Fabia Ii VRS noisy idle

[Blockhead]

Hi all. I was reluctant to ask this question and have read around the forum. I don't want to keep bombarding people with questions or possibly expose my potential inability to read the oil level! Plus a long post, but I'll do my best to stay concise. 

 

I've had the cthe engined car since August and I've put 2k miles on it. It's up to just shy of 48k now. I've never been able to read the oil level on the dipstick to my satisfaction. Never a problem on other cars I've owned but in this one, whether the engines hot or cold, whether I wait five minutes or 12 hours, I get an obvious pool of oil at the bottom of the dipstick but I never see any on the cross hatched area. Always looks dry and I have patted my finger and it's virtually dry to the touch. The stick is completely covered in oil when I first pull it out, but when I wipe and re-insert it's just very oil on the round end at the bottom. 

For this reason, and the posts about oil consumption on these engines, I've been gradually putting in 250ml every thousand miles just to be on the safe side. 

Last weekend on a roundabout after a half hour of a road driving the red oil pressure warning light and beeps came on. By the time I had read the message it had gone - must have warned for two seconds or so. The car never lost any power or sounded any different, but I pulled over and stuck a litre in just to be sure (again after a few minutes the dipstick seemed to me to be dry except at the very bottom). 

Drove off with no warnings or issues. 

 

Friday morning, with a drop in temperature, the car seemed rough sounding while I was creeping through traffic to work. It sounds a little tappety and almost like a diesel ticking over. There are no warning lights, no loss of performance and I'm running 98ron or 97ron petrol. 

 

My questions are: why is it rough sounding? Why can't I read the oil level (am I really that stupid?). Have I overfilled it? Why are there no more warnings and why is it performing nicely? I'm even getting good fuel economy but it sounds like a London taxi at idle. 

 

I have previously been pointed in the direction of spark plug replacement and that's something I'm going to get done on Saturday (over an unrelated previous post I made), which may or may not resolve the issue. 

[Ootohere]

Sounds like you need to put enough oil in the car so that it shows at the top of the crosshatch when cold or ast operating temperature.

That is if you have the correct dipstick in the car.

 

I would get an oil and filter change done, and see how much oil comes out.

 

If you open the bonnet for 30 seconds and do nothing that is enough to put the Yellow Oil Can light or message out for 60 miles.

The Red Oil can light or message for low oil pressure can show before the low oil level light / message.

 

So lights or messages going out can just be because you opened the bonnet.

 

Plenty similar threads from before this one and after.

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/230124-low-oil-warning

 

In the UK Super unleaded is 97 ron min unless Tesco Momentum 99 or Shell V-Power Nitro +, these are 99 ron min.

 

Edited 10 November, 2019 by Roottootemoot

[Blockhead]

Thanks. The oil pressure light turned itself off before I stopped the car, but interesting that you say it can appear before the low oil light. 

 

Incidentally, the oil temperature reading is always "- -" which I thought was either because the car had had the gearbox oil changed to mineral (so doesn't get hot like synthetic) or because it might be on fixed long service intervals (I think I read that in the manual somewhere). 

 

Perhaps a full service will sort it out. Reckon this could be done under warranty from the dealer to correct the "fault" of noisy idling and odd oil readings? If not I'll just pay but if I don't need to then I'd prefer not to

 

I'll try to get the workshop to show me how to read the oil as it was so easy on my last car (which barely drank a drop) 

[Ootohere]

Your DSG has nothing to do with your Engine Oils indicated temperature. 

 

Someone reset the Service Indicator wrong and that is why the temp reading shows "-- --".

 

A service would be a very good idea.

[Blockhead]

Booked in for a major service this coming Saturday. Have booked it in with local Skoda dealer rather than the MG dealer 15 miles away where I bought it. 

Fingers crossed. 

[Blockhead]

Update from the MG dealer today. They will organise to get it properly diagnosed by Skoda during the week and have put me in an MG for now (a new SUV, not a 1960s sports car, sadly!) 

