I'm having an intermittent issue where my fabia 04 won't start, it almost catches on but then just splutters out. Happened last night, and no luck after about 10 attempts.

Funny thing is the next day it starts first time!

Took it to my mechanic, and he just scratched his head, he even checked for fault codes, but none. Any ideas? Perhaps starter motor? Dodgy battery?

Sounds like the ECT sensor may be playing up, cheap and easy to replace so I'd start there.

Check contacts on battery and starter engine. Earth-contact as well. Just follow all the thick cords..

They sound like good suggestions, thanks.

If you gently press the throttle when the engine is cranking does it start ? 

If you gently press the throttle when the engine is cranking does it start ?

Yeah i tried giving it some gas, still no difference :(

Does it crank at normal speed or low?

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Does it crank at normal speed or low?

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I'd say normal speed, didn't notice anything out of the ordinary

Are you usually driving with low amount of fuel in the tank ?

check also the cord between engine an chassis, if it won't work with repair battery cords.

If the engine is cranking fine, I'm thinking of a clogged fuel filter or a bad fuel pump. 

If the engine is cranking fine, I'm thinking of a clogged fuel filter or a bad fuel pump. 

 

Bad contact on the pump or the pump, seem to match. The filter normally get less power, but not start problems or problems on low rpm.

Bad contact on the pump or the pump, seem to match. The filter normally get less power, but not start problems or problems on low rpm.

It seems to not start immediatly after its been driven. Cold starts are usually ok

It seems to not start immediatly after its been driven. Cold starts are usually ok

 

 

Sounds like the ECT sensor may be playing up, cheap and easy to replace so I'd start there.

 

I'm trying to help but nothings happening.

I'm trying to help but nothings happening.

Thanks I have ordered a new one to try, but my starter motor is making a sort of grinding noise which is making me suspicious of something else

Thanks I have ordered a new one to try, but my starter motor is making a sort of grinding noise which is making me suspicious of something else

 

Both mine make that noise and have done for years, it's nothing to worry about.

Thanks I have ordered a new one to try, but my starter motor is making a sort of grinding noise which is making me suspicious of something else

Could you upload a clip ? 

Could you upload a clip ?

Not mine, but exactly the same sound https://youtu.be/euxINPYszdg

OP- CAR IS 1.4 ,Fuel is ?? Petrol ,I'd suggest some form of fuel problem. TDI, I'd look at EGR (also known to AA folks as fuel shut off valve ) staying shut.

Not mine, but exactly the same sound https://youtu.be/euxINPYszdg

 

Starter motor bearings. It will probably work for years like that though.

ECT sensor replaced yet?

OP- CAR IS 1.4 ,Fuel is ?? Petrol ,I'd suggest some form of fuel problem. TDI, I'd look at EGR (also known to AA folks as fuel shut off valve ) staying shut.

EGR has no ability to shut off fuel. AA man was confused. There's an air shut-off valve associated with the EGR (on diesels), usually known as anti-shudder valve. Nowt to do with fuel though.

Edited 18 May, 201610 yr by Wino

ECT sensor replaced yet?

I may try this weekend. funnily enough though I've had no further trouble starting the car, really weird.

Strange that!  I have one in the glove box waiting for warmer weather was the original plan, though in my case it is getting changed due to "bad" values being logged by the engine ECU intermittently, so not quite the urgency your one has!

Had this problem only on hot weather after exposed to the sun for a long time, it was the N80 valve.

It took years to figure out what it was :S

Edited 18 May, 201610 yr by dm222