Hi

 

Bit of a difficult issue to describe but as the car's still under Skoda warranty I'd like to get this fixed. The car is a 2019 Octavia SE with the 1.5TSI ACT engine and a 6-speed manual gearbox. It's done 22,000 miles, fewer than 2,000 of which are in my ownership over the last 9 months.

 

Most of the time, pulling away from a standstill requires considerable care if it's not to result in some, mild, kangarooing. Allied to this, the Start/Stop generally only works after a considerable distance has been driven (around 20 miles). This diesn't seem unreasonable, as the battery would need to be sufficiently charged in oder for this too work (or so I assume). Fuel economy is typically in the low 30s for around town, local rural driving.

 

However, on rare occasions I've noticed that it pulls away cleanly (from cold), the Start/Stop activates at the first lights (less than a mile) and the fuel economy is in the high 40s for the same type of driving. This has only happened a handful of times but it does transfer the car as it seems to pull more strongly too.

 

Due to the low mileage, the car does suffer from the excessive condensation in the exhaust that causes the 'bubbling' noise that's audible on tickover but I don't think that can be related.

 

Any thoughts?

 

Thanks very much - Stuart

When the 1.5TSI engine was first introduced there was a lot of complaints about kangarooing when setting off. My Golf I owned at the time with the same engine had a software update to improve the behaviour.

I suggest you ask the Skoda dealership to check the software status for the engine and to apply any updates. Also the car should be interrogated for any fault codes in the system.

The stop start needs a high charge level in the battery to function and if the car is standing for a while unused it does not surprise me that you have to drive a distance for it to function.

If you have the original battery it will be around 5 years old, and as the car has only averaged less than 5000 miles per year it's quite possible that the battery is not in prime health and able to hold charge as well as it should - this could be a factor in the inconsistent start/stop performance.

 

Might be worth getting a proper battery condition check done, not just a voltage check!

Age of battery can often be determined from 4 number code stamped into the top of the battery negative terminal (WWYY) E.g. code 3519 is week 35 2019.

1 hour ago, krisp1 said:

When the 1.5TSI engine was first introduced there was a lot of complaints about kangarooing when setting off. My Golf I owned at the time with the same engine had a software update to improve the behaviour.

I suggest you ask the Skoda dealership to check the software status for the engine and to apply any updates. Also the car should be interrogated for any fault codes in the system.

The stop start needs a high charge level in the battery to function and if the car is standing for a while unused it does not surprise me that you have to drive a distance for it to function.

Thanks, that's the kind of thing I'd read, so I'll definitely get onto that.

The battery charge level makes sense and that's what I thought until the rare occasions when it works straightaway and happens concurrently with the non-kangarooing and the better (reported) fuel economy. Which is what made me wonder whether these behaviours could be linked...

 

2 hours ago, ords said:

 

Yes this was my previous Octavia, resolved eventually by a new set of plugs. By the time a code was thrown up via an diagnostic, it was running very rough. 

6 hours ago, StuartA said:

Hi

 

Bit of a difficult issue to describe but as the car's still under Skoda warranty I'd like to get this fixed. The car is a 2019 Octavia SE with the 1.5TSI ACT engine and a 6-speed manual gearbox. It's done 22,000 miles, fewer than 2,000 of which are in my ownership over the last 9 months.

 

Most of the time, pulling away from a standstill requires considerable care if it's not to result in some, mild, kangarooing. Allied to this, the Start/Stop generally only works after a considerable distance has been driven (around 20 miles). This diesn't seem unreasonable, as the battery would need to be sufficiently charged in oder for this too work (or so I assume). Fuel economy is typically in the low 30s for around town, local rural driving.

 

However, on rare occasions I've noticed that it pulls away cleanly (from cold), the Start/Stop activates at the first lights (less than a mile) and the fuel economy is in the high 40s for the same type of driving. This has only happened a handful of times but it does transfer the car as it seems to pull more strongly too.

 

Due to the low mileage, the car does suffer from the excessive condensation in the exhaust that causes the 'bubbling' noise that's audible on tickover but I don't think that can be related.

 

Any thoughts?

 

Thanks very much - Stuart

I've owned a couple of these engines now with dsg transmissions, my current Octavia has covered 68k on a 19 plate (1.5tsi act). It's smooth generally at all speeds or when hot or cold. It makes no difference whether I used e5 or e10 fuel. I had a similar issue to you with my last 1.5tsi, started at around 24k, no ecu light initially, the symptoms gradually became worse, when the ecu light did appear, I had a diagnostic done at Skoda, they diagnosed failing plugs, even though they'd changed them less than two years ago. So I had them replaced under their extended warranty again, although they'd only cover the cost of 3, I paid for the fourth plug to be replaced, as Skoda were too tight to replace the full set, as only 3 had failed. After that the car was A1. Coil pack could also cause similar issues, too. Although I'd say there can be a very slight jerkiness to this engine at times, only minor though. Within tolerances I'd say though, mine would occur say when taking my foot off the accelerator whilst slowing down when turning right on a round about, but I have to feel for it.  Nothing compared to when my car was really kangerooing. 

