Skoda Octavia TDiPD - Management lights | Technical matters | Back Room Forum

Mon 17 Jan 2011 16:44

Skoda Octavia TDiPD - Management lights - jaycee9

I have a PD diesel with 25k on the clock and the yellow 'engine light' is showing (for 4 months). I have had it into my local dealership, paid £45+VAT for a diagnosis, and they have no idea, It could be this or that, and they need to fit new bits-not in stock- to find out what it is....this is not satisfactory. Has anyone any ideas as to what it is and how much to rectify? Suggestions geatly appreciated. many thanks.

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Mon 17 Jan 2011 17:11

Skoda Octavia TDiPD - Management lights - dieselnut

You will need to post on here what codes the garage found.

Also what problems have you noticed, or does the engine run fine.

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Mon 17 Jan 2011 17:17

Skoda Octavia TDiPD - Management lights - jaycee9

Thanks for that, they didnt say, it could be the pollen filter, or air filter etc. they suggested that all in all it could be about two grand to sort, thats why I havent been back. They did a service at the time back in October

The engine is running fine and no problems at all either speed, noise, economy, just my little engine motif shines at me all the time.

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Mon 17 Jan 2011 18:19

Skoda Octavia TDiPD - Management lights - dieselnut

In that case I would ignor it until it needs its next service, then find a competent garage.

I doubt the garage used the correct special oil needed by the PD engine either.

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Mon 17 Jan 2011 18:24

Skoda Octavia TDiPD - Management lights - jaycee9

Thanks, it seems to be going fine, and I was charged for the longlife oil....

The dealer is in west London

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Mon 17 Jan 2011 20:28

Skoda Octavia TDiPD - Management lights - dieselnut

I don't doubt they charged for LL oil but was it to the correct spec ?

Judging by their previous diagnosis & £2000 estimate they didn't want to touch this car, or thought they were onto easy money.

It needs oil to VW 505.01 for standard 10k service or VW506.01 alternatively VW507.00 for long life.

Suggest you find an independent VW specialist who has a good reputation for the next service.

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Tue 18 Jan 2011 14:04

Skoda Octavia TDiPD - Management lights - jaycee9

I called the dealer and they say that they recommend an Air Mass Meter, then recheck....

that test was done on 11th September, and it still seems to be behaving well since then anyway.

The oil charged for is Shell Helix Plus 10/40W (cost £26.88+VAT). you seem to be keen about the oil, is this significant?

thanks.

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Mon 17 Jan 2011 20:59

Skoda Octavia TDiPD - Management lights - Railroad.

I have had an EGR valve fail on one of these. It did bring on the engine management lamp, and they are very easy to diagnose as well as to replace. The diaphragm on this particular one had failed. I replaced it and the problem was cured.

Whereabouts are you Jaycee9? I'm in Hampshire not too far from Southampton. I've got VAG diagnostic software, so if that's any help to you then please feel free to contact me.

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Tue 18 Jan 2011 14:38

Skoda Octavia TDiPD - Management lights - 659FBE

Unbelievably, your dealer has used the wrong oil.

Google "Shell Helix plus" and about 4 items down is the Shell data sheet. This oil meets VAG specification 505.00 which is incorrect for a PD diesel engine.

Premature and serious wear to the camshaft and followers will occur if this oil stays in the engine.

Naming and shaming is not allowed on this site, but could you tell us the district in W London (eg. Isleworth) where this oil was put into your engine? I think it is reasonable that people should be alerted to this danger.

Whatever else you do, get the oil and filter changed immediately.

659.

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Tue 18 Jan 2011 16:46

Skoda Octavia TDiPD - Management lights - jaycee9

659....how did you guess? And the car was sourced from them too!

Where can I get the right specification to quote and throw back at them? Is it worthwhile. I am game for it.
Jaycee.

