Fabia Tdi - Engine Inconstant.

awt41 · 27-06-2003, 17:28

The engine on my Fabia Tdi has never been consistent.

Sometimes it runs as sweet as a nut and at other times can be really raucous, and tiring to drive. It sounds like an old tank, growling away, especially in low gear.

When you're in the drivers seat the noise seems to be coming from the passenger seat footwell.

It's done 20K now, so should be quieter than this methinks.

At speed on the motorway it's really quiet, but around town - YAK!

Is it just mine or are they all like this?

Perhaps I was spoiled by my last diesel, which was a Citroen ZX - that was really quiet, even after 100K.

Regards, awt41.

devonutopia · 29-06-2003, 19:21

Hey awt41

This is a bit freaky. I'm driving a TDI Fabia now, and I used to have a ZX TD before that. Just a coincidence I guess.

The engine has been very reliable on my Fabia, apart from when some electrical problem caused the turbo to become "intermittent", but its fine now after being replaced under warranty. I've done over 37,000 miles now, and have been pleased with the noise levels at over 90, and around town too. Too many passengers (if there can ever be too many) often need assurance its a diesel when being driven around. I've driven louder petrol cars, thats for sure.

As for comparison to my ZX TD, I think the Fabia is better. The engine is over 10BHP more powerful, so it goes a lot quicker, plus it handles better ( especially with 17" alloys

) Sorry to hear you're having noise probs, but I'm having no trouble with that. I should think Matt, another TDI owner, is also having no noise trouble..? Matt? This true?

awt41 · 29-06-2003, 19:34

I agree about performance - no complaints with that at all - its just that the engine seems somewhat unrefined for a modern diesel. Have you noticed any difference when using different brands of diesel?

devonutopia · 29-06-2003, 19:40

Nope - must admit I haven't. A lot of RS owners notice using Optimax helps. It won't help us though.

I nearly always use Sainsburys diesel, because its cheap and you get those Nectar points. As for refinement, I gotta say I've never driven such a refined diesel. Quiet, nippy, economical. Perhaps I've been driving around in work Astramax's and Transits too much?

Maybe if and when you have your 20K service, get the dealer to take it out for a spin and see if they feel its less refined than other TDIs they've driven...?

flyingscot · 29-06-2003, 20:14

Hmm strange, I have noticeed that the gear changes are more jerky when you come off the clutch but only when it is cold, or has been sitting out for a while like yesterday where it was in the work's car park for 9 hours. However when it heats up it is fine. As for noise it doesn't seem too bad, again more noisy when cold but when warmed up it's O.K. Maybe the engine noise is to do with gears, maybe they just not set up correctly, however fuel economy could tell you that.

devonutopia · 29-06-2003, 20:25

Thats just the oil warming up I reckon. I get the same and I'm fairly sure all cars are the same. I treat mine like I'm running it in for the first 3 or 4 miles, hoping to lessen any damage pushing it cold would do.

awt41 · 30-06-2003, 09:34

Jason, I like the handle. Is it from the quote:

"A map without Utopia is not worth consulting" - Oscar Wilde - lol.

Have just had the 20K service done by the way (cost me £203). I assume they took it for a spin - they never said.....

Regards, awt41

devonutopia · 30-06-2003, 10:24

I dunno when and how I came up with that handle.

I do think where I live is a bit of a utopia. no crime,scenery,quiet roads,etc.

I prefer it to read like "devon-NUT-opia" as people here do think I'm a bit of a nut-case.

Cheers

PS: I did English Lit at A-level but never familiarised myself with Oscar Wilde and his works, so he had no influence at all on that name. I just had to do damn Shakespeare, and Chaucer

awt41 · 30-06-2003, 10:31

OK then - "A rose by any other name......"

Good for you mate, certainly sounds like Utopia compared to some places. Have only visited Devon once - it was very nice.

Regards, awt41

Kentish · 30-06-2003, 15:53

Could it be fuel quality or perhaps a partially clogged air filter?
I have on many occasions had what I call a tank of "bad fuel", resulting in poor performance,economy and extra noise.
You might like to check your air filter as they dont change it like anywhere near enough for my likeing and all following the set guides too.