The techie seemed very concerned how noisy it was and I told him about my oil readings. He checked and the oil was barely touching the bottom "ball" end of the disptick! He stuck another 1.5 litres of oil in and we finally got a reading of full on the dipstick: the first I've had since I got it in August and 2k miles ago. He let it run for a few minutes with the oil in case the noise stopped, settled down or changed but it was exactly the same. 

 

Since I got it I have put just over five litres of oil in this car! 

Edited 16 November, 2019 by Blockhead

[Mickmartin]

 

On 16/11/2019 at 11:01, Blockhead said:

Update from the MG dealer today. They will organise to get it properly diagnosed by Skoda during the week and have put me in an MG for now (a new SUV, not a 1960s sports car, sadly!) 

The techie seemed very concerned how noisy it was and I told him about my oil readings. He checked and the oil was barely touching the bottom "ball" end of the disptick! He stuck another 1.5 litres of oil in and we finally got a reading of full on the dipstick: the first I've had since I got it in August and 2k miles ago. He let it run for a few minutes with the oil in case the noise stopped, settled down or changed but it was exactly the same. 

 

Since I got it I have put just over five litres of oil in this car! 

 

Not good unless it had very little in it all, I top mine up 4 litres every service and it barely uses a drop and that's averaging 8-9k a year. Don't want to think think the worst however it may be the case you have purchased an oil guzzler, you buy private or dealer? 

[Blockhead]

Thanks for your interest. I purchased through the MG dealer. It's been there since Saturday. Eventually managed to force an update out of them. It has oil leaks (unsurprising) and they are trying to get special tool(s) from Skoda and getting authority from the warranty company to do the work.

 

They won't give me an estimated day it'll be fixed but I have a courtesy car as long as I need it and it's a decent size (just slow and a manual). 

[Ootohere]

@Blockhead

Where are there oil leaks?

 

Ask what special tools they are trying to get.    Very odd to say the least.   Like they are peeing in the wind.

[Mickmartin]

24 minutes ago, Roottootemoot said:

@Blockhead

Where are there oil leaks?

 

Ask what special tools they are trying to get.    Very odd to say the least.   Like they are peeing in the wind.

Yeah as above it’s more likely to be burning oil than leaking, it was a major issue with early 1.4 tsi CAVE engine.... The outcome was engine replacements or the replacement of the oil squirter’s/jet’s which if done by warranty is no problem however to do this yourself would cost the best part of £700 just for the parts alone.

 

just be wary as majority of Skoda dealerships don’t have a clue what they’re doing never mind a MG dealer.

Edited 21 November, 2019 by Mickmartin

[Blockhead]

Mine's a CTHE engine and has had campaign 34H5 and lots of service stamps; I did my best to mitigate the chances of getting a bad one but still unlucky. 

 

I will ask what tools they need - probably in an email to have it in writing (although they may not reply). What concerned me most was the dreadful noise it was making - over the last week I had it. Like a tappety old transit van. I could live with it burning oil (although not 5 litres in 2k miles) but I need that noise fixed before I'll be happy. 

[Ootohere]

The problem sounded like you were adding oil but not enough oil if it was not showing on the dipstick.  Maybe it does use too much oil but running it 1/3 low did it no good. 

[Blockhead]

Very probably, George. With no oil low warning light and only one oil pressure light which came on for two seconds, and me continuing to add oil regularly, it was difficult for me to know what was going on. 

I was doubting myself and my ability to read the dipstick since I bought it from a Dealership and thought they'd check these things. I remember them delaying me picking up the car when I bought it because they wanted to do last minute checks. 

[Mickmartin]

24 minutes ago, Blockhead said:

Very probably, George. With no oil low warning light and only one oil pressure light which came on for two seconds, and me continuing to add oil regularly, it was difficult for me to know what was going on. 

I was doubting myself and my ability to read the dipstick since I bought it from a Dealership and thought they'd check these things. I remember them delaying me picking up the car when I bought it because they wanted to do last minute checks. 

Unfortunately dealers can’t be trusted in my opinion , neither can people trading them in as during my spell of owning mine ive witnessed well in to double figures the amount of people who have traded in fabia’s because they have been on the way out and some unlucky joe bloggs spends his hard earned money on a piece of junk.

