Skoda Fabia 2001 Y reg 1.4 MPI Classic Idling Problems

Hi All

I need some help with my Skoda Fabia. I bought my car with 40k on the clock. Within 5k miles I was starting to get problems with lights coming on and off. The main problem is the idling, even on motorways when idling my car stalls, when starting the car it always starts but there is a 90% chance the rev's will jump around from 900 drop to 400 and then back up to 900, this doesn't ever stop, when driving the car behaves exactly the same. Restarting the car doesn't seem to help.

I have taken the car to 2 mechanics of good reputation. First one said he couldn't work out what was wrong. The second replaced the oxygen sensor but nothing changed.

What gets more dangerous is the fact that when the idling gets low the steering can get very stiff like the power steering doesn't even work. Maybe this is a separate issue?

My car knowledge is not very high so please don't be too technical with your responses. I am struggling to work out what is wrong with the car. Please feel free to ask any questions. I have kept the car in good shape apart from this problem.

Your help would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Tom

Tom, ask at a good garage if they think the idle control valve could be an issue....I'm surprised it hasn't cropped up before.
Its possible to clean these things usually - all it does is to supply the engine with a measure of fuel when your foot isn't on the accellerator - i.e throttle shut.
John

Thanks John

Both mechanics tried to adjust the idle level but didnt have any effect. I presume this is something similar or the same?

Thanks

Tom

The idle speed is governed by the engine's ecu and therefore isn't adjustable - hence the need for the idle control module. Usually its just a stepper motor that operates a valve, allowing the fuel / air mixture to bypass the main throttle valve.
If you can find a Bosch diagnostic specialist somewhere close I would think they could sort it for you.
John

Get the throttle body cleaned, the butterfly gets gunk up with oil deposits and blocks the air gap between the butterfly outer edge and the body wall. even if there's not much on there it makes a big difference.