Cheers

ps just to say I have only driven diesels for the last 16 yrs.

FabiaTDi · 30-06-2003, 19:28

Finally gained acces to briskoda again!

I agree with kentish, fuel quality can make quite a big difference to general engine refinement. I tend to stick to the well known brands when it comes to refueling and I used to find that ELF gave by far the smoothest running.
I also throw in quite a bit of Millers Dieselclean especially when I have no other option but to use supermarket fuel.

Tesco fuel gave quite poor running on mine, with even some judder at idle. Tend to use BP or Total now.

Noise isnt too bad on mine, but is obviously worse when really cold, in the depths of winter. Only noise I get is a quiet and slight whirring noise after a really cold startup (lasts about 1minute) which i think is the engine preheater working away.

awt41 · 01-07-2003, 06:26

Thanks - yes I had wondered about different brands of diesel (see earlier post), I'll have to try a few different ones and see if there's any significant change.

I'd also thought about using an additive, but wasn't sure if that would be ok with the PD engine?

I took the air filter out to have a look - it was a bit dusty but wouldn't say it was clogged. Anyway, gave it a clean and put it back ok. I think its supposed to be changed at 40k.

Have also found that packing some high-density foam rubber down behind the carpet on the passenger side has reduced engine noise quite a bit.

Thanks, awt41

fen_l&k · 01-07-2003, 07:23

I have a similar issue with my Octavia. Over the past 1000 miles it has become noisier under acceleration - almost rough compared to what it used to be. The only thing I can put it down to is the same issue I had with a diesel Fiesta some years ago. With the Fiesta the engine timing used to drift, which caused it to be rough. A quick pit stop at the dealers used to cure it.

I would have thought with modern electronics this would be less of an issue. Anyway, it will be needing a service in the next couple of months so I'll get the dealer to look at it then.

Howard

SkodiRS · 01-07-2003, 09:36

Must say I didn't have any problems with my 110bhp TDi; ok so it was a bit noisey when cold (particulalry during winter) but other than that it was fine.

Did 35k miles over 2 years and didn't even have to top up the oil.

One this I did notice was the use of diesel from different fule stations. City Diesel definately gave less mpg as opposed to the "full fat" variety; it also appeared not to pull as well but that could have just been my perception.

Just to get some more info; is it just noiser and not slower to respond, rougher running?

Also I think there was a problem with the diesel but I can't remember what it was (sorry). It appeared at the height of the coil pack saga.

Cheers.
Adrian.

devonutopia · 01-07-2003, 10:09

Hmmm - city diesel is what I use... Perhaps a change is on the cards, to see if anything differs...

awt41 · 01-07-2003, 12:20

I had thought about the possibility of the ECU being faulty, but am scared that if they (the dealer) start playing with that it may affect the fantastic mpg I've been getting from this car - over 60mpg.

One thing I've learned the hard way after many years of fiddling with cars, always striving for that bit more is..... IF IT AINT BROKE - DON'T FIX IT!

Regards, awt41

devonutopia · 01-07-2003, 12:22

I'm lucky to top fifty mpg now. I only averaged 49 mpg coming to work this morning, doing a steady 80mph at 2500 RPM. A little bit disappointing, but I believe my wheels may be messing around with the computer, and my realistic mpg has not altered too much. (Would 10% down be realistic for a 10% increase in overall tyre width?)

flyingscot · 01-07-2003, 13:40

Well the wheels would add to overall friction and resistance meaning more work for the engine to haul the car along the same distance. I would say width rather than size is the major contributer to mpg uncertainty whereas speedo as you know Jason is to do with height. 49 isn't too bad at 80 mph cruise, but maybe the fuel is having something to do with it. I have filled up on supermarket fuel I have to say I notice no difference, although I do believe that they come from the same source in Scotland so it doesn't matter! At the moment however on a Jet tankfull it is getting super economy, last night a town run gave me 57mpg, and it's still not moved off the fuel spot on the gauge dispite doing 130 miles and not a lot of motorway work!

devonutopia · 01-07-2003, 14:01

Yeah - mine used to stay at full for 100 miles, then down to 1/2 full at 300 miles, then suddenly go down to the red at about 450+ miles. It now gets into the red at 380 miles...

flyingscot · 01-07-2003, 14:10

Quote:

Originally posted by devonutopia in this post
Yeah - mine used to stay at full for 100 miles, then down to 1/2 full at 300 miles, then suddenly go down to the red at about 450+ miles. It now gets into the red at 380 miles...

