My Skoda Fabia which I purchase used about 9 month ago had recently been failing to open the rear hatch when the temperature drops to around -2c or less.  Yesterday I tried opening with the rear release button and it open but then 10 minutes later it fails to open again.  The fob button also is not opening the hatch.   If I bring it into a garage and warm it up to above freezing it works fine.  I cannot hear a click on the button on the hatch but it is quite quiet.  I wondered if there is a way to jumper the button and test around it or would there be another test to determine the cause.

Hi, welcome.

Your thread title has 2019 but name plate 2020, only reason I put this is if I remember correctly I have seen threads and posts about 2019 Fabias with, if I remember correctly, starting issues when cold because of a poor quality electric relay that is part of the fuseboard and some manufacturer's had build and part supply and quality issues during 2020 covid.

 

Your problem may be nothing to do with either above.  To test you would need to replicate or test at -2c or less.  I don't know about jumper but a multimeter test for live and return at -2c or less at the button or perhaps activate with a suitable bi-directional scan tool.  Perhaps the cold affects something with a wire or connection, where the trunking to get the wiring from car body to hatch door is a usual place for frayed wire(s) and issues.

 

HTH.

 

Thanks for this NTA.  I have had my fuse box in the engine compartment replaced under warranty due to failure to start in cold conditions.  I was trusting that this new fuse box was the solution and in perfect condition.  Now it seems it can be tied to another problem.  

 

I will test with a Digital Voltage Meter this weekend to see if this can be a matter of a bad switch or a loose connection or missing voltage the switch.  Could it be the sensor for the Hatch itself not reporting a closed hatch and thus not trying to open?  I don't know if this is interlocked or not ...

 

For now I dont have the Bi-Directional scan tool only a simple ODB 2 scan tool to read and clear codes.   How much would one cost..?

 

Anyhow warm weather predicted for the next weeks so don't think I will get a result for any testing that is conclusive.

Sorry to confuse you, I meant the fuseboard relay more as an example, I don't think the engine bay fusebox would cover the doors anyway.

 

I think there have been problems with hatch locking but can't remember causes or results, search would turn these threads and posts up.

 

For bi-directional scan tools there are various systems and prices, all will have pros and cons.

 

A few earlier MK3 Fabias have had rust and water around the switch area but not seen it reported here for later models.

 

If the boot is opening in warmer weather you could leave your investigations until it turns cold again giving you more time for research into the matter, unless the problem also happens in the warmer weather.

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Yes I am waiting for the cold to return.  I do actually live in Finland but the weather have been a bit on the warm side..  Nearly 2c every day this last week..

I will take a look at some of the Bi-directions tools to see what its costing and where to buy it..

 

Thanks