Skoda Praktik Diesel Engine Issues

Crikey, that sounds awfully familiar! I had a similar issue with my Skoda Roomster – same engine, the diesel one. Engine light kept popping up, and it felt like I was driving through treacle every time I tried to accelerate. Whistling and hissing sounds too, like air escaping a balloon under pressure. Did you check the air intake and around the intake manifold? Could be a dodgy connection there.

Interesting, you mention checking the air intake around the manifold. When you had the Roomster issue, was it visibly obvious or something more subtle? I've had a look, and can't see any obvious splits in the hoses, but might be missing something.

Yeah, it wasn't exactly screaming at me. More like a pinhole leak, disrupting the pressure. Think of it like a tiny hole in a straw – you can still drink, but you're sucking in air as well. The garage found it with a smoke test, apparently. If you're not seeing anything obvious, it might be worth getting a pressure test done or taking it to a workshop with proper diagnostics. Good luck, hope this helps!

Really appreciate you sharing your experience. Just got the Praktik back from the garage. Spot on – boost pressure sensor cable was the culprit, just like you suggested! New sensor and cable sorted it, cost 95€. Drives like a new van!