Skoda fabia sometimes doesn't start

Maintenance/Repairs
1

I have a 2005 skoda fabia and sometimes it doesn’t start but other times it does. Has a new battery and alternator.

2

First step, is this a “fails to crank”? … you don’t hear the normal rrr rrrr rrr sound with key in “start”? Or does it crank robustly but not catch and run?

3

It does crank i hear the rrrr rrr rrr just doesn’t start. This only happens sometimes, most of the time it starts and when it does it drives fine. Normally if it doesn’t start first time if i wait and try again it starts. Yesterday tho it wouldnt start after multiple tries so i had to jump start it.

4

Second step, determine if the “cranks ok, but fails to start” is caused by no fuel, or no spark. Usually is one or the other. No experience w/Skodas, enjoy to read about Skoda classics in UK publications, but on most cars the most simple no-fuel test is to spray some starter fluid into the air intake. Does it start and run briefly then?

5

It does start and run briefly sometimes but stops again.

6

The next time the engine doesn’t start, turn the ignition switch off.

Now turn the ignition switch on, but don’t start the engine, and after two seconds turn the ignition switch off.

Repeat this a half dozen times and then try starting the engine.

If the engine starts right up, there’s a fuel pump problem.

Tester

7

Thanks i will give that a go

8

So i had the RAC out today and just my luck the car started first try. He said because its started its hard to say what the problem is. He said it could be the starter motor. Its going to cost me £279 to replace but if it turns out that wasnt the issue then the problem will still be there. Do you think its worth taking the risk and spending £279 on a new starter motor?

9

There’s nothing wrong with the starter.

Tester

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