I've averaged 48mpg long term from my current Octavia, that's a mix of b roads, town and A road use. Even around town I'm getting high 30's, without hitting very heavy traffic. I've never owned a car yet with s/s that's worked 100% of the time with any manufacturer. I generally turn mine off, anyway. 

I'm presuming you have a Skoda extended warranty like myself, if so you could book it in for a diagnostic, but as you have no ecu light, they may not find anything & may possibly charge you £135 for the pleasure or whatever Skoda charge these days. I just couldn't believe they wouldn't change 4 of my plugs for what the extra plug would have cost them. At least they covered my diagnostic cost. 

Edited 26 August, 20241 yr by Phoenixboy

Lots of offerings for a wire fix to override the start stop function. I bought this for my car: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003162150780.html (I own a different car so I'm not implying this will work for your specific car. It's just an example. You need to do your own research to find the model specific wire for your own car)

 

It's a quick plug 'n play solution that removed a daily annoyance for me. I do not own any diagnostic tools so at least for me it was worth a few pennies.

 

PS: Yes I know this won't solve the kangaroo part of the equation. I only added it because it at least will remove one annoyance and keep the engine running always which should be default anyhow.

Edited 27 August, 20241 yr by Scout-MKIII

12 hours ago, Scout-MKIII said:

Lots of offerings for a wire fix to override the start stop function. I bought this for my car: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003162150780.html (I own a different car so I'm not implying this will work for your specific car. It's just an example. You need to do your own research to find the model specific wire for your own car)

 

It's a quick plug 'n play solution that removed a daily annoyance for me. I do not own any diagnostic tools so at least for me it was worth a few pennies.

 

PS: Yes I know this won't solve the kangaroo part of the equation. I only added it because it at least will remove one annoyance and keep the engine running always which should be default anyhow.

Thanks. My Start/Stop rarely operates so that isn't an issue. I only mentioned it because it seems to work just fine when the kangarooing is absent.

20 hours ago, Phoenixboy said:

I've owned a couple of these engines now with dsg transmissions, my current Octavia has covered 68k on a 19 plate (1.5tsi act). It's smooth generally at all speeds or when hot or cold. It makes no difference whether I used e5 or e10 fuel. I had a similar issue to you with my last 1.5tsi, started at around 24k, no ecu light initially, the symptoms gradually became worse, when the ecu light did appear, I had a diagnostic done at Skoda, they diagnosed failing plugs, even though they'd changed them less than two years ago. So I had them replaced under their extended warranty again, although they'd only cover the cost of 3, I paid for the fourth plug to be replaced, as Skoda were too tight to replace the full set, as only 3 had failed. After that the car was A1. Coil pack could also cause similar issues, too. Although I'd say there can be a very slight jerkiness to this engine at times, only minor though. Within tolerances I'd say though, mine would occur say when taking my foot off the accelerator whilst slowing down when turning right on a round about, but I have to feel for it.  Nothing compared to when my car was really kangerooing. 

I've averaged 48mpg long term from my current Octavia, that's a mix of b roads, town and A road use. Even around town I'm getting high 30's, without hitting very heavy traffic. I've never owned a car yet with s/s that's worked 100% of the time with any manufacturer. I generally turn mine off, anyway. 

I'm presuming you have a Skoda extended warranty like myself, if so you could book it in for a diagnostic, but as you have no ecu light, they may not find anything & may possibly charge you £135 for the pleasure or whatever Skoda charge these days. I just couldn't believe they wouldn't change 4 of my plugs for what the extra plug would have cost them. At least they covered my diagnostic cost. 

Thanks. Not sure when the plugs were last changed so that's something to check. Yes, I have the extended warranty. It's the fuel economy that's the most disappointing as I struggle to get 400 miles from a tankful of E5.

3 hours ago, StuartA said:

Thanks. Not sure when the plugs were last changed so that's something to check. Yes, I have the extended warranty. It's the fuel economy that's the most disappointing as I struggle to get 400 miles from a tankful of E5.

