18 minutes ago, JamieH86 said:

I had periodic black smoke under load (say, a hill start and four passengers) last year and periodic vibration starting on acceleration. Restarting cured that... for a bit. No errors/dash lights.

They were signs of a failing injector, which went just before Christmas. There was finally a dash light once the injector actually died.

Diagnosed by a Skoda/VW specialist swapping the injector (one) with injector two and seeing if the error followed, which it did.

ONe new injector later, good as new.

Cheers mate really appreciate the advice 👍🏻

4 minutes ago, Alasdair1 said:

I did my sons and it took a while to bed in properly. First I thought it was slipping and what had I done wrong and had a bit of judder but after a day or two was smooth. Was a fair bit of smoke from front of car at first but reckon it was the old clutch fluid burning off as I replaced the slave cylinder as his was leaking slightly.

Run the car for a few days and if it doesnt improve speak to mechanic again.

£900 for a new clutch and full service isnt a bad price at all these days. Was quoted £700 plus vat just to do the clutch on his fabia so I did it myself.

Alasdair

Cheers mate really appreciate you're help and advice. I'll see how it goes over the next few days Cheers Gary

47 minutes ago, passthepointofnoreturn said:

I think I'll try it but I've all but given up hope with this car at the moment. It feels like a money pit.

I think you need an expert mechanic you can trust.

But don't despair, it's essentially a good engine when running right.

@passthepointofnoreturn has it had the VW emission fix carried out or is that outstanding?

24 minutes ago, Ootohere said:

@passthepointofnoreturn has it had the VW emission fix carried out or is that outstanding?

I didn't even realise there was an outstanding emissions fix. What year / cars were affected please

29 minutes ago, EnterName said:

I think you need an expert mechanic you can trust.

But don't despair, it's essentially a good engine when running right.

Cheers mate that's great 👍🏻 but trying to get a decent mechanic who isn't ready to ride you along is near on impossible today.

@passthepointofnoreturn Euro 5 1.6 TDI CR were.

http://skoda-auto.com/services/recall-campaigns

Edited 24 August, 202524 Aug by Ootohere

1 hour ago, passthepointofnoreturn said:

Cheers mate that's great 👍🏻 but trying to get a decent mechanic who isn't ready to ride you along is near on impossible today.

Excuse the AI, but these might be worth checking-out, and I think they're in your neck of the woods.

I can't vouch for any of them, but they might be worth calling and seeing if you like the sound of them.

VAG (Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, Skoda) diesel specialists in South Yorkshire, UK

1. Volkstech (Maltby, Rotherham)

   • Location: Unit A13 Aven Industrial Estate, Maltby, Rotherham, S66 7QR

   • Why Choose Them: Volkstech is an independent garage specializing in VW, Audi, Skoda, and SEAT vehicles. Their technicians have over 40 years of combined experience, including 25 years at VW Rotherham as Master Technician and Service Manager. They use genuine VW parts, ensuring warranty compliance, and offer up to 50% savings compared to main dealers. Services include diagnostics, servicing, DSG and Haldex 4WD diagnostics, and clutch/gearbox repairs. They also provide free vehicle collection and delivery.

   • Contact: 01709 296260, [email protected]

   • Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30am - 5:00pm, Sat-Sun: Closed

2. The Garage Sheffield (Sheffield)

   • Location: Central Sheffield (2 minutes from Sheffield train station)

   • Why Choose Them: An independent VAG specialist with over 12 years of experience, offering dealer-level repairs and servicing for VW, Audi, SEAT, and Skoda at lower costs. They are members of the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI), adhering to strict quality standards. Customers can speak directly with technicians, and they provide a range of services, including diagnostics, MOTs, and repairs.

   • Contact: 0114 273 7333

   • Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30am - 5:00pm, Sat: 8:30am - 12:30pm, Sun: Closed

3. Tec-Nick Autos (Sheffield)

   • Location: Unit 5 William House, Dannemora Drive, Sheffield, S9 5DF

   • Why Choose Them: Run by ex-dealer technicians with extensive VAG experience, Tec-Nick Autos offers servicing, diagnostics, re-mapping, and repairs at a fraction of dealer costs. They provide a free collection and delivery service and use state-of-the-art equipment. Customer reviews highlight their honesty, quality work, and approachable service.

   • Contact: 0114 275 4189, 07841 910611

   • Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30am - 5:30pm, Sat: 8:30am - 1:30pm

4. German Autocentre (Sheffield)

   • Location: Sheffield

   • Why Choose Them: An independent Volkswagen specialist with dealer-trained mechanics, offering diagnostics, repairs, and servicing at 33% lower prices than main dealers. They specialize in diesel-specific issues like DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) diagnostics and repairs, as well as turbo faults. Services include timing chain replacement, wheel alignment, and MOTs, with a free courtesy car and interest-free payment plans available.

   • Contact: 0114 327 2027

5. A.V.G. Technique (Doncaster)

   • Location: A1, Great North Rd, Woodlands, Doncaster, DN6 7SU

   • Why Choose Them: Recommended on VAG enthusiast forums, A.V.G. Technique is a specialist in the Doncaster area for VW, Audi, SEAT, and Skoda vehicles. Customers report knowledgeable staff, though specific details on diesel expertise are limited. Worth contacting for diesel-specific inquiries.

   • Contact: 01302 727631

AI Recommendation

For a great VAG diesel specialist in South Yorkshire, Volkstech in Maltby, Rotherham, stands out due to their extensive experience, use of genuine parts, and comprehensive diesel-specific services like DSG and Haldex diagnostics. If you’re closer to Sheffield, Tec-Nick Autos or German Autocentre are excellent choices, particularly for their expertise in diesel issues like DPF and turbo faults, backed by strong customer feedback and competitive pricing.

Next Steps: Contact Volkstech or Tec-Nick Autos to discuss your specific diesel vehicle needs and confirm their expertise with your model. You can also check www.garagesnearme.co.uk for additional local VAG specialists.

Edited 24 August, 202524 Aug by EnterName
Thank you most gracious and benevolent moderator for approving my post so other members could see it. I am truly blessed!

3 hours ago, passthepointofnoreturn said:

Hi no loss of power but at around 70 / 80 mph it did start to shake and vibrate, cheers

Ok then. As others I think it's a failing injector. I'd recommend taking it to a Bosch Diesel or TurnerTune franchise or if you can be bothered from Doncaster strong recommendation of Feather Diesel, whichever's nearer, and tell them the symptoms (smoke, vibration, worse economy?)

I’d 3rd? 4th? The injector dying as the issue…

Been there had that, paid the bill 🙄

If it does need an injector I recommend buying it here:

https://wtdiesel.com/

£69 mine was and find a good garage that fits customer supplied parts. Think it was about £140 labour I paid.

@EnterName I know your not a fan of moderators, but maybe breathe before you aim snark at them…

Posts that have certain phrases or email addresses in them get flagged automatically by forum software for a manual review as part of spam defence.

Helps keep the place a nice relaxed spam free environment 😊