I have an 2005 MK2 Octavia 1896cc Diesel. When the engine is cold it starts instantly but if it is up to temperature it turns over about a dozen times before starting. If its slightly off working temp its fine but on temp. the  prob. starts.  I have taken it to Skoda Beckenham twice and was told there was nothing untoward on the read out. But the problem still exists. Help please.

Two weaknesses on the Octavia which are known to cause unusual starting issues...

 

1) Failing battery - you would think that this would affect both cold and hot starts, not with me, great cold starts slow hot starts. New battery fixed the issue.

2) Worn starter motor - can be related to the above, the starter motor needs a set current draw, without it you will see starting issues. The brushes can wear out too.

Hello mate & welcome to the forum.

I echo what Silver has said. When I first got my 1.9 Elegance four years ago (it was four years old then), I had exactly the same symptoms that you describe.

When the engine was cold it would start no problem at all. However, when it was fully up to temperature, it would start briefly and then cut out with a hell of a rumble & thump. (Hot starting problems can manifest themselves in many different ways).

I had it scanned and it showed no faults whatsoever (a failing battery or starter motor won't). However, the fine folk of Briskoda pointed me in the direction of what Silver has stated above. By all accounts the engine requires a higher cranking speed when the engine is warm & a failing battery can't provide this.

I changed my battery and it cured it instantly. I'm told that the factory fitted batteries aren't too good and will only last around four years.

I'd try the cheapest option and change the battery for something like this. I've only used the link as an example and I'm sure with a bit of shopping around you may get it cheaper.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bosch-Car-Battery-Type-096/dp/B005XVUQ6Y

Good luck and hope this helps.

Dave.

Edited 4 April, 201511 yr by flying pig

Two weaknesses on the Octavia which are known to cause unusual starting issues...

 

1) Failing battery - you would think that this would affect both cold and hot starts, not with me, great cold starts slow hot starts. New battery fixed the issue.

2) Worn starter motor - can be related to the above, the starter motor needs a set current draw, without it you will see starting issues. The brushes can wear out too.

Hi Thanks for that. I've had the  Battery checked and it is good. Re- starter motor.It spins fine but engine dosn't fire for about 5 seconds. 

The correct way to check the starter motor is to disconnect the wiring to the injector loom at the camshaft housing. Do this when hot. Check cranking speed in measured values iirc anything below 250 rpm is no good.

Edited 4 April, 201511 yr by FLAPPERJACK7

Battery, end of.