Last night, I got a phonecall from my wife saying our Superb (a TDI 150 SE L Exec estate, 2.5k miles) wouldn't start.

She'd unlocked the car, got the kids strapped into their seats in the rear, got in herself, and tried to start it.

The engine turned over OK but wouldn't fire.

Tried several times, still no joy.

Now I don't know if this is coincidence, or if it cleared something - but she got out of the car, locked it, unlocked it, got back in - and it started first time.

It's started fine every time since.

Did a VCDS scan last night, nothing untoward (one fault about driver's seat movement, and another about "active radiator shutters" that's been there a while).

Anyone else similar ?

First time it's happened - has always started immediately before.

Sounds like the immobiliser was preventing it from starting maybe ?

Edited 25 February, 201610 yr by muddyboots

Did you check your VIN for a recall? 

There is a recall action for some Superbs regarding some cable that might not be secured enough. Symptoms of it might be engine not starting.

Skoda Ireland, have said that the recall campaign is that " the locking of the power supply clamp for an internal fuse box ( connection 30_2), in the Superb has to be checked. If the clamp is loosened, some electronic functions of the vehicle could fail ( vehicle start, opening of the boot lid, warning lights on the dashboard).

 

If this fault occurs while driving, the vehicle remains manoeuvrable until it comes to a halt.

 

The check will take approx 30 mins to complete.

“The connector can be found under the glove box, it's a red locking tab with a black centre piece. If you pull it and it unlocks then it needs pushing back in far enough to allow the black plastic tab to protrude a little.”

 

With the glovebox closed lie on your back looking up underneath the glovebox and you will see the plug.

“The connector can be found under the glove box, it's a red locking tab with a black centre piece. If you pull it and it unlocks then it needs pushing back in far enough to allow the black plastic tab to protrude a little.”

 

With the glovebox closed lie on your back looking up underneath the glovebox and you will see the plug.

Great, just what I was after.

 

Got access to the car today so I'l have a look. Will try and get photos if I remember.

I found the connector. Pulled the red bit, no movement, all seems secure.

 

No tools needed to access and no trim removal necessary.

You just need enough room to open the passenger door wide, and lay on your back (literally) with your head under the glovebox.

It looks like this:

 

Thank you for posting a picture, this is a great help to all, and shows just how good this forum is, great feed back on so many subjects as well, better information than you can get from your dealer.

Edited 26 February, 201610 yr by roughrider10

I had the same non starting problem yesterday evening.

3 mile trip to the supermarket and when I came out, engine would not start.

Engine turned over but showed no inclination to start, always started 1st touch of the button previously.

 

Tried 4 or 5 times, ignition on/off, door opened a closed a couple of times.

Called Skoda Assistance and the AA came out.

He said that he had seen VAG problems previously with E-M interference, held the sender close to the button (KESSY) and engine started immediately.

 

AA man ran diagnostics on his laptop but no error messages.

Also did a check under the bonnet for loose battery, fuse box connections etc.

 

Car has started perfectly since then with the same "key" in my pocket as usual.

It's a L&K TDi 150 4x4 estate, just under 1200 miles on the clock.

Could be a dodgy key unit?

Short term I'll carry the 2nd "key" with me,of course, could just be a one off and never occur again.

 

Tony