I'm going to see how far I can get on this tankful, I'm hoping a large distance.

27-06-2003, 17:28	#1
awt41 Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Summer Wine country Posts: 58 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Fabia Tdi - Engine Inconstant. The engine on my Fabia Tdi has never been consistent. Sometimes it runs as sweet as a nut and at other times can be really raucous, and tiring to drive. It sounds like an old tank, growling away, especially in low gear. When you're in the drivers seat the noise seems to be coming from the passenger seat footwell. It's done 20K now, so should be quieter than this methinks. At speed on the motorway it's really quiet, but around town - YAK! Is it just mine or are they all like this? Perhaps I was spoiled by my last diesel, which was a Citroen ZX - that was really quiet, even after 100K. Regards, awt41.

29-06-2003, 19:21	#2
devonutopia Mongreller Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Ooo-ar, Oi be from Devonshire Posts: 29,506 Thanks: 60 Thanked 308 Times in 253 Posts	Hey awt41 This is a bit freaky. I'm driving a TDI Fabia now, and I used to have a ZX TD before that. Just a coincidence I guess. The engine has been very reliable on my Fabia, apart from when some electrical problem caused the turbo to become "intermittent", but its fine now after being replaced under warranty. I've done over 37,000 miles now, and have been pleased with the noise levels at over 90, and around town too. Too many passengers (if there can ever be too many) often need assurance its a diesel when being driven around. I've driven louder petrol cars, thats for sure. As for comparison to my ZX TD, I think the Fabia is better. The engine is over 10BHP more powerful, so it goes a lot quicker, plus it handles better ( especially with 17" alloys ) Sorry to hear you're having noise probs, but I'm having no trouble with that. I should think Matt, another TDI owner, is also having no noise trouble..? Matt? This true? __________________ Jason - Mongrel owner! WOOOOF! Grrrrr Custom Fabia Bonnet Lifter Kits - £45! Click Me. See the mongrel's 260bhp Dyno Video!

29-06-2003, 19:40	#4
devonutopia Mongreller Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Ooo-ar, Oi be from Devonshire Posts: 29,506 Thanks: 60 Thanked 308 Times in 253 Posts	Nope - must admit I haven't. A lot of RS owners notice using Optimax helps. It won't help us though. I nearly always use Sainsburys diesel, because its cheap and you get those Nectar points. As for refinement, I gotta say I've never driven such a refined diesel. Quiet, nippy, economical. Perhaps I've been driving around in work Astramax's and Transits too much? Maybe if and when you have your 20K service, get the dealer to take it out for a spin and see if they feel its less refined than other TDIs they've driven...? __________________ Jason - Mongrel owner! WOOOOF! Grrrrr Custom Fabia Bonnet Lifter Kits - £45! Click Me. See the mongrel's 260bhp Dyno Video!

29-06-2003, 20:14	#5
flyingscot Briskodian Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Jammed up on her majesties highways Posts: 2,249 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Hmm strange, I have noticeed that the gear changes are more jerky when you come off the clutch but only when it is cold, or has been sitting out for a while like yesterday where it was in the work's car park for 9 hours. However when it heats up it is fine. As for noise it doesn't seem too bad, again more noisy when cold but when warmed up it's O.K. Maybe the engine noise is to do with gears, maybe they just not set up correctly, however fuel economy could tell you that. __________________ Colin To come second is to be the first of the losers!

29-06-2003, 20:25	#6
devonutopia Mongreller Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Ooo-ar, Oi be from Devonshire Posts: 29,506 Thanks: 60 Thanked 308 Times in 253 Posts	Thats just the oil warming up I reckon. I get the same and I'm fairly sure all cars are the same. I treat mine like I'm running it in for the first 3 or 4 miles, hoping to lessen any damage pushing it cold would do. __________________ Jason - Mongrel owner! WOOOOF! Grrrrr Custom Fabia Bonnet Lifter Kits - £45! Click Me. See the mongrel's 260bhp Dyno Video!

