I have had a few Fabias before 2019 but have had Peugeot automatics since then. I am thinking of returning to the Fabia fold because, although the Peugeots have been good cars (in my experience) I am troubled by the very expensive repair bill if the wet (running in oil) timing belt were to fail. I know these are a risk and can lead to a destroyed engine costing £8000 to replace.

I am interested in the Mark IV (2022 plate) Fabia SE L trim 1.0L 3-cyl TSI engine with DSG and I was wondering if some experts can tell me: -

Q1 - Does this engine have a timing chain or a belt?

Q2 - I suspect it is a timing chain because I have not heard of issues with belt failures (as happens in the Peugeot 1.2 Puretech engines) but, if it is a belt then is it a ‘dry’ belt or a ‘wet’ belt?

Q3 - Earlier DSG boxes were prone to failure due to various issues (see photo) but can anyone say if VW/Skoda have fixed these issues in a 2022 plate vehicle? Maybe the DSGs are now maintainable?

Got to admit to being completely in love with my DSG.   

Haven't got much tech knowledge but when I first got mine (just coming up to 1 year) I asked a couple of questions and there was a pretty comprehensive reply from another member giving all sorts of tech info about various versions of the DSG.   

Part way down this page:  https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/514953-thinking-of-buying-and-looking-for-info/page/2/

 

Also, if you are interested, I made '1 month in' review plus follow-up.

 

 

18 hours ago, wiganken1 said:

I am interested in the Mark IV (2022 plate) Fabia SE L trim 1.0L 3-cyl TSI engine with DSG and I was wondering if some experts can tell me: -

 

Q1 - Does this engine have a timing chain or a belt?

Q2 - I suspect it is a timing chain because I have not heard of issues with belt failures (as happens in the Peugeot 1.2 Puretech engines) but, if it is a belt then is it a ‘dry’ belt or a ‘wet’ belt?

 

 

The car you are interested in should have the same motor/transmission specification as my Fabia Mk 4 SE L DCT (built on 16 January 2024).

 

My car's EC Certificate of Conformity indicates that the motor is a Volkswagen AG product, has an engine code of DLA and is a 3-cylinder 999cc petrol-fuelled unit. But that's all...

 

This motor has a 'dry' TIMING BELT, but I can't tell you what the official Skoda (UK) advice is regarding the belt's expected lifespan or replacement intervals. When I inspected my car prior to purchasing it, it was not immediately obvious visually (to me) whether the motor had a timing-belt or timing-chain. I asked the salesman, who wasn't certain either, but he did say something on the lines of "I shouldn't worry - it has a 15 years lifespan." (Fair enough if that were the case, as I'd be aged 95 then and well beyond worrying about timing-belts/chains long before that!) As 15-years seemed unusually long for a timing-belt's expected lifespan (5 years used to be a 'norm') I did do some research. There's plenty of on-line discussion/argument about this and I eventually lost heart (plus I didn't much care anyway).

 

If you REALLY want to know the official Skoda (UK) recommendations, your best bet would be to trot along to a friendly Skoda dealership, tell them you are considering buying a 2022 Fabia, ask to speak to the workshop manager and see if he/she will show you the maintenance schedule. My Roomster is in for a service in a couple of weeks at the Skoda dealership that sold me my Fabia, so I might do the same myself to satisfy my OCD.

The 1.0tsi have a reinforced timing belt, there is no set interval for change (it is scheduled to be be inspected within major service every 2 years), but is generally estimated should be good for at least 130,000 miles or 12-15 years.

 

Whilst earlier DSG boxes had some troubles, you will struggle to find a thread regarding DSG problems when linked to 1.0tsi.  Seems to be reliable combination.

 

The only problems that have been common on 1.0tsi were seized turbos and actuators.  However nearly all these were on vehicles parked up for long periods during covid, that had been used for mainly local journeys.  What seemed to have happened is condensation allowed parts to rust.  Those using premium unleaded with less biofuel didn't really get problem (it burns hotter so presumably evaporated any moisture), and those doing not just short journeys also didn't have problems (again probably hotter engine).  
 

I have a 1.0tsi DSG (but not in a Fabia), car is now 6 years old, done 62,000 miles, and never had any problems, or needed any warranty work.   (actually did get a screw in tyre and need tyre plug, but that is not really cars fault).   So I would suggest very reliable combination.

 

 

@DerekU and @SurreyJohn - Thank you guys. It seems I can be assured it is a timing belt that is 'reinforced' and it is a 'Dry' belt (not running in oil). Also, I think my DSG box concerns no longer apply.

 

Just two more questions re sat-nav: - I am still doing my research and I get the impression that the built-in sat-nav part of the infotainment unit needs an annual subscription for it to work. Or is it just map updates that need the subscription?

