Hi all

 

This is going to sound really stupid, I need to replace the starter motor on my Mk1 Fabia 1.4 16v automatic and I cannot find the one fitted to the car. Has anybody got any photos of where it is? I’ve taken the battery out and removed the box and nothing below it looks like the starter, taken the under tray off and cannot see it from below; please help???

 

Many thanks

 

Richard

What's wrong with it?

It is sticking in and making a horrible screeching noise. Know they can be lubricated etc but as the new part is about £59 I thought I’d replace it. Found lots of instructions on how to replace one on a manual box but cannot find anything on the auto version and for the life of me I cannot see it. It’s not clearly under the battery and cannot see it from below. Do you know where I can find it? Thanks 

Earlier today, a helpful fella called Tech1e posted a link to a whole bunch of info about all aspects of the mk1. I expect the document about the automatic gearbox will show you quite well where it is and how to de-mount and replace the starter.

Just gotta find his post; 1 sec.

Edited 1 May, 20206 yr by Wino

https://www.briskoda.net/forums/files/file/76-mk1-fabia-workshop-manuals/

 

When you click the 'download file' button it gives you a list of all the files available; find the one about autobox and download it.

Hmm, not working for me just now on this tablet, it did earlier on a 'proper' computer?

 

Edited 1 May, 20206 yr by Wino

Hi mate

 

Had a look and it is actually in the Electrical PDF, link is in the one you mention. Will have another look tomorrow and follow up. 
 

Thanks buddy and stay safe. 

Hi Wino

 

Found it, not as in the manuals but thanks anyway. In this engine for some reason it’s right behind the main block, attached to the automatic gearbox near the firewall. Intake manifold above and prop shaft below. Not sure which is easier to take out???? Thank god it’s lock down!!!😂😂😂

Well done that man. Get a photo if you can, and please do record here any tips for removal to help others in the future.

Hi Wino

 

Finally finished the starter motor replacement this afternoon, to be fair I had to wait a week for the starter to arrive, but gave me plenty of time to do the job slowly.

 

So, started by finding the bloody thing. I removed the drivers side drive shaft, plenty of videos online to help with that so not really that difficult. Main issue was getting the tie rod end off, ended up having to use heat to break the top nut and this meant I had to replace the tie rod end; did both sides to be safe. As you can see the starter is behind the engine block below the intake manifold. (see bottom 1.jpg below.

 

Top 1.jpg shows the intake manifold before I removed it, had started as the throttle body is removed. This wasn't that hard and in fact there were a couple of cables connected to the injector power harness which meant I couldn't remove it completely but enough to move it out of the way in the engine compartment. Top 2.jpg shows the access you get once this is removed, a lot easier. You could not remove drive shaft but it would be really difficult to get to the bottom nut on the starter, particularly as this one has an earth cable attached to it by a double nut. 

 

Key for me was a lot of photos as you go, I'm no more than a hobby mechanic so taking this apart was a bit of a challenge for me, especially as I'd never done anything dealing with injectors etc., but happy it's all back together now and starting well every time.

 

Good luck if you take this on, but sure you'll be fine with some patience.

 

Take care and stay safe everybody.

 

Richard

Well done, and thanks for documenting it so nicely. It's sure to help some future 1.4 auto owners. I'm going to bookmark it so I can find it again easily.

My 2004 1.4 auto skoda has devleoped the won't start issue - probably corroded cable to solonoid as in the manual version (intermittent starting issues then won't start at all) - been well documented. What is the best way to try and inspect/check wires from the top via manifold or underneath? Only asking as you've had it all apart.

 

Many thanks for your help

Michael

 

Hi Michael

 

Painful as it is I would say from the top after removing the inlet manifold. As you can see from the photos the cable connections are from the top and come in from the right or battery side as you might expect. It was a bit scary as I’d not done anything like that before, but actually if you do it slowly and take lots of photos as you go it wasn’t that bad. 
 

Good luck. 
 

Regards

 

Richard

Thanks Richard - will give it a go - - week off in 2 so will try then and update.

Cheers