I've noticed two, possibly related, problems over the last week or so ...

First, if my car (an Octy vRS) hasn't been started for 24hrs or more, then when I turn the key the engine turns over OK, but there is a repeated 'clicking' noise from inside the dashboard (sounds like a relay sticking, perhaps), and the engine won't fire, or fires then cuts out. Until thes clicking noise stops, after a few seconds or occasionally longer, the engine refuses to start. It only seems to do it on the first 'start' of the day, and not again.

Second, my speedo has taken to thrashing around, even when the car is parked! The needle jumps around from zero to 20 or 30 mph, and shoots up if I blip the throttle. This appeared at the same time that the 'clicky' noise started, as far as I'm aware.

Any ideas?

Having suffered one recourse to the AA in the last couple of weeks, I'd just as soon not have to call them out again!

I've noticed two' date=' possibly related, problems over the last week or so ...

Second, my speedo has taken to thrashing around, even when the car is parked! The needle jumps around from zero to 20 or 30 mph, and shoots up if I blip the throttle. This appeared at the same time that the 'clicky' noise started, as far as I'm aware.

Any ideas?

Having suffered one recourse to the AA in the last couple of weeks, I'd just as soon not have to call them out again![/quote']

I've had the thing with the speedo, but it went away about as soon as I'd noticed it. Turning on ignition everything clicks and hums into actin and waiting for the glowplugs to go out notice speedo was sitting at 15mph! I assumed it was a one off and has never happened again.

First' date=' if my car (an Octy vRS) hasn't been started for 24hrs or more, then when I turn the key the engine turns over OK, but there is a repeated 'clicking' noise from inside the dashboard (sounds like a relay sticking, perhaps), and the engine won't fire, or fires then cuts out.

[/quote']

Had something similar this weekend - 13 days of standing still and the battery didn't have enough potential (was about 10V) to start the car. Mad clicking noise from behind the dashboard, and the central locking was acting randomly.

When your car does it, check the voltage of the battery, see if it might be dodgy...

Rob.

Cheers Rob, I'll check next time it happens.

I'm going to book the car into Alex Lawrie, the Skoda dealer in Liverpool, for a service next week, so I'll get them to check it while they have the car.

I agree with Rob.

When I had my Polo (1.9sdi), near the end of the battery life when trying to start it, the speedo and tachy would go loopy (litterally!!!) and some relays would go clickymad. I would also sometimes lose the trip mileage

Deffo was a dieing battery though as the starter motor struggled to get the thing going. When I eventually changed it over, worked fine and all dials / electronic displays returned to sanity :(

hmmmmmm ... sounds more than plausible. I'll get it tested this week.

Anyone know if a dead battery on a two-year old car would count as a warranty replacement item? (Unless you bought your car from Mitchells, of course ).

I booked mine in for it's 2 year service, at Alex Lawrie in Liverpool, for next Monday, so I could ask them to do it.

Not sure if it would be warranty - tough one as it *is* a consumable, but I'd expect it to last more than 2-3 years.

Would be interested in how you get on with claiming for it, as my car runs out of warranty soon and if the battery does turn out to be knackered I don't want to pay for it!

Rob.

I'll be sure and let you know. The "consumable" angle is what makes me think I might end up paying for it myself :( .

I'm more interested to see if Alex Lawrie are better (not perfect necessarily, but just more reasonable) than the bunch of mutants I bought the car from in the first place.

This visit to Bruntingthorpe is going to bankrupt me ... a service, new brake fluid, front wheel alignment and two new front tyres ... AND a helmet. SWMBO will be getting mileage out of this one for months :eek: .

I'll be sure and let you know. The "consumable" angle is what makes me think I might end up paying for it myself :( .

Well, I suppose it's possible to start a car off a battery, and then disconnect and remove the battery, and then drive the car somewhere making sure not to stall it along the way.

And I expect they'll give you a courtesy car.

Though I should point out these 2 comments are random, and in no way related...

Rob.

Anyone know if a dead battery on a two-year old car would count as a warranty replacement item.

Mines about to enter it's fifth year in service - had the car from new, so it's worth complaining to the dealer.

BTW, if you buy a decent battery they can be guaranteed for upto 3 years.

Mine is getting on towards 3 years old now, it takes 3 weeks of no use before my battery show signs of it going flattish. Still starts 1st time though, only driven 4k miles in 12 months.

I must admit I'd be rather surprised if the battery was knackered after only just over 2 years service. I'll wait and see what the garage has to say next Monday.