Skoda Fabia 2007 1.2 cuts out on idle

The Importance of Basic Checks!

I had a customer whose Skoda Fabia 2007 1.2 cuts out on idle for no reason. Basic checks were carried out which means checking oil levels, coolant levels and electrical component connections as well as visually looking for any obvious signs of split breather hoses.

There appeared to be nothing obviously wrong and without an Engine Management Light on I felt that this might be a hard fault to find and cure.

I decided to plug in with our diagnostic equipment to firstly see if there was any fault codes but also to view the live data that could be read.

There was two fault codes present which were:-

17549 load calculation cross check implausible value P1141 short with ground - intermittent.

16825 EVAP emission control sys incorrect flow P0441 not a plausible signal - intermittent.

I erased the fault codes and waited for the fault to materialize and within half an hour it stalled. 

Because it was idle related it was decided that it would be a good bet to clean out the idle control valve/throttle body.

The engine cover was removed and the throttle body was found to be black and was duly cleaned out, in doing so it was noticed that the vacuum hose from the brake servo was badly split.

A replacement hose was ordered and fitted and now the Skoda is back to idling perfectly.

This only goes to prove the importance of conducting these basic checks thoroughly.

Latest News from the Garage

Hi Everyone, congratulations to Steven Hall who won the inaugural monthly draw for November. I thank all who entered and remind you that everyone will get something from this. Your Free MOT reminder will come out to you a couple of weeks before it is due.

The prize Draw for December is now open.

To win £200 towards a Full Service and MOT print and email me the completed form that you will see in a previous blog.

Entry into the December draw ends at midnight on the 31st December 2014.

Those who entered last month can enter again, refer someone new and you will also be entered into this months draw. 

Seat Leon 1.6 Diesel knocking noise from engine

A customer recently booked their 04 plate Seat Leon in because it had a severe knocking noise from the engine. The Seat was a 1.6 diesel PD (Pumpe Duse) type engine.

The knocking noise sounded like diesel knock just as if the pump timing was out. This engine is a common rail engine so fuel pump timing was not a factor in this instance. Having now completed all the basic checks a compression test of individual cylinders was carried out.

The decision was made to remove the cam cover and closely inspect the camshaft and followers. With cam cover removed and with the camshaft rotated in a certain position a small black circle could be seen beneath the cam lobe in the centre of one of the followers.

It was decided that we should remove the camshaft completely to confirm that this was indeed the fault. In doing so the problem was clear to see, one of the follows had completely worn away.

When speaking to the customer it was established that they had not been using the correct PD oil. This only goes to prove the importance of carrying out the recommended oil change when due with the correct oil type and grade.

Contact Pentagon Motorist Centre when you vehicles next service is due on 01634 405757

The Woman Who risked her life for £10 - Stories from the Garage

This is still one of the most shocking stories of recent times in the garage. A woman came into reception for her MOT. It failed on the fact that two of her tyres were completely bald and exposing the cords!

 



We explained that the car was dangerous to drive and gave her a reasonable quote for replacing the two budget tyres at £56.28 (inc. VAT, fitting, tyre reclaim and balance for each tyre sized at 195/55/15).

The customer was shocked that she needed tires in the first place and she said she would ring back in 10 minutes with a decision whether we would be the ones to replace the tyres or not. She arrived back onsite 30 mins later explaining that she had to pick her children up from school, we asked whether she wanted us to fit the tyres for her and she said that she had managed to find another garage in Maidstone (about 6 miles away) that would do it for £10 cheaper.

We were astounded that she was prepared to drive 6 miles after picking up her children in a car deemed dangerous to drive... Just to save £10.


We usually find that our tyre prices are extremely competitive due to the fact that the price you are quoted with us includes all of the hidden charges many other dealers add on afterwards.#

If you're worried about your tyres at all, give us a quick ring on 01634 405757 to arrange a free tyre check.