Hi

I have recently bought a 2000 reg skoda fabia 1.4 8v with about 50,000 miles on the clock. The other day the engine warning light came on. I was having the oil changed anyway and after this was done the light was no longer on.

But then a few hours later it was back.

I have also noticed that the engine is very loud when idle. It almost sounds like a diesel engine or even a tractor or something.

Has anybody else had this problem or know what it might be or what to do about it?

Many thanks

Is it noisy as in knocking like a diesel, or is it more like a tinny / rattly noise. Don't know what the former would be, but the latter will most likely be the timing chain needing replacing. Try this thread for confirmation - it's pretty much the same engine. Can't explain why it's showing a warning light, though...

No, it sounds more like the engine is ticking over quite loudly. It is not an abnormal sound like banging or ratteling. Just the normal engine sound but very loud. Kind of like the engine is constantly revingm even when the car is stopped. It also makes the car shudder a bit when stopped or driving slowly.

A 'lumpy' idle is a common trait of the 1.4 8v engine - I believe it's to do with meeting emissions regulations, as the engine is virtually on the point of stalling at idle, hence the occasional judder. Resetting and cleaning the throttle body will help, and a go on Search will tell you more!

I wouldn't knock the timing chain being loose out of hand, though. I'm sure someone even posted some 'before and after' mp3s when they changed the timing chain on their Felicia. Have a go on the search for that as well!

Thanks for the help.

Is resetting and cleaning the throttle something I can do myself or would I need to take it to a garage? I know nothing about cars but if its an easy job I could try?

Thanks for the help.

Is resetting and cleaning the throttle something I can do myself or would I need to take it to a garage? I know nothing about cars but if its an easy job I could try?

Rumour has it that turning the key in the ignition so that the warning lamps light on the dash but not so far that the engine start will reset it if you keep it there for a minute or two. This would only be necessary if you took the throttle off to clean it, though, as far as I know...