If you do not pay this subscription then do you have to use your own sat-nav? From what I see from online photos Skoda have made it difficult to mount a separate sat-nav anywhere on the dashboard. Maybe they wish to 'incentivise' owners to pay the subscription.

Mine is the SE Comfort model which has the most basic 'Swing' infotainment system.

Apart from the fact that I think it is awful this one has no built in sat-nav.

It does, however, have Android Auto facility which means I can use the Google Maps from my phone which comes up on the car screen and seems quite usable.

The only issue I have had with this so far has been an instance where the signal was lost for a worrying length of time.

@offthewall - So you connect your phone to the infotainment unit via bluetooth then you select your phone app map (Google Maps or Waze) and it shows on the infotainment screen? Is that correct?

This sounds okay since the phone can just sit anywhere in the car so there is no need to mount your phone on the dashboard?

Does this use a lot of phone data over a 1-hour journey?

It connects via Bluetooth but needs also to be plugged in to the USB slot.   

Initially I sat it in the tray below the screen but after I had the experience of losing signal I got a longer cable and lay it flat on the top edge of the screen mount.

My particular phone is in a leather wallet-case so doesn't slide around.

Not really sure how much data but seems to be minimal.

Being not much of a phone user I have a very simple fiver a month basic plan and it has never gone over that yet.

This 2023 thread from the BRISKODA Octavia MK3 forum may be worth wading through.

 

https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/515830-timing-belt-advice-changed-by-skoda/

 

Having inspected my Fabia's motor more closely, at the front of the motor is an alloy cover that, if removed, would permit the condition of the timing-belt to be checked.. Removal of the cover looks reasonably straightforward and quick, though (obviously) the motor's crankshaft would need to be rotated so that the full length of the belt could be checked.

 

My Fabia SE L has the Amundsen infotainment system that has 'navigation'. I've yet to come to terms with it and it was certainly providing incorrect speed-limit data when I first used it. This photo shows my car's system information

 

 

I assume the "24/6" relating to the Navigation database indicates June 2024, so (presumably) the mapping is now up-to-date. Updating is Over-The-Air (OTA)  so my car may have received an OTA update since I last drove it. (We'll see...)

 

I'm accustomed to Apple products (iMac, IPad, iPhone, etc.) that are deliberately designed to be (fairly) user-friendly, but my Fabia's tech is decidedly bloody-minded. I suspect I'll continue to rely on my Garmin sat-nav that I'm comfortable with, can regularly update myself free of charge and that I trust. I have a 'beanbag' mount for the Garmin, though having to plug the sat-nav's power-cable into the socket in the Fabia's central armrest compartment is a bit irritating. (I know why the socket's there, I just wish there were another 12V cigar-lighter socket nearer to the dashboard.)

Edited 11 July, 20241 yr by DerekU

1 hour ago, offthewall said:

It connects via Bluetooth but needs also to be plugged in to the USB slot.

Is the USB connection for power or data or both? Or does data go via Bluetooth?

Edited 11 July, 20241 yr by wiganken1

28 minutes ago, DerekU said:

having to plug the sat-nav's power-cable into the socket in the Fabia's central armrest compartment is a bit irritating.

I agree. I am thinking that @offthewall method is better since USB connections are at the front under the air-con controls so a much shorter cable.

26 minutes ago, wiganken1 said:

Is the USB connection for power or data or both? Or does data go via Bluetooth?

Don't know that as I'm not too tech savvy.

I just follow the instructions in the user manual.

18 hours ago, wiganken1 said:

Is the USB connection for power or data or both? Or does data go via Bluetooth?

 

It would be worth you browsing through the on-line Owner's Manual that would be relevant to a 2022-plate Fabia.

 

https://manual.skoda-auto.com/004/en-com/Models

 

There are three potential locations for USB connectors

 

1:  On the rear-view mirror

2:  In the car's rear passenger area on the back of the central arm-rest's base.

3:  In front of the gear-lever, beneath the air-con controls.

 

The USB connectors at the 1 and 2 locations are for charging only.

 

The USB connectors at location 3 can be used for charging or for data transfer.

 

(My car just has the two USB connectors at location 3 and I believe that  this is all you get with the Fabia's standard specification.)

 

A couple of Fabia long-term tests that may be of interest

 

https://www.parkers.co.uk/skoda/fabia/review/long-term/

 

https://www.whatcar.com/news/skoda-fabia-long-term-test/n25189

Thanks for all replies. Your input has been really useful and informative.

I now feel I know enough to definitely consider the Fabia SE L DSG as an option to go for.

