Fabia 1.9TDi, about 4 years old.

This time last year, the power steering developed a fault whereby the warning light would come on upon starting the engine and the power assistance not work, although it would come back on after driving for several miles. The sensor and pump were replaced under (extended) warranty. A couple of months ago, the same problem re-occurred. Again, both sensor and pump replaced under manufacturer's warranty. The engineer told me that the alternator output and battery are OK.

However, the problem persists, although now the PS normally comes back on after a few minutes driving, usually when the car has come to a stop or is about to. The strange thing is that, since getting the car back from the dealer, the outside temperature indicator now shows a very low figure (eg, minus 18 degrees), and the air conditioning does not work any more.

This is more than a coincidence, and seems rather weird. Are all three (power steering, temperature sensor and air conditioning) be connected to the central computer? Could this be where the problem lies?

I have given all this information to my local main dealer, and they are (supposedly) in discussion with Skoda, but have not got back to me yet.

I hope someone can help. I am new to this board, and hope that I am not posting in the wrong place.

John

Not connected as such but the ambeint temp sensor is located in front of the PAS pump behind the grill, id expect its either damaged or not fitted back in correctly. The AC will not work for safety reasons if it thinks the temp is that low.

Thanks, Lummox.

That makes a great deal of sense. I shall go back to the main dealers and suggest they check it out.

A bonus would be that, if they failed to put it back right they will, hopefully, rectify the matter f.o.c.

John

I have just received some good news and some bad news.

Skoda Customer Service and my local main dealer have both been in touch to inform me that the fault is with the main wiring loom which, because it runs alongside the wash-wipe tubing which has been leaking, has 'rotted' (I hadn't realised that plastic insulation or copper wire could rot).

The good news is that, because they say that this problem should not have occurred on a vehicle of this age, Skoda will pay the cost of the wiring loom -

This unfortunate incident seems to smack of the all too familiar notion that most people can, at the drop of a hat, simpily make do without their car. Its as if we are all just having a laugh actually owning a car. You can see where mainstream dealerships are coming from as they mainly deal with business users, but Skoda dealers - I understand that Skoda is making significant inroads into the business user sector - but in this case it seems they (SUK) are letting things slip a bit if they are treating you in this way, while still admitting that the quality of their product or its design is in some way to blame for this failure. Surely they could arrange for you to "stay on the road" at some small cost to yourself to cover the usual wear and tear of a "loner" car. After this I would imagine that you will feel like jumping ship - even if it costs a lot of money! I always thought the "deal" was, that to exist in this modern world as a credible trader, you need to furnish yourself with the spares back-up that your product requireds even although at times overstocking of long-lead-times like wiring looms would cause you to tie up monies. Even the Korean and SA (if they still exist) car manufacturers understand this - are Skoda serious about being seen as a "world player" ? Only their buying public can change their attitude by moving away - maybe you should have a serious talk with your dealer principle and send a recorded deliver letter to SUK giving them 10 days to improve your situation before going public, remembering to use all their smart advertising statements against them. Remember VAG expect them to perform sucessfully within their nominated market sector, so they too don't need any more bad press (they generate enough of their own). Good luck.

Ok I have the same problem and have been living with it for almost a year now.

If upon starting the car the warning light is on and the Steering heavy. Engage Reverse, place right foot on footbreak and ride cluch until the engine almost cuts out, the light will almost always go out and the steering will be normal again. Sometimes the light stays on but the steering is normal. Try it it works for me every time.

Thanks for your support, rum4mo.

I have been very happy with my Fabia up until now and, apart from the current problems, feel it is the best car I have ever owned.

I still live in hope that my local dealer, or perhaps Skoda, will come up with the offer of a courtesy car. I, too, cannot understand why such wiring looms are not held as spares - surely mine is not the only car in Europe which needs a replacement.

Personally, I think that the main dealer should not have removed the wiring loom until they knew that a replacement was instantly available: the car was working well apart from the intermittent power steering problem and lack of air conditioning. I could certainly live with these problems for nine weeks.

Despite these problems, I find it difficult to feel angry with Skoda UK as they have been very helpful indeed in the past. I may contact them and see if they are willing to offer any additional help.

John

Thanks for your reply, BoilingPoint.

Unfortunately, things have gone a little way beyond overcoming the power steering problems!

If you read my last-but-one post, you will see that there are much more serious problems now. If I still had my car I would be very willing to try your well-meant suggestion.

Incidentally, if you are having the same problems as I am, I sincerely hope that it is not down to 'rotting' wiring looms!!!

John

Sorry to hear that. It wouldn't suprise me... just about everything else has gone wrong at some time or other.

An update for anyone who may be interested.

I wrote to Skoda UK and, although I haven't had a written reply yet, as if by magic the other day I was offered a courtesy car by my main dealer. I suspect that Skoda have either persuaded them or offered to pay for it. I don't know, but I'm happy, especially as it is a 6 month old Octavia and I can keep it as long as my car is being worked on.

Another very interesting point came to light when I arranged to collect it. My insurers, Equity, demanded an extra premium of

Hadnt thought of the loom tbh, only seen a few go in the corner (iirc Stus dads did the same). But yes the looms are made to order for your vehicle.

I have changed insurers again - Liverpool Victoria - collected the courtesy car and telephoned them with the details. They did not even need to know about the car: it seems that I am insured to drive anything lent to me - presumably even a Rolls Royce? - without charge. Also, the premium was the best part of

I did ask the lady when I telephoned, and she assured me that it is fully comprehensive, just the same as the insurance on my own car.

I hope I haven't been misinformed again!

John

Good to hear that good old fashioned letters have an effect after all, but it's a shame you had to fight so hard to get what should have been offered in the first place imho!

Hopefully you will be back in your car before too long

Chris

Just a final update, in case anyone is interested.

I received my car on Tuesday 18th and all seems to be OK. This has taken seven weeks, which is a little better than the nine weeks quoted.

The six-month old Octavia I was lent was very nice, and had one or two extras that my car doesn't, but I have to say that I prefer my Fabia - it seems to have a bit more 'poke' (I suppose it is lighter for the same engine size).

Anyway, I digress. Many thanks to Skoda for supplying the wiring loom f.o.c. and for persuading my local main dealer to supply the courtesy car.

John

Good posts, and thanks for keeping us informed throughout, and the final outcome

Far too many posters, come on ask advice inform what is happening and then go without a post to say what it really was and what the outcome was

Refreshing to be kept updated

Cheers National