Hi, im new to this forum looking for some advise.

 

I own a Skoda Fabia HPI 2008 model and i'v had it about 2 years. Ever since iv had it its had a power loss problem. Mostly when you need some 'umpf' so overtaking on a hill, first gear at busy roundabout ect. A few times it went into full on limp mode ie 18mph crawl. I took it to my mechanic who said the machine said it was coming up with cam sensor fault. He replaced it and it sill had the problem so he said he couldn't do anything more and too take it to an electrics specialist. As it was very intermittent I just left it so as not to fork out more money.

It could used to go weeks and weeks with out ever doing it however In the last few weeks iv stared a new job with a much longer drive and it has been almost constant. Its gone into full on 18mph limp twice so Iv had to go on hard shoulder and restart engine. I have had new cam sensor and ignition coils last year and this year spark plugs and oil filter. The RAC came out and said the machine said it was a Cam sensor fault and lean (something about being starved of petrol).

So iv taken it to an electric specialist mechanic who put it one their machine and confirmed cam sensor fault but said theres nowt wrong with cam senor. They said they think it could be the timing chain gone slack and they've heard that's a problem with Skodas. He said it would be £600/800 to replace and more if further damage and that he wouldn't recommend paying it for the value of the car.

Before I go out and buy a new car does that seem right? Iv read a few things on here saying the older models had a cam belt problem but noting about cam chain. But then if two mechanics don't 100% know what it is maybe its time to get rid which is a shame as other than the power thing I was happy with it.

 

I should point out I know literally nothing about cars!

 

thanks

I would recommend having the cam belt checked at a halfords that offer that service as they will be able to tell if the cam belt needs changing. If it does, you should definitely do it as it could save you a lot of money in the long run and prevent the engine from completely breaking in the future. As for the limp mode, the cam sensor fault that the mechanic found may be an unrelated matter, which could explain why replacing the cam sensor did not fix the issue. 

As it seems it is  more of an issue on long journeys, it could possibly be related to heat, with it getting too hot and triggering limp mode, due to a cooling issue, however I don't know why this would cause a loss of power up hills. 

 

My best guess is a problem with the fuel filter or pump, as the engine is not getting enough petrol, but as I say this is just speculation. Fuel filters are cheap though.

As as this is quite a complex problem, it may be time to bite the bullet and go to a Skoda dealer.

 

Hope this helps and good luck!

i can't dispute CS45's approach except suggesting Halfrauds. The stealer will want £100+ just to do a scan and quick diagnosis.

 

Have you a localish independent VAG specialist who will have full VCDS plus know the quirks of VAG group cars ?

On 05/08/2019 at 18:59, CS45 said:

I would recommend having the cam belt checked at a halfords that offer that service as they will be able to tell if the cam belt needs changing. If it does, you should definitely do it as it could save you a lot of money in the long run and prevent the engine from completely breaking in the future. As for the limp mode, the cam sensor fault that the mechanic found may be an unrelated matter, which could explain why replacing the cam sensor did not fix the issue. 

As it seems it is  more of an issue on long journeys, it could possibly be related to heat, with it getting too hot and triggering limp mode, due to a cooling issue, however I don't know why this would cause a loss of power up hills. 

 

My best guess is a problem with the fuel filter or pump, as the engine is not getting enough petrol, but as I say this is just speculation. Fuel filters are cheap though.

As as this is quite a complex problem, it may be time to bite the bullet and go to a Skoda dealer.

 

Hope this helps and good luck!

 

Cam chain on this engine. 

9 minutes ago, Tech1e said:

 

Cam chain on this engine. 

Ah I see. Am I right in thinking that the cam chains are more durable than belts?

5 minutes ago, CS45 said:

Ah I see. Am I right in thinking that the cam chains are more durable than belts?

 

They should be. However this particular engine can have some issues. Largely based around the oil pressure fed tensioner.