Engine warning light - help!

[TurbosSuck]

Well I don't seem to be having much luck at the moment, just as soon as I have fixed my slow starting (although I'm still not sure it is 100% fixed) I now have an engine warning light on the dashboard

 

I've had a look online and apparently it is the engine emissions warning light, although it looks like a little yellow engine to me. I think my first step will be to buy a fault code reader but I have literally no idea what to get. Would any of the following be suitable for a 2006 BLT Fabia VRS?

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VAG-VW-Audi-Skoda-Seat-com-CAN-BUS-Fault-Code-Reader-Scanner-diagnostic-tool/222872111526?hash=item33e43689a6:g:Jw0AAMXQ8ABRl5mu

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Universal-Car-Fault-Reader-Code-Scanner-Diagnostic-Tool-OBD2-II-VS890-Reset/253469049132?epid=28016030177&hash=item3b03eec12c:g:MUkAAOSwfglZzNG2

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AUDI-VW-SEAT-SKODA-CAR-FAULT-CODE-READER-ENGINE-SCANNER-DIAGNOSTIC-RESET-TOOL/252418969621?hash=item3ac557d015:g:kMwAAOSwGYVXCLJJ

 

What kind of things can cause this light to come on?

 

Many thanks in advance for any help, after five years trouble free motoring it seems my little Fabia is going through a rough patch!

Edited 12 March, 2018 by TurbosSuck

[sepulchrave]

Without a DTC we'll be stuck, any generic code reader can point you in the right direction but you really need VCDS for more accurate diagnosis.

 

Does the car still run ok?

[Breezy_Pete]

I have one like your first link in my car, and one like your last link in the missus's car. Both seem to do the job in terms of spitting out codes.

[TurbosSuck]

Thanks both, car seems to be running fine. I was driving through some road works and went over a raised section, only 15-20 mph but quite a jolt. Few seconds later I noticed the light. No idea if this had anything to do with it or just when I noticed.

 

So the basic ones will just give an error code? Are they still worth having to pinpoint the issue? Sorry what's a DTC?

 

Do you think I would be better of just taking it to a garage?

[sepulchrave]

DTC = Diagnostic Trouble Code.

 

It may be quicker taking it to a garage but the code may well just clear itself after a while if the fault was briefly caused by a nasty bump and all is now ok.

[Breezy_Pete]

6 minutes ago, TurbosSuck said:

So the basic ones will just give an error code? Are they still worth having to pinpoint the issue?

Yes, and yes, in my opinion. Will probably come with a booklet detailing what each error code means. If not, google is your friend.

 

Gives you an idea what's wrong, which may give you confidence to continue your journey (or otherwise), or ability to fix it at the roadside without outside assistance if you carry tools and spares. VCDS on a suitable device with a suitable lead is a better alternative, but unlikely to be as compact.

 

Phone round one or two garages asking what their going rate is for a fault code read. That may well convince you to get your own capability.

 

 

[TurbosSuck]

Thanks again

 

I'm at work at the moment but luckily close to home on this occasion. I should be able to use my girlfriends car for the rest of the week so I might try and buy one and see if I can track down the fault. At least if I know something I will be more confident about going to a garage without getting fleeced.

 

Do issues like this often resolve themselves, i.e. caused by the bump, or is it most likely more serious? 

[TMB]

The warning light is indeed an engine symbol but usually relates to an emissions fault - quite often a faulty lambda sensor (oxygen sensor). But yes, it needs scanning for codes.

[TurbosSuck]

Scanner ordered (first link above) so I'll will let you know what I find.

 

Car is now parked up until I know what's wrong and I'm using my girlfriends Kia

[TurbosSuck]

Well that was easy, fault code is: 17571 which I believe is the fuel temperature sensor.

 

I've had a quick look online but I'm not 100% sure where that is located. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

 

Many thanks

[TMB]

There is a pic on this thread...

 

[TMB]

Check the wiring to the sensor is OK before replacing it.

 

The sensor part number for all years of vRS is 038906081B

 

Edited 14 March, 2018 by TMB

[TurbosSuck]

Ok, found the little devil and instantly saw the problem too... One of the wires that goes to the sensor had broken, looks like they have been soldered together at some point so no idea what's happened there. While I was trying to get some of the electrical tape off to get a proper look, the second one came apart too.

 

I can solder them together easy enough but the main problem is that they've broken about two inches from where the wire disappears into the loom, not much space to work. Another problem (possibly), is that I'm not sure which wire is which now, or does it not make a difference?

 

Thanks!

[TMB]

Green wire to the rounded side of the plug I believe.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited 15 March, 2018 by TMB

[Breezy_Pete]

I don't think it will matter which wire is which. It's just going to be an NTC thermistor, which doesn't have a polarity.

[TurbosSuck]

Thanks, you've both been most helpful! I can't do much at the moment as I'm going to be away for the weekend but I will have a go next week.

[TurbosSuck]

Forgot to update this, soldered the wires back together last weekend and shrink wrapped them all up neatly. Cleared the error code and all has been well since. That code reader was brilliant, a very handy thing to have!