Hello people.

Hopefully someone knows more than me. I have done some search but couldn’t find some information.

I got my second Skoda two days ago (a Felicia Pick-up, 1997 1,9D). It was a problem when I bought it, it doesn’t glow. I got it started on Monday, but today it was dead. Now I got two faults. The battery is fully charged, but the starter doesn’t turn. I bought the Hayens Manual and have looked at the wiring. The dealer told me the car got immobilizer fitted, and I think that’s the problem with the starter. Is it possible to disconnect this function? Is it integrated in the diesel engine control unit? I can’t find anything about it in the Hayens manual.

Sorry for my bad English.

Regards Trond

IIrc the immobiliser is part of the fuel pump, but by the sound of it you have burned out the starter

Is it electrical fuel pump on the diesel?

Not that i remember

I take it the glow plugs stay cold?

Can you test if power is getting to the starter motor (multimeter or a test lamp / 12v bulb and wires)

Is the starter motor solenoid 'clicking' when you try to turn the engine over???

Have you tried 'bump starting' (push the car , and turn engine on the gears instead).

If it wont bump start .....?

Anyone got any better suggestions? :confused:

I'd be surprised if the fuel pump was electronic on anything pre-1997 or 98.

So we have 2 possible problems:-

1) Glow plugs not activating.

2) Failed starter or immobiliser.

On (1), if you remove a plug, connect it and hold the threads against the engine, then activate the ignition, it should glow hot enough to see. If it doesn't, then you have at least one failed plug. Hint - don't skimp by buying cheap replacements (low price from someone like GSF yes, but buy a make like Bosch rather than Halfrauds own brand).

2) Put a test bulb in parallel with the starter motor, and try to start the car. If the bulb lights up or burns out, the starter motor has failed. If it stays out, you have an immobiliser issue. Use the Site Search for how to deal with those.