EGR radiator repair

Just reporting on the outcome of the post I made previously on this breakdown in case it is of use to other Roomster TDI owners.

Had the car go into 'limp mode' after glowplug light started flashing while driving in Italy between Christmas and new year while visiting family there from the UK. Car is an ex-demonstrator bought from the UK dealer, April 2012 reg, 44000 miles on the clock.

The fault was diagnosed as a broken EGR radiator. Repair costs just over EU900, large part of which appears to be the labour costs and carried out by the local official Skoda dealer. Car still under guarantee luckilly, so have been advised by Skoda UK that after paying I will be re-imbursed via my UK dealer. The Italian mechanic said there is not much one can do about this when I asked if there is anything I should avoid or do to prevent it happening again. I got the impression it was pretty common, although they also said it was more often the valve being clogged rather than the radiator breaking.

All seems OK now after trip back to UK although engine sounds slightly more 'metalic' and fuel consumptions seems to be slightly higher (49mpg av. on way back compared to 53 on way there taking the same route and driving in similar style/weight). I think in addition to the repair they cleaned the entire exhaust particulate filter also, if I understand the invoice).

Seen on other forums here that this has been reported in relation to other TDI engine Skodas at around the same mileage. Is this a common problem with Roomsters also? Is there anything that can be done to avoid it? Should I be getting ready to fork out again around 88,000 miles?

Have to give a mention to the Skoda road assistance which was included in the 3 year guarantee. They were very helpful in providing hire cars localy and arranging the return of the rest of the family to the UK while I waited for the repair to be completed.

Edited 13 January, 201511 yr by ReneR