Problems fixed: Vauxhall, Renault and Skoda

Leading technical supplier Autodata helps you fix three common problems found in passenger cars

The problem

A 2017 Vauxhall Astra 1.6 diesel we look after has a rattling noise from the engine when starting from cold. We’ve removed the cylinder head cover and checked the camshaft for wear but cannot see anything that would be causing this noise. We have checked the engine oil pressure and engine oil level which are correct.

The fix

The symptom you describe are known to affect all models with 1.6 diesel engine and M32/F40 transmission codes. The cause is due to an unsatisfactory design of the timing chain tensioner allowing engine oil to drain when parking the vehicle overnight. Inspect the camshaft drive system for damage and replace component(s) as necessary. Fit a specific gasket available from Vauxhall parts department, between the cylinder block and timing chain tensioner to create an oil reserve reservoir for the timing chain tensioner.

The problem

A customer is complaining that their 2013 Renault Scenic is making a rattling noise from the rear when driving over uneven surfaces or speed humps. We have heard the noise on road test, but can’t pinpoint the source of the noise with a visual check of the vehicle on a ramp.

The fix

Some Renault Scenic and Grand Scenic owners have reported rattling/creaking noises from the rear when driving over uneven surfaces or speed humps. The rattling/creaking noise affects all models and is due to poor manufacture of the rear axle crossmember.

To eliminate this noise, remove the protective cover from the rear axle crossmember. Using a 7mm drill make two holes in the rear axle crossmember. Inject the entire contents of one can of expanding foam, available from Renault parts department, into the rear axle crossmember via the first drilled hole. Wait 10 minutes. Inject the entire contents of one can of expanding foam into the rear axle crossmember via the second drilled hole. Wait at least 12 hours for the expanding foam to cure. If necessary, remove any excess expanding foam from the drilled holes and refit the protective cover to the rear axle crossmember. Carry out a road test to ensure noise has been eliminated.

The problem

We have a 2015 Skoda Octavia in the workshop that has a non-start issue. The vehicle was running when it arrived but now it will not start. We have carried out some basic engine and electrical checks but can’t find the cause of the non-start fault. There are several CAN data bus trouble codes stored in the fault memory that may or may not be related to this fault.

The fix

We have heard of the fault you have described and it affects all Skoda Octavia models built November 2014 to May 2016. The cause of the non-start fault is most likely a poor connection in the wiring harness soldered joint due to corrosion. Start the repair by locating the wiring harness under the left-hand front door sill trim panel. Check the soldered joint in the wiring harness for corrosion. Repair the soldered joint as necessary using a repair kit, available from Skoda parts department. Finish the repair by wrapping the wiring harness in felt tape. Erase fault codes and start the engine to confirm the fault has been rectified.

Autodata supplies OEM-sourced technical data and fixes to the automotive aftermarket via its online workshop application.