I've replaced thermostat and coolent sensor like 4 months ago now keep getting this code with a engine light I've noticed I've not heard my secondary air pump kick in for a while also I keep having to top up my coolent and revs seem higher thank you all.

On 04/04/2025 at 08:23, Ashley2714 said:

I've replaced thermostat and coolent sensor like 4 months ago now keep getting this code with a engine light I've noticed I've not heard my secondary air pump kick in for a while also I keep having to top up my coolent and revs seem higher thank you all.

Hi Ashley,

Are these genuine parts from Skoda/TPS or, are they pattern parts? If it's the latter, they are well known for causing many problems. Always stick to genuine if you can. Make sure the system is correctly flushed out and all seated correctly.

If you are having to top up coolant then it must be leaking somewhere. Check oil for emulsification plus coolant tank for oil contamination and any coolant pipes unions plus rad. Another point would be coolant reservoir cap. If its failed it may be dumping coolant out of expansion hose as the engine coolant isn't getting pressurised properly. Check for bubbles in tank as well. (cylinder head gasket)

Not sure why it would keep throwing a 1296 code as its normally sensor or thermostat related unless theres two sensors on yours?

It could also be on a long shot an airlock if the system has been drained and refilled or the head gasket has gone. Keep squeezing top rad hose with engine running to see if you get any bubbles in expansion tank.

Alasdair

Ok I will try that now also only code I'm getting now is p0117 fault code mate hope this helps

P0117 is as far as I know a low signal from engine temp sensor. As you have replaced thermostat and coolant sensor check the wiring/connector. Not sure if yours has as said has two. One for engine temp which sends to ECU. Normally green under engine cover and coolant sensor that operates fan which may be in coolant pipe somewhere? Does your temp guage work and what temp does it get to. Maybe someone on here will know for sure. I would make sure the connectors are clean and inspect wiring for breaks/short.

Alasdair

It's sitting perfect on 90 dergess I've noticed when I put heaters on my windscreen fogs up like crazy and a sweet smell this morning would not start I cleared the code and it started up right away

Just wondering if the heater matrix has a leak? or perhaps the pipes feeding it. If your losing coolant and window is steaming up it might be where the coolant is going expecially if theres a sweet smell. Check that the carpets etc arent damp in the front. Not sure which side the heater matrix is on. I would check the wiring and connector for the temp sensor as said.

Alasdair

Ok thank you I will check now and I did notice dry pink stuff before on passenger side foot well

That may well be antifreeze. It leaves a dry pinkish white residue if using red antifreeze. Hope its just a jubilee clip or perished hose.

Alasdair

If it's the matrix is it a big job ?

I believe it requires the dash removed. You could by pass it in the engine bay but then no heat. Try puting a seperate post up re heater matrix replacement/leaking. Someone on here will have done one or have some tips. I wouldn't use radweld etc until your sure and I have heard that radweld etc can cause other problems. There may be a better leak sealer available,

Alasdair

Just checked pink stuff in my footwear not happy sad to see

Hope its an easy fix, Check the connections in engine compartment just in case its leaking there and running back through bulkhead to matrix. As said put a seperate post up to see if anyone has any tips or reccomendation re a sealant,

Alasdair

Depending on what condition/mileage your car has done it might be worth trying Kseal. If its in really good condition I would see about replacing or checking matrix. I used it on an old toyota lucida with cracked head in desperation and it worked and lasted for about a year. Didn't have any problems with clogging heater matrix etc or any other cooling issues. I used it again after about a year and it lasted until I replaced cylinder head. You just add it to coolant and run car. Its around £15. I had cracks between the valves that caused coolant to fill piston and hydraulic the engine. Worked in about 1/2 hour.

Check the condition of the hoses to the matrix first if you can and also the connections to and from just in case its a bad jubilee clip.

Alasdair

Edited 16 April16 Apr by Alasdair1

Okay it's done 140000 and I've asked a garage there going to call me 2moro to quote me it's ashame as its my baby lol

The last time I heard of a matrix removal and replacement it was a lot due to the labour involved. Hope they can repair it without dash removal.

Alasdair

Ye it's a big job I've been told could be the flange that connects to the heater matrix also

Havent come across any matrix failures on here so I assume not a very common problem. I used to drive volvo940/960 and they were very prone to a wet carpet and sweet smell. Its funny how attached to cars you get. Still have my old Octavia mk2 1.9tdi which I loved but rust set in and reckon it needs welding and a lot of TLC. It had loads of torque and when you wanted it to go and it went. Now a 1.6tdi MK2 but just not the same. Nice to drive but doesnt have that oomph at low speeds or revs.

Saying that I would have another volvo 960 estate tomorrow but couldn't aford to run it or tax it.

Good luck with garage and hopefully simple fix

Alasdair

Hi Alasdair I've had the matrix replaced aircon re gas and auxiliary belt and tensioner done with few other little bits was quite expensive but she's all done now.

Glad you got it fixed. It would be expensive as the labour cost of removing matrix etc would have been pretty high. At least you now know it will be fine and no more wet carpets.

Alasdair

Ye car needs a good clean now inside I keep getting p0117 engine code it's got to be the coolent sensor I'm thinking