Edited 22 November, 2019 by Mickmartin

[Blockhead]

What would you suggest I do, @mickMartin? At the moment I'm waiting on the dealer to sort it out. I have one of their cars at the moment so you'd think they'll want to fix it quickly as the courtesy car is eating into their margin. 

I worry if it'll be months of me going back and forth to the dealer, getting the car back but still not satisfactory so taking it back again ad infinitum. If it ends up costing the dealer/warranty company a lot then maybe I could get a refund and buy something else? 

[Mickmartin]

1 hour ago, Blockhead said:

What would you suggest I do, @mickMartin? At the moment I'm waiting on the dealer to sort it out. I have one of their cars at the moment so you'd think they'll want to fix it quickly as the courtesy car is eating into their margin. 

I worry if it'll be months of me going back and forth to the dealer, getting the car back but still not satisfactory so taking it back again ad infinitum. If it ends up costing the dealer/warranty company a lot then maybe I could get a refund and buy something else? 

See it out and see what they have to say In terms of repairs....Strange that it’s a CTHE and losing oil so it could well be another simple fix  however if it was a leak of sorts I’m sure you would have noticed

 

Just don’t pay fortune out your own pocket under any circumstances, keep the post updated and I’m sure we can help you along the way.

Edited 22 November, 2019 by Mickmartin

[Blockhead]

Thanks very much. I appreciate the help

[Blockhead]

I have had a call from the dealer. He wanted to know if I'd be willing to swap it for another car. 

He said the oil consumption can be high (I said it was far higher than it should be) and he said it could be cheaper to replace the engine than stripping down parts of it and replacing them, but that both these options would be beyond the claim limits of the warranty. 

 

I said I wouldn't rule out a different car but I wanted a sporty, automatic estate and don't want to spend any more money so there might not be (m)any options. 

I've asked exactly what work they think needs doing to get it repaired and he will get back to me. 

Currently I still have their courtesy car. 

[Mickmartin]

At least it’s positive news!

 

Is it an option for them to source you another mk2 VRS? There’s always that thought of how much a new engine from VW/Skoda would cost to buy and fit however the fCt that they offered you a new car must mean it’s pricey!

 

 

[Blockhead]

Thanks mick.

 

Further update: dealer recommendation is to swap for another car and I sensed an undercurrent of getting me to spend more money each month on something newer. I said I don't want to spend any more money if I did have to exchange the car and he said there's nothing in budget for my requirements but he would keep an eye out (I want sporty, auto, estate or roomy). 

 

He will get back to me confirm exactly what the warranty will and won't cover and mentioned the £1k claim limit and that independents might be an avenue to explore as Skoda seem to be suggesting to replace the whole engine and that won't be in budget. One issue he said is nothing had actually failed yet and I said waiting for a failure would probably mean a huge hill that's out of warranty anyway, and he understood that so would get clarity on it. 

 

There was a bit of talk of not necessarily one thing would fix the problem and that some cars using thin oil do use a lot of oil, and said I could use a thicker oil but that might have knock on effects elsewhere later down the line. I said its oil use was well above the maximum tolerance that Skoda advise. 

 

He'll call in a few days with an update on the warranty side and for me to think about replacements cars in the meantime. 

[Mickmartin]

Unless there’s damage to Cylinders or pistons the parts to replace the oil jets/squirters  come in at around £700 to the average Joe so I’m assuming the garage could get them

somewhat cheaper and then you obviously have the tear down of the engine and your courtesy car etc....IMO that’s still a cheaper option than offering you a new car.l if you were to accept this.

 

It’s a horrible position to be in mate but at least they’re working with you as some

users have been left out in the cold with no help at all.

 

 

[Blockhead]

I am wondering if I should mention the oil jets to the dealer and see if that can be done under warranty? If it fixed it I'd be happy. 

 

My alternative is what to replace the car with. I looked at Vauxhall Gtc but wanted an auto that was still quick. Sciroccos are nice but probably out of my price range unless high mileage/bad condition. I know neither would have as much boot space, too.  I don't want to pay any more than £6,500. Any suggestions welcome. 

[Ootohere]

Get your money back.

 

I still have no idea why you were driving it without oil showing on the dipstick, but that was not a good thing.