If I decide to go ahead I will update this thread afterwards but for now I will stop following it.

"having to plug the sat-nav's power-cable into the socket in the Fabia's central armrest compartment is a bit irritating.

I agree. I am thinking that @offthewall method is better since USB connections are at the front under the air-con controls so a much shorter cable."

 

Difficulties with mounting and using a Garmin large screen sat nav ruined my first months with the 1.0 mc which had no sat nav option when I ordered the car.  Mounting it was more than  difficult.  First partial success was in mounting the unit on the air con flaps with a cable to one of the usb c sockets under the dash. The brightness of the screen seemed OK but it was winter.  After the clocks changed and with bright daylight we couldn't see the sat nav screen.  It turned out to be impossible to turn up the brightness because the power from the socket wasn't sufficient.  Luckily I hadn't thrown away the cable that connects to a cigar lighter type socket.  Inside the arm rest located between the two front seats the traditional socket has been included.  This is necessary to provide the power needed to enable the Garmin screen brightness control to function fully.

9 minutes ago, bazz2004 said:

This is necessary to provide the power needed to enable the Garmin screen brightness control to function fully.

 

The way I understand it is that using a smartphone (not sat-nav unit) plugged into the front USB port displays the phone's screen (Google Maps) onto the Infotainment screen so brightness is not an issue. The phone can just sit anywhere since you do not look at the phone screen after you have used it to set up your route.

I had considered a sat-nav unit but I dismissed that idea due to exactly the mounting issues that you mention as well as the unsuitable location of the power socket inside the arm rest.

For my last several vehicles I mounted my Garmin sat-nav on an adhesive disc stuck to the top of the dashboard, but I'd rather not do that with my Fabia.

 

Using one of the USB sockets to power the Garmin device would be tidier than using the 12V socket, but I'm pretty sure that's not practicable without using a special 3rd-party cable. (More on-line research needed.)  On my Roomster I use the dashboard disc and the car's 12V cigar-lighter socket, but the latter is further forwards not far behind the gear-lever.

 

The navigation on my car's Amundsen infotainment system may be fine for many drivers, but I'm used to Garmin sat-navs and they suit the way I plan trips. 

 

"The way I understand it is that using a smartphone (not sat-nav unit) plugged into the front USB port displays the phone's screen (Google Maps) onto the Infotainment screen so brightness is not an issue. The phone can just sit anywhere since you do not look at the phone screen after you have used it to set up your route." Wiganken!

 

It's great that you understand this because not everyone does.  Please start a thread explaining how this works and how to set things up.  The idea that we don't need to look at the screen for navigation is attractive but not realistic.  Until we have a self driving Fabia or a heads up display as in a fighter jet we have to do the best we can without compromising safety.  I'm the owner of a smart phone but try not to make my life revolve around it.

Guidance here 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgKSKeBO490

@DerekU - Great video. Thank you. I saved the link. The only thing I would add is that the phone should not be left low-down in the car since phone signal may be lost at times. Best to leave it high up to get the strongest signal as @offthewall suggested. Maybe on the dashboard behind the infotainment screen as long as it can't slide around? Other suggestions welcome.

Edited 13 July, 20241 yr by wiganken1

3 hours ago, DerekU said:

Guidance here 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgKSKeBO490

Maybe had too many beers this evening, but that seems to indicate that Android Auto, and possibly Apple CarPlay, is wireless in UK. I know that it is not in my car. It is market area dependent from my understanding, and UK not one of them. Needs smartphone plugged in. I bought a wireless CarPlay adapter as it was cheap, and makes life easier, works perfectly. First world problem I know, but easily resolved.

Edited 13 July, 20241 yr by Tintowellfan

13 minutes ago, Tintowellfan said:

Needs smartphone plugged in.

This may be to keep the phone charged up while in-use. It's not a good idea to have the phone working from battery over a 3-hour journey. I believe that data can also use the front USB ports.

Edited 13 July, 20241 yr by wiganken1

20 minutes ago, wiganken1 said:

This may be to keep the phone charged up while in-use. It's not a good idea to have the phone working from battery over a 3-hour journey. I believe that data can also use the front USB ports.

No. For Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to work, phones need connected via USB. In UK wireless is not enabled. Unless someone can prove me wrong.

Edit. Just read your earlier posts. You do not presently own a Mk4 Fabia, so not sure you have any real lived experience of it. I have owned mine for over a year, and it needs phone plugged in for it to work as described. No wireless capability in UK. 

Apologies if I seem rude, not my intention. Just find forums full of misinformation from peeps who talk nonsense.

 

Edited 13 July, 20241 yr by Tintowellfan

Suggest you refer to the Fabia on-line Owner's Manual.