29-06-2003, 19:34	#3
awt41 Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Summer Wine country Posts: 58 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I agree about performance - no complaints with that at all - its just that the engine seems somewhat unrefined for a modern diesel. Have you noticed any difference when using different brands of diesel?

30-06-2003, 09:34	#7
awt41 Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Summer Wine country Posts: 58 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Jason, I like the handle. Is it from the quote: "A map without Utopia is not worth consulting" - Oscar Wilde - lol. Have just had the 20K service done by the way (cost me £203). I assume they took it for a spin - they never said..... Regards, awt41 Last edited by awt41; 30-06-2003 at 09:47.

30-06-2003, 10:24	#8
devonutopia Mongreller Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Ooo-ar, Oi be from Devonshire Posts: 29,506 Thanks: 60 Thanked 308 Times in 253 Posts	I dunno when and how I came up with that handle. I do think where I live is a bit of a utopia. no crime,scenery,quiet roads,etc. I prefer it to read like "devon-NUT-opia" as people here do think I'm a bit of a nut-case. Cheers PS: I did English Lit at A-level but never familiarised myself with Oscar Wilde and his works, so he had no influence at all on that name. I just had to do damn Shakespeare, and Chaucer __________________ Jason - Mongrel owner! WOOOOF! Grrrrr Custom Fabia Bonnet Lifter Kits - £45! Click Me. See the mongrel's 260bhp Dyno Video!

30-06-2003, 10:31	#9
awt41 Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Summer Wine country Posts: 58 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	OK then - "A rose by any other name......" Good for you mate, certainly sounds like Utopia compared to some places. Have only visited Devon once - it was very nice. Regards, awt41 Last edited by awt41; 30-06-2003 at 10:33.

30-06-2003, 15:53	#10
Kentish Briskodian Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 5,231 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Could it be fuel quality or perhaps a partially clogged air filter? I have on many occasions had what I call a tank of "bad fuel", resulting in poor performance,economy and extra noise. You might like to check your air filter as they dont change it like anywhere near enough for my likeing and all following the set guides too. Cheers ps just to say I have only driven diesels for the last 16 yrs. __________________ Andy Owner of a sense of humour.

30-06-2003, 19:28	#11
FabiaTDi VT5 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Warwickshire Posts: 2,016 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Finally gained acces to briskoda again! I agree with kentish, fuel quality can make quite a big difference to general engine refinement. I tend to stick to the well known brands when it comes to refueling and I used to find that ELF gave by far the smoothest running. I also throw in quite a bit of Millers Dieselclean especially when I have no other option but to use supermarket fuel. Tesco fuel gave quite poor running on mine, with even some judder at idle. Tend to use BP or Total now. Noise isnt too bad on mine, but is obviously worse when really cold, in the depths of winter. Only noise I get is a quiet and slight whirring noise after a really cold startup (lasts about 1minute) which i think is the engine preheater working away. __________________ Was: 2003 Allard Tuned Fabia vRS VT5 Turbo Conversion Now: 2008 Audi A3 Sportback TDI

01-07-2003, 06:26	#12
awt41 Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Summer Wine country Posts: 58 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks - yes I had wondered about different brands of diesel (see earlier post), I'll have to try a few different ones and see if there's any significant change. I'd also thought about using an additive, but wasn't sure if that would be ok with the PD engine? I took the air filter out to have a look - it was a bit dusty but wouldn't say it was clogged. Anyway, gave it a clean and put it back ok. I think its supposed to be changed at 40k. Have also found that packing some high-density foam rubber down behind the carpet on the passenger side has reduced engine noise quite a bit. Thanks, awt41 Last edited by awt41; 01-07-2003 at 06:33.

