Hi all,

So I've been having some consistent problems with my Fabia 1.4 16V (51 Plate) and am beginning to run out of ideas.

Initially about a year ago my EPC light came on, and I stalled outside Reading, eventually needing a new brake light switch and a fresh alternator. 

Since then I've had to have more work done but the most recent issues are causing me a lot of stress.

About two weeks ago the brake light switch went again, EPC light on. Easy fix. 

Except yesterday the EPC came on during this heatwave, combined today with the traction control system light on.

I've previously had to have the spark plugs cleaned and replaced, along with a fresh HT lead as an oil leak led to them misfiring, and I'm now getting similar albeit much lessened symptoms to the oil strewn spark plugs. (Juddering and slight loss of power)

However car starts fine, and the lights come on a minute or so into driving and then the juddering also starts.

The juddering is most prevalent in 3rd and above.

Is it a case of just have the spark plugs cleaned/replaced again or should I be looking for something more sinister?

I've seen on other threads here that traction control is only a problem if combined with other fault codes.

I've a code reader coming tomorrow but do not have the facility to fix the car myself and the garage have given me Monday as the earliest they can do.

Hoping if there's something I can do in the meantime as I need to be able to get to work!

Have had a read through: 

which sounds similar although not identical.

thanks in advance for any advice.

 

Have you checked that the brake light bulbs are working? Where are you getting brake light switches from? (Genuine only £11 or so last time I bought one).

Does the battery light symbol come on when you turn on the ignition?

Have you inspected the brake servo vacuum hose yet?

 

Fault codes may shed some light. 

Wino,

Yes brake light bulbs are working and tested, brake light switches are coming from the garage that's working on my car and the one previously from a VW and skoda specialist in Marks Tey.

Battery light does not come on when ignition is turned apart from the initial turn when all lights are illuminated.

No idea where the brake servo vacuum hose is to inspect, any guidance?

Hoping the codes will make it easier to fix but going to have to wait a while to get it into the garage.

OK, battery light behaviour is correct, it was that initial illumination I was wanting to check.

Brake servo is the big black round thing on the back wall of the engine Bay. Vacuum hose connects it to the inlet manifold. Cracks/leaks most often found at junctions of hard plastic sections onto non-return valve near engine end, Feel underside with fingertips as well as visible parts.

Checked the brake servo, nothing overtly obvious that's broken or damaged. No luck just yet 

Update: Code reader has arrived, and I've pulled PO401 (EGR valve, already dealt with) 

And PO106 (MAP/Baro CKT Range/Performance).

Any ideas?

No luck getting the EPC or traction control codes though

Ok I had all the exact same problems I took mine to the same I always take my car as they are awsome all the car needs is spark plug and coils don’t not wast your money it’s that simple of a fix cost me 70 all in for parts and labour hope it helps shame it’s been two year