Hi folks,

Shortly after my last post before today in spring 2024, my car [Octavia VRS 2012 diesel] developed multiple issues and I got some health issues at the same time. At the time, I had AA Home and a temporary fix done.

End result being the car's been sitting on my drive for around 18 months, unused apart from the occasional start and bit of a move around in and out of my drive, and I've been unable to work on it. It's declared SORN.

So it kind of works and is almost roadworthy (and might even pass MOT?) but the intake manifold is goosed and the revs won't go above about 3000rpm. I have a replacement manifold/gasket/solenoid and all the tools that I think are needed.

The Haynes manual procedure is very good apart from one thing - first step is "remove the engine undertray". it doesn't explain the need or the process.

From a long time searching the forums and all the www, I see nothing but difficulties waiting to happen, unless you have access to garage lifting equipment.

The question: is there really a need to remove the undertray? I get that there will be some diesel spillage during the replacement but can't I stuff rags or something around the engine gaps to soak it up before it reaches the undertray?

All comments appreciated, thanks!

On 22/09/2025 at 20:59, oldnewbie1 said:

first step is "remove the engine undertray"

I drive a petrol engine Octavia, not a diesel.

From what I can understand from the Skoda workshop manual (ElsaWin) the first step is remove the top engine cover. Could there be a misprint in Haynes?

TDI Remove Engine Top Cover.pdf

TDI Remove Intake Manifild.pdf

I used a CEGA engine code for reference.

Kev.

Good stuff, thanks Kev.

I don't think it's a misprint in Haynes, as top cover removal is second step there. Every other step is described in detail!

The only thing I can think of is that once the car is raised and undertray removed it could give additional access to some bolts that need to be undone.

On 23/09/2025 at 05:59, oldnewbie1 said:

The question: is there really a need to remove the undertray?

Is it really that hard to remove?

My petrol one takes about 3 minutes without needing even a jack.

Just reach under and undo the torx screws