Hello, 

 

A few important things before I start:

 

A) I'm new here, but been lurking for a while

I'm keen to learn but dumb it down where possible! 

C) Sorry it's so long, but I just made a list, so it's all going down here while I can remember it all!

 

I've had my Fabia for 4 years. Whilst I haven't had (touch wood) any major problems (a few replacement bearings always on nearside?!), I have had some funny goings on with my electrics. My brother is a mechanic, and I suffer from 'last on the list' syndrome, meaning I never seem to get anything sorted and have resorted to giving things a go myself. 

 

So, it started about 2 years ago. I honestly don't know which happened first; lights flickering, locking problems, or window problems. The first I really noticed was when I put my offside window down, and my nearside one went down instead. I even hit record on my phone as thought I'd finally lost it. It was intermittent, then my nearside window went crunch. I replaced the regulator (with a fab guide I found on here).

 

About 2 weeks later, the off side one went. I took the switch off, and for another week, it worked just pressing the tiny plastic bit underneath the switch (lol). Figured it was the switch, but then heard some grumbles, so presuming another window regulator. I couldn't be bothered fixing it as I was only just getting over the first one, so just kept pushing it up by hand every time I locked it. Until today, when the MOT guy put my window down and it wouldn't go back up. I could have killed him. I also noticed a few weeks ago that I lock my doors from the inside, and they automatically open again. Sigh. This is also intermittent, as is that I sometimes lock from the outside, and only 1 door locks. I'm going to change the regulator tomorrow, but I'm a bit worried I'm missing the problem.

 

So, with 'last on the list' syndrome, I was considering just getting rid of the car, but now convinced myself to keep it, and I'd like to try to fix all these little problems myself. I was going to try to find someone breaking one too, but I might give in and go to the dealer so I can buy all at once. Here are the other things I need:

 

* I now need 2 little bits of plastic which the door lock (at top of panel) goes into - 1 with LED. What are those things called? They're super brittle! 

* Does your ashtray have a light in it? The 'light shade' for want of a better word went missing. Do I have to just buy a new ashtray?

* The cigarette lighter is pants. I'm presuming it's the socket but the barrel bit doesn't stay down. How easy are they to replace for a newbie?

* 2 rear headrests (they weren't in when I bought it)

* Parcel shelf strings - last of my worries!

* My wing mirrors are supposed to be able to move from the inside - they don't - on either side, so presuming a fault with off side effecting near side (I really have no idea). How do I fix this? Think they're supposed to heat too?

* I have an airbag engine management light on - is there anything I can check before taking it somewhere. I read somewhere (different car) that I should disconnect the battery before taking my seat out? Have any of you done this?

 

And the last thing, I was looking for some alloys for it (cheap-ish). I then started to read about them and quickly realised I'm waaay out of my depth! What would you recommend I start with? I've got eau natural steelies at the moment.

 

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

 

P

 

 

 

 

 

* I now need 2 little bits of plastic which the door lock (at top of panel) goes into - 1 with LED. What are those things called? They're super brittle! 

 

 

These you mean?...

 

 

 

 

http://www.skodaparts.com/

 

 

Give us a clue what model and year of Fabia it is

These you mean?...

http://www.skodaparts.com/

Give us a clue what model and year of Fabia it is

Yes! Thanks! I even looked on that site. Turns out you can't just type 'door thingy' and expect it to find it

Just took the ashtray out, and going to replace the bulb. Does a parts number list exist?

Thanks

P

Oops - Fabia Elegance 2001 1.9 TDI

2001 Fabia parts

Just check as well that the exciter wire hasn't snapped on your alternator. You can see this by jacking up front passenger side - sticking a axle stand underneath, removing the plastic sump cover and just near the wheel arch there are a pair of wires. Lots if posts about flat batteries and alternators to show you what and where but

My fabia had a few odd window gremlins and and electrical things which have vanished since I fixed - meaning the battery being flat and the alternator not doing it's job wasn't helping.

If you battery light comes on when you put key in ignition and stays in till a second after engine started then it's ok. If it goes off instantlyor doesn't come on - then it's time to Find the wire

:-)

Thanks, I'll have a look at that later. Quite enjoying this fixing car lark. You just need to know where to start. Totally lied to you - I upgraded myself - it's comfort not elegance.