Octavia, 1.9Tdi, March 2001. Engine type 81KW ASV, 79,000 miles.

Had the car from about 8 months & 10,000 miles

When engine is cold starts fine if air temperature is above about 15'C or below about 4'C. In between I sometimes think it is not going to start.

Checked out by local Skoda dealer about 2 years ago - nothing shows up on diagnostics.

Local Bosch specialist checked it out & he can't find any reason. Replaced MAF - no effect (I didn't expect it to have any effect)

Technique to start is:

Ignition On - wait for glo-plug indicator to go out; ignition Off

Repeat sequence twice then try to start - fails to start

Repeat sequence & it starts but does not burst inyto life.

This last week with temperatures below 4'C has started easily after first On/Off sequence.

Apart from this it goes really well & I enjoy driving it.

:confused:

Anybody got any ideas - ta

Ken

try posting this in the octavia section

Hi Ken

Get them to check the glow plugs.

I would myself too be thinking about replacing the coolant temp sensor.

These go down for fun....not that expensive either so could be worth replacing that too in this weather

Good luck mate and let us know how you get on.

Yes this has been put in the Forum Help Section but spend a bit more time on this great forum and you will find out lots more info too.

Sarah

Could be the relay that controls the glow plugs.

You want to get somebody to check all teh glows actually glow and that they are also all getting the correct current/voltage to them.

If you have done 80k it is probably time for a glowplug change anyway, but i wouldn't be sure that this is the solution since you say that it starts ok sometimes.

Sarahs suggestion sounds very plauseable too though, so who knows.

I would myself too be thinking about replacing the coolant temp sensor.

These go down for fun....not that expensive either so could be worth replacing that too in this weather

:iagree:

if a sensor is faulty it doesn't necessarily show up on a diagnostics check, if the reading from the sensor is still within a plausable range it just thinks the sensor is working fine. it's only when there is a total faliure/intermittant/short/out of range that it show up a fault

also i agree that you should check the glow plugs first..... failing that your fuel injectors could do with a clean, especially if you run it on cooking oil or contaninated fuel like i do on all my diesels

Try replacing the engine coolant temperature sensor.

I also have the same problem. I have a 1999 Octavia 1.9 TDi. When it gets cold outside - below 0 C, my octavia starts quickly. I also hear the clicking noise of electricity relays as it heats up the glow plugs - usually after 7 secods or so. But, when the outside temperature is above 0 C it does not start normally and I could sense the engine starting without the help of the glow plugs. This is what i suspect - somehow, the glow plugs do not work properly. It could be a engine temp. sensor but i'm reluctant to take it to a mechanic. This has been going on for more than 2 years now and I figured its fine to overburden the battery and starter a bit more than usual.

Hmm bleduri, a coolant sensor is cheap enough and it does sound like your car thinks it is warmer than it really is.

I'd have it checked out or do DIY change.