Apologies if this has already been done to death - but I've just arrived on this web-site.

We have an Octavia 20v turbo from 2001, now with 76k miles on it. While it always works (touch wood!) it frequently runs quite roughly, especially at idle when it hunts quite a lot. It has been to a VW Audi specialist where they have never experienced the problem when the car's with them. I would like to browse a manual to look for clues, and of course there isn't a Haynes manual (or there wasn't when I last looked!?). Is there a manual out there that I can get, and from where? I have noticed a reference to a manual on CD when doing my initial search, but couldn't track it down.

Thanks,

Mike

:confused:

A Haynes manual was published last month for the Octavia 1998 to April 2004 (R to 04 reg) Petrol & Diesel. You should be able to get it from Halfords or motor accessory shops, or you can order direct from Haynes.

Is the rough running most noticeable when the engine is cold?

Yes - mostly, but not always! As with all the most annoying problems, it's intermittent. I don't always drive it (it's my wife's car) so it's even harder to diagnose!

Thanks for the help so far - I must go and get a manual!

It might well not be relevant to your problem, but Dealers do have a Bulletin advising how to fault-find irregular running of 150/180bhp 1.8T engines which occurs on cold starts when the temperature is below 0

Many thanks DGW for the detailed reply. The problem is not restricted to cold temperatures - if anything it appears to be more likely when warm.

But you've given some good tips to follow up.

We are going on holiday (without the car) in the next few days, so time is short to do anything at the moment - will try and swot up on a manual while I'm away (sad or what?).

Best regards

Mike