump under the bonnet is not very refined compared to newer diesels, also diesel engines are very lumpy from cold anyway and usually get better once upto temp.

 

Clunkyness whilst changing gear? Again mine does it not sure if it's as bad as yours but I already have a Powerflex dogmount.

 

Your car is probably fine apart from expected wear and tear for 100K, you sound like me for the first 6 month of owning my car everything rattle bang I thought was a problem.

 

Regarding the dogbone, I guess it is worse at start up as like you say it is more jurky when first starting up from cold. If I have been driving for a while, turn the engine off then on, it starts a lot less jurky/smoother. 

 

The 'clunkyness' when changing gear is the same noise that happens when i release the clutch at idle and I hear the bearing noise. I don't think that's related to the dogbone bush. The lag/ jerk in acceleration/de-acceleration, I believe, is potentially the product of the dogbone bush.      

My front windows have now packed up though :-( All other electrics and my central locking work perfectly, just the front electric window switches on both the passenger and drivers side doors do not work at all. I know there is tonnes of stuff on this issue, I am just sad it has happened haha. 

 

I have just had all the doors apart (including taking the metal inner skin off to get to the outer skin) for sound deadening/quietening, although I think it may just be a coincidence in terms of timings, I have not actually done anything with any of the electrics......  

Check your earth's, most electrical problems are caused by a poor earth. Have you taken a village reading from the battery?