Hi, I’m frequently getting an ESC, stability control error coming up when trying to start the car, preventing it from turning over. This is happening increasingly regularly now especially when it’s a cold night / day. Having done a little digging on the forum and testing the battery (which was a bit low on charge) I changed the battery, which I hoped would have cured the issue, but it hasn’t. When it happens I lock / unlock the car a couple of times and or persist with turning the ignition and eventually it starts. Any pointers or suggestions before I take it to Skoda for a diagnostic?

Thanks in advance, Ian 

Hello Ian, welcome to the forum.

It is highly unlikely that the ESC error indication will be the cause of the failure of the engine turning over and is probably coincidental.

Has the vehicle been scanned for any DTCs?

Are the glow plugs working correctly?

Did you have the alternator output tested?

14 hours ago, Warrior193 said:

Hello Ian, welcome to the forum.

It is highly unlikely that the ESC error indication will be the cause of the failure of the engine turning over and is probably coincidental.

Has the vehicle been scanned for any DTCs?

Are the glow plugs working correctly?

Did you have the alternator output tested?

Hi, I’ve had the alternator tested and that’s fine, have yet to have it scanned..

Any thoughts on how temperature is having an effect? 

14 hours ago, Warrior193 said:

Hello Ian, welcome to the forum.

It is highly unlikely that the ESC error indication will be the cause of the failure of the engine turning over and is probably coincidental.

Has the vehicle been scanned for any DTCs?

Are the glow plugs working correctly?

Did you have the alternator output tested?

I don't drive a diesel, but isn't there a start delay holdoff to allow the glow plugs to reach ignition temperature?  

A scan is really going to help matters. You can either get / find somebody with VCDS or get an ODBeleven dongle to do the scan and post it here. The symptoms you mention could be related to a multitude of things. A scan can help us direct you in the right direction.