The car is a 2013 Skoda Fabia Mk. II VRS.

It has done about 83,000 miles.

This morning when I went to start it, it wouldn't start, didn't even turn the engine.

The symptoms were that there was a clicking either from the engine bay or from behind the panel.

The clicking didn't sound like the starter motor failing to engage, it was a very rapid click.

The dashboard lights flickered on and off.

Oddly enough, the rear screen wiper swept the screen.

So far as I can tell, I do not have a flat battery.

 

Before I call out the AA, I have two (or possibly three) questions:

1) Does anyone have any idea what is going on here and what I can do to get the engine running?

2) When I disconnected the battery (as a sort of 'Hard Reset') and/or to charge it, the alarm sounded - it pauses and then sounds again; how do I stop this from happening?

 

Thanks in advance

16 minutes ago, Hounslow said:

Before I call out the AA, I have two (or possibly three) questions:

1) Does anyone have any idea what is going on here and what I can do to get the engine running?

2) When I disconnected the battery (as a sort of 'Hard Reset') and/or to charge it, the alarm sounded - it pauses and then sounds again; how do I stop this from happening?

 

Check / charge the battery first.

 

2 - Put the key in the ignition switch and turn on.

 

Thanks. AG Falco

Thanks, I have just checked, it does look as if the battery may be flat.

I will charge it in the morning.  Ideally I would like to remove the battery and to bring it indoors.

The + connection side seems to have a load of "clutter" on the top of it, any idea how I remove this / these connections?

I am aware that when the battery is removed, the door locks will no longer work - I will make sure that they are unlocked!

Well, unfortunately it isn't just the battery; I have now charged it to 100%

Any other suggestions as to what cause the engine not to start?

If battery / terminals are OK then maybe the Shifter in P and a fault and not allowing to start.

 

Can you move to N and try it?,

it does start in 'N' as long as not below -8*oC which i expect it is not if you are in London. 

Thanks, I will try "N" as you suggest.

I suspect that I will have to call out the AA.

Check the earth cable linking the engine/transmission to the chassis. A bad or slack connection here will give the symptoms you report.

OK, well having disconnected the battery and left it on charge for four or five hours, when I reconnected it the car started straight away.

I have absolutely no idea why the battery would have got discharged in a matter of days while parked outside my house - strange?

 

I will book it in for a check-up and service as early as my local Skoda Dealer can do the work.

 

 

As an aside, because I was concerned that I might not be able to get back into the car I left it unlocked; out of curiosity and having read a recent thread (Dead battery, lock broken), I tried inserting the key in the driver's door lock - it only goes in a short way and obviously would not unlock the car - more strangeness.

19 hours ago, Hounslow said:

Does anyone have any idea what is going on here

 

You remember that new head unit you fitted recently.............................!

Well, I have got that sorted - car serviced at a mere £2,114!

A whole host of other things done at the same time, new battery front and rear disks and pads replaced, rear hatch supports replaced, etc. - still outright daylight robbery.

Dear God, I do hate Skoda Main Dealers.

23 minutes ago, Hounslow said:

Skoda Main Dealers

Which one?

 

Thanks. AG Falco

2 hours ago, Hounslow said:

Well, I have got that sorted - car serviced at a mere £2,114!

 

What did they do to fix the random battery discharge?

On 22/05/2023 at 22:35, J.R. said:

 

What did they do to fix the random battery discharge?

No explanation; they ran diagnostics and found nothing; they did test the battery and decided that it was old and worn out and needed to be replaced.

Frankly, I could have done that myself, buying a replacement from any number of online suppliers - or even Halfords.

Why do Garages charge you pointlessly to top up the screen wash?

Fortunately I escaped the usual Air Con Recon ;)

Top up your own screen wash before handing in and then if they charge you for screen wash be sure to get that taken off the bill. 

 

Why did you approve them changing the discs and pads when they charge ridiculous prices?

You could have changed the battery yourself as it is nothing special and needs no coding, but you never.

 

Any independent could have done the brakes for you.

Under £150 in parts.

Edited 24 May, 20233 yr by toot

On 22/05/2023 at 19:48, Hounslow said:

Well, I have got that sorted - car serviced at a mere £2,114!

A whole host of other things done at the same time, new battery front and rear disks and pads replaced, rear hatch supports replaced, etc. - still outright daylight robbery.

Dear God, I do hate Skoda Main Dealers.

Where did you get it serviced a rolls Royce garage???  that’s scandalous prices for a service 

A service is just an excuse to hold the car to ransom while they practice their creativity with "brakes 90% worn" etc.

Can you thrifty Scots stop rubbing it in, he's paid the bill now and knows he got raped, no more input needed.

 

I'm sure the work has been performed to a very high standard using top quality parts.

3 minutes ago, sepulchrave said:

Can you thrifty Scots stop rubbing it in, he's paid the bill now and knows he got raped, no more input needed.

 

I'm sure the work has been performed to a very high standard using top quality parts.

Were they solid gold by any chance ?