I have a 04 plate Fabia estate with the 1.9tdi pd engine which have covered 140k miles. Had it for a few months it has been fine and never have me any issues. Yesterday I started the car from cold and moved the car around the corner as we had visitors coming, so it ran for around 15 seconds, then I turned it off. Later that night I went to start it and it failed to start 5-6 times. All looked normal (glow plug lights, battery lights, engine light thing) it just did not compress and start. Anyway this morning I tried it again and it started first time! Drove it normally and returned home (did not turn engine off though) I think maybe running it for 15 seconds did something temporary that it was not happy with? The temporary was +7-8 Celsius both last night and this morning so not overly cold. I am worried I may get stuck somewhere if this happens again, any advice on what steps I should take next?

Get your battery tested is the easiest thing to try first,the cold will show up weak cells.

When it wouldn't start was it slow turning over,or turning over normally but wouldn't fire?

As last post. Was starting due to slow turnover/ i.e. poor battery or other problems ). get battery checked at one of the free  battery check places, and then also charge rate. IF all ok, then start looking at EGR/ FUEL shut off valve, close to EGR valve-

It was turning over at Normal speed, not noticeably slower, and just wouldn't fire. I will get the battery tested.

Take the top cover off and look along the air intake , from air filter to left, till you see a metal circular shape(EGR)(about 2" in diameter. Behind this (bulkhead side). ,is fuel shut off valve. my problem was crud inside, preventing he fuel valve from opening. Mine turned over at normal speed, but only coughed at first turn. 

Update: The car has been fine since this incident, only thing I have noticed that since it did it, there is a whining noise after the car starts. I have read this could be the start of the starter motor on its way out. Has anyone else experienced this whine on this model of engine?

 

Also if I need a starter what is the difference between: http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/Skoda_Fabia_1.9_2004/p/car-parts/car-electrics-and-car-lighting/electrical/starter-motor/?402440682&1&1a3607eb2ef13f7db796605129749312cb4e03c6&000308

 

and 

 

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/Skoda_Fabia_1.9_2004/p/car-parts/car-electrics-and-car-lighting/electrical/starter-motor/?402440680&1&aca93801e7f6522407f57188d22feecaf5ad2cf5&000308

 

They both fit but are very different in Price, I guess one is sub-standard?

 

Lee

Yeah ones remanufactured by Bosch,the other a cheaper company(but probably using Bosch or equivalent quality parts)

If the guarantee is the same on both go for the cheaper one,as that one has no return surcharge either.