ellafox58

Skoda Fabia Diesel Cold Start Issues

I've got a 2018 Skoda Fabia with a diesel engine. I've noticed some pretty rough engine running during the cold start phase. I've also got an error stored in the error memory, although I haven't pulled the code yet. Fuel consumption seems higher than usual, too. I suspect it might be a PTC heater problem, or electric auxiliary heater defective. Does this sound plausible? I'm getting cold air for a while after starting. I want to get to the bottom of this heating system issue.

4 comment(s)

Sounds like your PTC heater is the culprit. I had similar issues with my Fabia. Is the temperature control acting up, blowing cold air initially?

Interesting. When you say similar, was it exactly the same symptoms? How did you confirm it was the PTC heater, and what did you do to fix it? Was the heat not working at all?

Yes, same symptoms. I had poor engine running, cold air initially. I didn't do any troubleshooting myself. Took it to a workshop. They diagnosed it as the PTC heater and replaced it. Best to get it checked professionally.

I took the Fabia to a local workshop, and they confirmed it was indeed the auxiliary heater. 350€ later, and the heating system is working perfectly again. Thanks for the advice, it pointed me in the right direction!

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