01-07-2003, 07:23	#13
fen_l&k Briskodian Join Date: May 2003 Location: Deepest Fenland Posts: 2,559 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I have a similar issue with my Octavia. Over the past 1000 miles it has become noisier under acceleration - almost rough compared to what it used to be. The only thing I can put it down to is the same issue I had with a diesel Fiesta some years ago. With the Fiesta the engine timing used to drift, which caused it to be rough. A quick pit stop at the dealers used to cure it. I would have thought with modern electronics this would be less of an issue. Anyway, it will be needing a service in the next couple of months so I'll get the dealer to look at it then. Howard

01-07-2003, 09:36	#14
SkodiRS BRISKODA Staff Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: darkest Hampshire Posts: 8,650 Thanks: 0 Thanked 17 Times in 13 Posts	Must say I didn't have any problems with my 110bhp TDi; ok so it was a bit noisey when cold (particulalry during winter) but other than that it was fine. Did 35k miles over 2 years and didn't even have to top up the oil. One this I did notice was the use of diesel from different fule stations. City Diesel definately gave less mpg as opposed to the "full fat" variety; it also appeared not to pull as well but that could have just been my perception. Just to get some more info; is it just noiser and not slower to respond, rougher running? Also I think there was a problem with the diesel but I can't remember what it was (sorry). It appeared at the height of the coil pack saga. Cheers. Adrian.

01-07-2003, 10:09	#15
devonutopia Mongreller Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Ooo-ar, Oi be from Devonshire Posts: 29,506 Thanks: 60 Thanked 308 Times in 253 Posts	Hmmm - city diesel is what I use... Perhaps a change is on the cards, to see if anything differs... __________________ Jason - Mongrel owner! WOOOOF! Grrrrr Custom Fabia Bonnet Lifter Kits - £45! Click Me. See the mongrel's 260bhp Dyno Video!

01-07-2003, 12:20	#16
awt41 Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Summer Wine country Posts: 58 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I had thought about the possibility of the ECU being faulty, but am scared that if they (the dealer) start playing with that it may affect the fantastic mpg I've been getting from this car - over 60mpg. One thing I've learned the hard way after many years of fiddling with cars, always striving for that bit more is..... IF IT AINT BROKE - DON'T FIX IT! Regards, awt41

01-07-2003, 12:22	#17
devonutopia Mongreller Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Ooo-ar, Oi be from Devonshire Posts: 29,506 Thanks: 60 Thanked 308 Times in 253 Posts	I'm lucky to top fifty mpg now. I only averaged 49 mpg coming to work this morning, doing a steady 80mph at 2500 RPM. A little bit disappointing, but I believe my wheels may be messing around with the computer, and my realistic mpg has not altered too much. (Would 10% down be realistic for a 10% increase in overall tyre width?) __________________ Jason - Mongrel owner! WOOOOF! Grrrrr Custom Fabia Bonnet Lifter Kits - £45! Click Me. See the mongrel's 260bhp Dyno Video!

01-07-2003, 13:40	#18
flyingscot Briskodian Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Jammed up on her majesties highways Posts: 2,249 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Well the wheels would add to overall friction and resistance meaning more work for the engine to haul the car along the same distance. I would say width rather than size is the major contributer to mpg uncertainty whereas speedo as you know Jason is to do with height. 49 isn't too bad at 80 mph cruise, but maybe the fuel is having something to do with it. I have filled up on supermarket fuel I have to say I notice no difference, although I do believe that they come from the same source in Scotland so it doesn't matter! At the moment however on a Jet tankfull it is getting super economy, last night a town run gave me 57mpg, and it's still not moved off the fuel spot on the gauge dispite doing 130 miles and not a lot of motorway work! __________________ Colin To come second is to be the first of the losers!

01-07-2003, 14:01	#19
devonutopia Mongreller Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Ooo-ar, Oi be from Devonshire Posts: 29,506 Thanks: 60 Thanked 308 Times in 253 Posts	Yeah - mine used to stay at full for 100 miles, then down to 1/2 full at 300 miles, then suddenly go down to the red at about 450+ miles. It now gets into the red at 380 miles... __________________ Jason - Mongrel owner! WOOOOF! Grrrrr Custom Fabia Bonnet Lifter Kits - £45! Click Me. See the mongrel's 260bhp Dyno Video!

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