This doesn't happen often, but every month or so, when I am driving on the motorway -- particularly when I am on a long journey -- the power in my engine completely goes out. This is always accompanied with the EPC  and the ESC ("Electronic Stability Control", which looks like a skidding car) lights coming on.

 

The power in the engine just goes, and no matter how much I press the pedal down, it won't accelerate. 

 

I always have to pull in to the hard shoulder and restart the car a few times before it is able to accelerate again. 

 

I have been lucky so far that it has only happened when I have been in an advantageous position. I fear that one time I won't be able to pull in and I'll have to stop in the middle of the motorway.

 

Could anyone advise as to what might be the cause and how I can fix it?

What year is the car, and what engine type please. There are a few different ones.

2 hours ago, Breezy_Pete said:

What year is the car, and what engine type please. There are a few different ones.

Skoda Fabia Mark I 2006 1.4L engine. 

So 1.4 16 valve?

75 or 100bhp?

Edited 28 May, 20233 yr by Breezy_Pete

2 hours ago, Breezy_Pete said:

So 1.4 16 valve?

75 or 100bhp?

Yes 1.4 16 valve 100bhp

A failing coilpack is the most likely culprit for the engine dropping onto three cylinders and losing power but there will be logged DTC's and these will need to be read to confirm any diagnosis.