Hi,

My wife bought a 2002 Octavia Mk1 a few days ago - it's a 2.0 auto and only has 66k on the clock.  She got it cheap and whilst it needs some basic work, there is one issue I'd like some help with if that's ok.  The idle is rough or lumpy and it's the same when both hot or cold.  The car drives and pulls great but it's only evident at idle.  She called me this morning to say it cut out on her also but then restarted no problem and driving fine since.  I've had diesels my whole life so not got much idea what the cause would be - my only guess being the idle speed is too low or a blockage somewhere.  I'm probably wrong but would appreciate any pointers as to what the cause may be.  Again, when on the road it's smooth and pulls well. The previous owner was an older person who from what I know, didn't use the car very often at all.

Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Ryan

@ThePiper78 - Most Octys except "taxi spec" have a rev counter. It's likely to be fairly accurate, so check what it shows hot, looking for similar revs to a diesel.

 

Other thoughts that are probably a good idea; new plugs, oil and filters, aircon regas (I think that's on all 2002 cars except Classic spec, separate control on Ambiante or integrated in Climatronic on Elegance and L&K). Check when/if the cambelt was last done if the 2.0l has a cambelt (most of us know the 1.8T and 1.9D engines better).

Thanks very much.  If I remember right, the idle speed was very low - I've an old Landcruiser that sits around 800 or slightly under.  I'll need to check again but I'm sure the Octavia was much lower than that.  If so, is increasing the idle speed a straight forward process?  I haven't a clue I'm afraid.

A good service/oil/plugs/filters change is definitely called for too.  As are some new brake pads etc.  The usual stuff. There is a service history so I'll definitely check if the cambelt was changed.  Do you know what is the standard cambelt change interval is? 

Thanks again. Much appreciated.

@ThePiper78 - IIRC the idle speed is controlled by the EMS, and there are no manual adjustments. Have a look in the VCDS forum for someone near you who'll help there.