I mainly use E10, I have noticed no difference with e5 on performance or economy, only the fact e5 costs more at the pump. Although I'm not a sporty orientated driver, either. I always drive within "normal", driving mode, too, not eco. S/S usually turned off, I have around 32psi within all 4 tyres, too (205 55 16's). looking back, I don't think the slow breakdown of my plugs had initially effected my mpg too badly, but once they'd thrown an ECU light my car was running like a bag of hammers. I'm also running with 0w 20 oil, as recommended by VW/Skoda for my engine. Earlier on within it's life Skoda had used their 5w 30 oil within it, may make a marginal difference on fuel economy. Thinner oil, marginally less friction. 

Edited 27 August, 20241 yr by Phoenixboy

Welcome to the zoo. Our O4 more often jerking on start, 1.5 TSI manual, then it starts smoothly. It is better when AC is off. 

 

Looks like they have never resolved auto-stall issue or something else. It also has significant delay on reaction on throttle, and this is since beginning. Other than that, the car is really good, engine strong, but only you need to pass this jerking around 1400rpm during initial acceleration from stand still. What is interesting, people who drive roughly, and clutch above 1500rpm on start, will not notice our little down under friend. 

19 hours ago, Phoenixboy said:

I mainly use E10, I have noticed no difference with e5 on performance or economy, only the fact e5 costs more at the pump. Although I'm not a sporty orientated driver, either. I always drive within "normal", driving mode, too, not eco. S/S usually turned off, I have around 32psi within all 4 tyres, too (205 55 16's). looking back, I don't think the slow breakdown of my plugs had initially effected my mpg too badly, but once they'd thrown an ECU light my car was running like a bag of hammers. I'm also running with 0w 20 oil, as recommended by VW/Skoda for my engine. Earlier on within it's life Skoda had used their 5w 30 oil within it, may make a marginal difference on fuel economy. Thinner oil, marginally less friction. 

I can't speak for the 1.5TSI, but I consistently see approx. 2 to 3% calculated better economy when I use E5 in my 1.4 - glad to have dodged the 1.5  bullet.   

Have you tried putting car in sport mode to see if it still kangaroos

1 hour ago, Warrior193 said:

I can't speak for the 1.5TSI, but I consistently see approx. 2 to 3% calculated better economy when I use E5 in my 1.4 - glad to have dodged the 1.5  bullet.   

I'm fairly new to Vag/Skoda, only owned 2, 1.5tsi's & the 1.0tsi in the scala. The 1.5tsi doesn't seem a bad engine within my experience, very economical as it shuts off 2 cylinders around 30% of the time. I've noticed no increased economy between e5 or e10 or any performance difference. Not that I bought my Octavia estate for performance. 

I've mainly owned vauxhalls from the the 80's onwards, but they've took a nose dive of recent, especially since Stellantis has took them over. I've avoided any wet belt engines up to now. 

Edited 28 August, 20241 yr by Phoenixboy

I found the 1.4 TSI non act nicer to drive, I have 2020 1.5.tsi just feels very boring and uninspiring. Economy is very random too sometimes 38 and then others over 60mpg.

Edited 28 August, 20241 yr by Blue8793841

I have the same kangarooing experience, less so when in Sport mode - same 1.5TSi in a manual 2020 plate Sportline model. No amount of updates will fix it - it is a known issue with this engine unfortunately. I believe the auto is less plagued...

Edited 29 August, 20241 yr by Ciderspace

On 28/08/2024 at 12:59, nidza said:

 What is interesting, people who drive roughly, and clutch above 1500rpm on start, will not notice our little down under friend. 

This thought had occurred. I need heavier boots!

On 28/08/2024 at 19:23, Blue8793841 said:

Have you tried putting car in sport mode to see if it still kangaroos

Yes, and it doesn't. A bit like @nidza's comment that those of a leaden-footed persuasion will be oblivious...

On 28/08/2024 at 20:10, Blue8793841 said:

I found the 1.4 TSI non act nicer to drive, I have 2020 1.5.tsi just feels very boring and uninspiring. Economy is very random too sometimes 38 and then others over 60mpg.

The random economy is familiar.

Hi, I have just got (Friday) a 1.5 act petrol 4 years old 40 k miles only been out a couple of times both the wife and I driving and i haven't noticed any kangerooing very smooth car to drive. it also feels like it can put a shift on compared to the old 19 pd it replaced on a few days experience I am very pleased with it. The stop start also seems to work exactly as it should no idea on fuel economy yet.

Edited 1 September, 20241 yr by seriesdriver
add more

11 hours ago, seriesdriver said:

Hi, I have just got (Friday) a 1.5 act petrol

Manual or DSG? Kangarooing is much less noticeable with DSG.

Hi, its a manual, I hope the op gets his issues sorted out tbh. There seems to be less threads etc about the 1.5 so I wonder if the issue has been fixed on the majority of cars.