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Tue 18 Jan 2011 17:48

Skoda Octavia TDiPD - Management lights - 659FBE

I visited several dealers in my pursuit of a used Superb (PD diesel). The dealer in Isleworth stuck in my mind as offering for sale one of the worst presented vehicles of any that I had seen.

The staff there were sullen and obstinate, the mechanics were not of the calibre I would allow to work on my property and the sales staff were totally unaccommodating. The whole place had the air of a mismanaged and neglected business.

The oil specification is in your service book - it's essential to relate this to the PD engine as the earlier engines can use cheaper oil (like the stuff they put in yours). The service information is not clear, so read it carefully before you have a beer.

Armed with the specification - 505.01, 506.01 and 507.00 are the ONLY suitable oils for any PD engine - go back to Isleworth with a print out of the Shell data sheet for the oil they supplied.

Words fail...

659.

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Tue 18 Jan 2011 20:04

Skoda Octavia TDiPD - Management lights - dieselnut

I was hoping 659 would pick up on this thread as I know from his previous posts that he is quite passionate about this engine, & rightly so.

Its ironic that he may have had dealings with this so called garage before.

How do places like this stay in business???

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Mon 24 Jan 2011 17:29

Skoda Octavia TDiPD - Management lights - jaycee9

Hi Guys. thanks for your interest and encouragement. It has taken a week to get the information from Shell to confirm that the Helix 10W40 oil WILL cause pump and injector long term damage to the PD engine! Wonderful. I am still struggling with the vehicle manufacturers Customer service unit to confirm from their end....still waiting.
I have at present got an agreement for the dealer in Isleworth to replace the oil and filter, declaring that I probably have not got the Helix 10W40 in my engine....so thats a Trade Misdescription anyway...as dieselnut says, How do these people stay in business!

More as it unfolds....Thanks again. Jaycee.

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Wed 26 Jan 2011 12:18

Skoda Octavia TDiPD - Management lights - jaycee9

So now I have had the oil changed by the Isleworth dealer to Quantum longlife 3 as arranged by Skoda Technical. This time I was only charged for the right Amount of oil-4 litres-, last time I was charged for 5 litres..! The dash light was still confirmed as needing an air mass meter, and then recheck if that was not the problem, I refused to accept this as an MOT was considered Ok....so the system was again checked and Yes the light has now been extinguished by putting in a new fuse in!!!!! Maybe any rough running and flat spots will be improved...
So it seems that I was charged for a Misdiagnosis last time when the "technician" didnt even check the fuses. It was said to me yesterday (25 Jan) that I had the benefit of another diagnosis check 'free of charge'....
Apart from oil changes no other dealer has worked on this car, it was originally a Skoda management vehicle which I bought with low mileage (as one does sometimes).
My faith in the Skoda marque, is tarnished somewhat and I will now take the matter up with Customer Services.
Some delay has occurred in getting this matter sorted, as both my wife and I have been unwell (she spent New Year in hospital, and should have gone in on the 25th, which was cancelled, hence I was able to get this done, I went there twice in the same day and waited the second time).
Will be back when I have more news... Thanks again- Jaycee9.

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Wed 26 Jan 2011 12:41

Skoda Octavia TDiPD - Management lights - dieselnut

Pleased that you have had it sorted & now have the correct oil.

I'm surprised that they had the cheek to charge you for the correct oil after their mistake, but i guess they are so used to ripping people off it just came naturally. LOL.

Hope your other problems have been rectified by the fuse.

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Wed 26 Jan 2011 12:44

Skoda Octavia TDiPD - Management lights - gfewster

I'd avoid main dealers like the plague. They either aren't interested in, or can't do, old-fashioned diagnostics.

Simply explain to them that you expect some sort of expertise when you bring your car in, and that a 'change random parts and see if it goes away' approach is not satisfactory.

I'm not sure why we allow these situations to exist. If a dealer told me they wanted to fit random parts to diagnose the fault then I'd tell them to go ahead - so long as they pay for the parts and the labour. When they find the faulty part, I'll pay for that part and the labour to fit it.

