Hi all,

 

Just got a few quick ones with regards to my new(back in 2002) Fabia that I've finally managed to take for a spin.

 

1. The aerial has snapped off, I ordered a beesting one but the existing aerial seems to be some form of telescopic thing with a tiny little screw down nub. What do I need to change/replace to fit a new aerial? I didn't want to force anything because I know there's some form of booster magic in there.

 

2. The steering causes the headlights to dim when I'm stopped, the car hasn't been used for a fortnight though so could it just need the battery charging? I don't want to have to deal with new PAS pumps if I can avoid it

 

3. There's a clunk when maneuvering at low speeds, I was told this was the bottom arm rear bushes. I'm reasonably mechanically minded but not sure which bits those are. How much should they be to replace?

 

4. Locking itself, bloody thing locks itself if you're not a ninja towards the door. Will I need vagcom to stop that?

 

5. A slight grinding sound at <10mph when i was first driving it down the road but it seemed fine after that.

 

6. The wrong tyres, one of the delightful owners that previously had the car and most likely left the fagburn in the front seat fitted golf mk4 alloys to it, but never changed the tyres. It has now a set of almost new tyres but they're 195/65/15. The car drives well and I'm aware of the implications re: the speedo, will I need to watch for anything else? The spare is the original 14 incher which needs resolving at some point.

 

7. For one of the rear seats, the bit that allows you to remove the headrest slides up and down the headrest freely instead of being stuck in the top of the seat as it should be. Any suggestions on removing/resolving?

 

8. One of my biggest immediate grievances, the front seat makes me sea-sick from rocking back and forth. Is this normal/can it be fixed easily?

 

On the bright side, the pd100 engine is lovely compared to my old 1l Hyundai, the brakes are sharp and the steering is responsive.

 

 

2. Could be the battery. I had the same symptoms when my battery was poor. Fitted a new one and it's been fine ever since. As you say, yours might just need charging but probably a good idea to get it checked. Also could possibly be the steering angle sensor which is mounted on the steering rack.

 

3. http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/92625-fabia-wishbone-bush-replacement-diy-guide/ 

There are plenty of other things that could also cause clunking though, like drop links, ball joints, steering rack tie rods etc.

 

4. Possibly the microswitch in the door lock unit. Does the lights-on bleeper work when you open the driver's door with sidelights on? Replacement switches are now available on ebay, part number 3BD998786 (driver's door) if you are up to the job of fitting one. Other than that it's a new door lock unit complete with switch (expensive).

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/330840-door-microswitch/

 

8. No that's not normal at all. Possibly something wrong with seat runners or loose bolts.

Edited 28 July, 20169 yr by TMB

2. Could be the battery. I had the same symptoms when my battery was poor. Fitted a new one and it's been fine ever since. As you say, yours might just need charging but probably a good idea to get it checked. Also could possibly be the steering angle sensor which is mounted on the steering rack.

 

3. http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/92625-fabia-wishbone-bush-replacement-diy-guide/ 

There are plenty of other things that could also cause clunking though, like drop links, ball joints, steering rack tie rods etc.

 

4. Possibly the microswitch in the door lock unit. Does the lights-on bleeper work when you open the driver's door with sidelights on? Replacement switches are now available on ebay, part number 3BD998786 (driver's door) if you are up to the job of fitting one. Other than that it's a new door lock unit complete with switch (expensive).

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/330840-door-microswitch/

 

8. No that's not normal at all. Possibly something wrong with seat runners or loose bolts.

2. I'll stick it on charge when I get chance and see where that goes.

 

3. I really need to get under the car and have a look or get a mechanic too. I've been quoted £90 inc parts if it is the lower arm bushings

 

4. Sounds like the door switch, no door chime or interior lights for that matter, but I may ignore it until it grates on me in winter.

 

8. It seems to be above the runners that it is loose from giving it a shove in the back. Another job for the weekend I think.

4. Sounds like the door switch, no door chime or interior lights for that matter, but I may ignore it until it grates on me in winter.

 

 

 

Yep, it's a very common fault, not just with Skoda but a lot of other VAG cars as well.

Re point 2, does the battery light illuminate on ignition?

The seat base rocking is very common. The pivots give up in the seat mech. Replaced plenty of bases for it, probably better off nabbing some good used seats. Dead easy to change. Check the classifieds, a few members have sets for sale (trev being one).

Re point 2, does the battery light illuminate on ignition?

No it doesn't which is something else I've just noticed.

Regarding seats, I'm on the Isle of man so it makes it tougher. Is there any way to repair the bases, I have access to a reasonable number of tools. Else, which other seats fit?

No it doesn't which is something else I've just noticed.

 

 

Broken load signal wire. The battery will not be getting charged by the alternator.

 

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/334979-alternator-load-signal-wire/

Edited 28 July, 20169 yr by TMB

Else, which other seats fit?

 

Polo 9n/9n3/ SEAT Ibiza MkIV, Fabia MkII

Could weld the seat base in a fixed height position.

Just a quick update on problems/fixes and a thanks post.

 

Most of the noise I think is coming from the tyres which are too big, new ones are going on on Saturday.

 

Both alternator wires had snapped, that's now fixed.

 

New aerial base ordered.

 

Seat is better from being raised up a bit.

 

Haven't bothered with the door microswitch yet though

 

Newest issue is the turbo causing overboost and sending it into limp mode, I've put some forte turbo cleaner in and I'm hoping that does the trick on that front./

On the overboost issue, also worth checking the combined pressure/temp sensor (and associated wiring) down by the inner wing driver side just before the intercooler.

If the ecu doesn't see the expected pressure rising, eventually it triggers limp mode. Goes really well up to that point though

...and it should be obvious if its seized if you give the vnc lever a wiggle

Edited 2 August, 20169 yr by poiuytre111

On the overboost issue, also worth checking the combined pressure/temp sensor (and associated wiring) down by the inner wing driver side just before the intercooler.

If the ecu doesn't see the expected pressure rising, eventually it triggers limp mode. Goes really well up to that point though

...and it should be obvious if its seized if you give the vnc lever a wiggle

It only ever does it when the engine isn't quite warm.

 

Where I live means I go up the same hill to work every day and it's to within a couple of hundred yards of the same spot that limp mode always kicks in, goes like the clappers aside from that though.