Octavia turning itself off??

Average-Ro

Hi folks. I'm in a bit of a bind...

I have a 2010 Octavia. Recently got her serviced as well as a lot of other work done on her to get her up to scratch (about 1,200 worth of work in total)

She's been parked up for maybe a week with moving or being turned on. I went to clean her out earlier and thought I'd turn her on as well, just to give her a few revs and clear any cobwebs.

She turned on fine, but then just died out after a few seconds. I tried again, thinking maybe giving her a rev might somehow help, but it struggled to rev at all, and then died again.

She turns on without any problem/hesitation, so I doubt it's the battery.

Seems like the amber engine light is on, so I'm worried.

Any thoughts or advice on what I can do? Mechanic won't be open until Monday; and even then I can't get the car to the garage as it won't turn on.

listermint

Sounds like fuel , are you confident the tank has fuel in it . And can you hear the pump prime on ignition one.

Average-Ro

Tank seems to be at about 15%-20% according to the gauge. I could pick up some more fuel tomorrow and throw it in to see though.

Hearing the pump prime... I'd have no idea what that sounds like at all I'm afraid. I'll do a bit of googling on that and see if I can figure it out.

Really appreciate the reply!

listermint

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118059743#Comment_118059743

The fuel tank has a pump inside it to draw the fuel out and push to the fuel filter and then on to the high pressure pump in engine bay. If the fuel pump on the tank is goosed it won't activate and hence no fuel getting to engine.

Best thing is to listen to under the rear seat. This can be done from just to the side of rear passenger door on ground listen while someone selects the ignition to 1 position. Not start. You should hear the pump whirrrr. Can also lift the rear seat and listen to the black plastic lid thdts the pump location.

Average-Ro

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118059773#Comment_118059773

Thank you for this breakdown! I know next to nothing about cars so it was a huge help.

I checked about 20mins ago and when I turned the key to position 1, I could hear the whirr coming from underneath, so I'm guessing that's the fuel pump getting itself ready?

I think I'll by some more fuel tomorrow and chuck it in, just in case the gauge is wrong for some reason.

If it's not that, and it's not the fuel pump, I'm starting to get worried it's something bigger...

1 suggestion for every car owners, never ever drive by fumes. The low pressure fuel pump need constantly more than 1/4 tank of fuel to cool the pump down. Yes, the fuel is low pressure fuel pump coolant. Another thing to keep tank full as possible because (stupid) ethanol inside the fuel. Ethanol is hygroscopic and absorb the water from the air. More air inside tank, more water it gets.

If you can not hear the fuel pump priming, check the fuse and relay. Still nothing, knock-knock the fuel pump assembly. It can be only short time "fix" and you need the new fuel pump.

I do not know exactly what model you have but most of them have a nice easy replaceable fuel filter. It is very important because if you do not replace the fuel filter the fuel pump needs to work over hours. Because it is not expensive filter, replace every time when you replace the oil.

Preventive maintenance is always good, only most of people hate it (some reason). They instantly think like somebody like to sell to them what they actually does not need or it is not necessary. If you follow manufacturer recommendations then you are lucky if your car last 10 years. Way too many +5 year old cars is on junkyard. Learn DIY and save a load of money. If you have a difficulties on first time, ask the help or watch youtube. Everyone who are able to drive by car are able to do simple car maintenance too.

Dirty Nails

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118064299#Comment_118064299

If the pump stayed whirring,it could be out of fuel. It should only whirr for a couple of seconds with the ignition on,just to build up fuel pressure.

FYI - Monday is a public holiday, so your mechanic won't be open then most likely.