Why should we pay for unnecessary parts and labour because they can't diagnose a fault?

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Wed 26 Jan 2011 14:38

Skoda Octavia TDiPD - Management lights - 659FBE

Well done for getting the job put right.

Like most things in life, getting the best out of a Skoda involves finding the good and bad points and mitigating the effects of the bad ones. The Internet is your friend here.

Skoda build standard is almost above reproach - I'm fussy and have found only one build fault (a small paint run) on my Superb. Taking it apart, for instance, to fit a towbar or change a cambelt reveals the same very high standard of assembly in all the hidden places.

But it is only assembly. VAG call all the shots.

Here the can of worms starts. You are open to all of the design errors VAG make (such as water ingress on the Superb) and to which they will not admit. Their documentation is hopeless - which is partly why your car ended up with the wrong oil in it - and the dealers either fail to fix problems (at best) or else cause damage. You pay dearly for the privilege. Find a good independent who is interested and competent - there are plenty around as good business can be made from VAG's bad service. The PD Octavia is a good model with the best engine. Well treated, it should serve you well. 659.

Edited by 659FBE on 26/01/2011 at 14:39

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Wed 16 Feb 2011 17:26

Skoda Octavia TDiPD - Management lights - jaycee9

I have implemented an enquiry by Skoda into this unfortunate matter, which is now ongoing, so hope something is resolved. Too many bad dealers out there for many makes, and it has been going on forever....the sad thing is that manufacturers are not to interested in service, only on 'moving the metal', but the long story is that "service sells" which in the end means that the quality of the dealer and the client improves for the long haul.

Will see what happens, and come back to you all.

Jaycee.

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Tue 1 Mar 2011 02:34

Skoda Octavia TDiPD - Management lights - jaycee9

Hi guys, I have heard back from Skoda (BY E-MAIL!), and it transpires that they have contacted the dealer for their side of the story, and Skoda have
offered me a free inspection service with an oil and brake fluid change, as a gesture to restore my faith in the marque. I am to present the EMAIL to any franchised dealer to obtain the benefit ....
The dealer has apparently offered to replace the missing spare fuses that seemed to have gone walkies when they did my last diagnosis check (it was allegedly a blown fuse!). So I paid for two diagnostic checks with a blown fuse in the circuit, and excess quantities of lube oil...!
Confidence in the dealer has not been restored......that in the marque......??

Not Customer/dealer service that I really appreciate- a lot of words-on an email..! Skoda said sorry, but not the dealer.

I think I will look for another car,- shame. Will look for an independent in the TW area until it goes.

Just looked at the subject heading....I think they have dimmed....

Thanks for all the input. Happy Motoring (if we can all still afford it with the fuel prices...!).

Jaycee

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Tue 1 Mar 2011 08:56

Skoda Octavia TDiPD - Management lights - 659FBE

Be careful not to throw the baby out with the bath water.

You and I have both found VAG dealers to be wanting. I have found VAG products marketed with a "Skoda" sticker and assembled by them to be satisfactory (good, in the case of the AWX diesel engine) subject to the correction of (fixable) design defects. Your verdict is less certain.

If you ditch your Skoda, where else do you go? I think for the selling price, goods marketed with a "Skoda" label represent good value and are, potentially of lasting value. A galvanised body, diesel engine with a reliable Bosch fuel system and a maker with a huge market penetration, giving rise to loads of pattern spares and diagnostic software all make for an excellent long term proposition.

So, cherry pick. I decided ages ago that any VAG dealer is well off my radar. Coupled with the high market penetration of VAG is an army of independents, many ex VAG operatives. These people have realised from the inside the extent to which VAG are ripping off their customers in terms of service - and have made good businesses out of it. I wish them the best of luck and admire their enterprise.

A PD Octavia is a really useful piece of kit - unlikely to be bettered for the same money from any other vehicle supplier. Find a means of looking after it properly and keep it.

659.

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