Hi all,

I'm new here. My Fabia is a 2009, 1198cc, HTP, milage around 80,000.

I had a full service and MOT at Halfords Autocentre just under 3 weeks ago. On a 20 minute drive yesterday, the car felt sluggish, especially going up hills. After an hour break, on a 15 minute run, it was still struggling and the "control system for exhaust" warning light came on, lit up steadily not flashing. Today, the warning light came on straight away when the ignition was switched on.

I'm suprised I'm having issues as the service is so recent. Most of what I've read suggests I need to get the car plugged in and diagnosed. I have a few questions:

(1) Could driving the car damage it? Should I drive it more to see if the problem persists?

(2) What's the best way to get a diagnostic test? They're quite expensive. Is it reasonable to expect Halfords to do one for me for free? If not, are there cheaper alternatives?

Many thanks for your help,

Josh

Have a look at the VCDS map on the forum, somebody will be able to scan it for you in exchange for beer tokens and may even be able to help you diagnose the fault further. Could be as simple as they have knocked a connector off something when doing the service.

 

You should be fine driving the car but I would get it sorted out sooner rather than later.

 

For now you could have a look under the bonnet and make sure the mass air flow meter is plugged in securely (should be near the air box normally) as that's an area where they would of been working

Edited 20 August, 20169 yr by SuperbTWM

Welcome to the forum.

 

Have a look in the Roomster Section.

'Halfords broke my Roomster'.

 

Best not let Halfords Service centre diagnose the problem.

 

Get in touch with Halfords HQ if you are doing anything not the Centre / Branch.

What oil is on the invoice for your service?

Check the oil level, make sure they haven't chucked 5 litres in or something daft...

 

Could easily be coincidence that this has happened soon after a service though. I certainly wouldn't take it back there...

Edited 20 August, 20169 yr by Wino

I know this might sound shocking but it could be completely coincidental.

Halfords are the same as any garage group, they have good and bad centres, just because there has been a member who has had problems with 1 centre on here certainly doesn't justify generalising and assuming that they will all be the same.

Why not try the age old tested technique of hitting them with "since you did my service..." And guilt trip them in to scanning it, report back on here with the results and people will give you their advice on where the problem may lay.

@SuperbTWM. I'll try and find the mass air flow meter to have a check

According to my service manual, they changed the oil but I can't see anything else about it on the invoice. The level is fine.

I'll try to get Halfords to diagnose for free but if they won't I'll look elsewhere.

Can't imagine it being anything to do with them. I'd get someone local with VCDS to have a look. Halfords probably ain't going to be able to diagnose it anyway.

Oh and I'm pretty sure a HTP doesn't have a MAF.