[Vaibhav]

Thanks Behemoth for your very useful insights ����

Thanks Behemoth.
Really helpful.
By the way how many kilometres do you have with your 2012 TDI now?
And how has been your experience so far?

[Behemoth]

Originally Posted by Vaibhav

Thanks Behemoth for your very useful insights ����

Thanks Behemoth.
Really helpful.
By the way how many kilometres do you have with your 2012 TDI now?
And how has been your experience so far?

Welcome!
I have around 86K Kms on my Odo so far and it is still doing great. But due to the 10 year norm, I will probably have to let go of my Laura within 2021 and will have to replace it with something else - maybe a Skoda Kliq CSUV? Waiting for the launch.

But seriously we love the Laura a lot and it has great Driving dynamics, gives excellent mileage and a HUGE boot space and we are really finding it tough to find a worthy replacement in the sub 20 lacs segment. This car has been the longest car ownership for us (touching nine years now) and it has been great and even now we love the Laura more than the Compass that we have.

[Vaibhav]

Hello,

I wanted to share with you all my experience of getting the timing kit replaced for my Škoda Laura:

I finally decided to get the timing kit for my Laura 2.0 TDI replaced Earlier this week from the nearest Škoda workshop (SIDAK Karnal). As suggested by my fellow teambhpian Behemoth I also got the water pump replaced.
There were already first signs of damage on the pump.

In the evening when I came to take the delivery of my car I was shocked that it did not start. There was an error sign of coil & red engine High temperature sign displayed. (Pic attached)

I highlighted this to the ŠKoda technicians and they were quick to scan and come to a conclusion that it was due to faulty Camshaft sensor error and that it needed to be replaced.

I was positively surprised that the entire Skoda team stayed back after 7 PM to supervise the sensor replacement.
The sensor was replaced after opening once again part of the timing belt as one part of the sensor is located under the cam pulley.

But the error was still there.
Then they finally did some adjustments of timing belt & pulleys and Voila the error was gone, the engine started without an issues.

On my way back home I noticed that the engine sound is now more pronounced specially when the engine is idling. (Compared to as it was before)
The engine clatter sounds more like my Fiat Punto 1.3 Multijet rather than a super refined Škoda.
The acceleration in smaller gears (1/2) is lower than before.

Does anyone had similar issues of engine noise increasing after timing kit replacement ?
What could be the reason for more engine noise and slightly slow acceleration after timing change?

The cam sensor error popping up in the first place was clearly an indication that the timing belt was not installed 100% accurately. I assume it is still not precisely installed that’s why the engine noise has increased.

Thanks!

[MileCruncher]

Laura TSI - 61K / 8.5 Yrs Update

Just a little bit of history - I purchased the car 2 years back ( Feb 2019) when it was 6.5Yrs old and had done only 39K. Over the course of of last 2 years, the only expense I have incurred on the car were related to regular annual service, replacing battery, changing ICE ( Headunit + Speakers), changing seat covers after they were soiled due to a break-in into the car, changing front passenger window. It has generally been a peaceful ownership with no shocking expenses springing up.

With 60K done and car more than 8 yrs old, we were exploring selling the Laura before the annual service was due. Car chosen was Nexon EV and we were almost set to go down that path contingent to being able to sell the Laura. However the dealer gave such a ridiculous rate for the buy back that we just dropped the idea and decided to go ahead and spend some money to ensure that the car will be trouble free for the next 2 years atleast.

So the car went for its Annual Service on Saturday and came back on Tuesday with the following things done:

• Annual Service - Oil Change + All filters replaced
• WA/WB
• Suspension tightening re-torqueing
• Busted Cam shaft oil seal leading to oil leakage - Fixed
• Total bill - 24.5K.

An interesting fact about the cam shaft oil leakage issue, the busted part costs about Rs.150 but the gaskets that need to be put cost 3K and the labour for the job is 3.5K .

This was done at Modi Skoda in Mumbai who is Skoda's new dealer. However the SA who dealt with me was the guy at Autobahn. Looks like a lot of experienced staff has moved from Autobahn to Modi Skoda.

Anyways, I given the following advisory:

• All 4 brake pads to be changed.
• Front tyres were down to 2mm depth and hence needed replacement.
• There is a slight suspension noise which may require suspension opening up.

While the SA didn't mention this, but I asked him for Timing Belt replacement for the TSI engine. He mentioned its at 1.2L Kms hence I don't need to do it now. However on asking the period, he said its 8years. He suggested that I can do it 6 months later. I wanted to understand if I can delay the Timing Belt replacement even though the time period of 8 years has lapsed but the car has run around half the designated mileage.



Based on the recommendations, I got all the 4 tyres changed to GoodYear Assure Triple Max yesterday.

Next in line is the brake pad changing. The reason to not get it changed is because Skoda ASC changes 5.5K / set for front and 5k / set for rear. Outside I have got quotes from 2k/set ( VW OEM - Taiwan) to 3200/Set for Techstar to 4k/set from Meyle. Folks - please guide what should I do?

I'm also going to get the whole suspension looked at soon. Skoda ASC has quoted 60K for the full overhaul ( front and rear included). Any pointers here will be appreciated.

[Vaibhav]

Hello Mile Cruncher,

My suggestion would be to go for a timing set replacement in few months time..
as your car crossed the 8 year mark already..
There is no fixed expiry date for a timing belt and a lot depends on how the car is driven previously.
Please get it replaced from a Škoda Dealer only.

You can read my recent posts on the same topic. I own a Škoda Laura TDI and I was suggested to replace the timing at 90k kms by Škoda.
I got it done at 100k kms and I think I could have easily driven another 10-15k kms looking at the condition of the belt later on.. but as said you never know.. therefore it's recommended, atleast for the case of timing belt, to be on a safer side as it is a critical component.

Regarding the front brake pads I would go in for an external vendor (non Škoda)

[hphse33]

Hello,

This is my first post on team-bhp. I need some advice from valued members of this forum. I have a 2008 Laura, the mileage of it is around 1,00,000. The vehicle hasn't been used for a year. The car is built like a tank and has survived being hit by a truck. I was wondering if it is viable to overhaul the entire car and make it like a new car or just let it go and buy a new car? Thank you.

[anandavinash]

Originally Posted by hphse33

Hello,

This is my first post on team-bhp. I need some advice from valued members of this forum. I have a 2008 Laura, the mileage of it is around 1,00,000. The vehicle hasn't been used for a year. The car is built like a tank and has survived being hit by a truck. I was wondering if it is viable to overhaul the entire car and make it like a new car or just let it go and buy a new car? Thank you.

We have just sent in our 2011 Laura 2.0TDI MT for a complete overhaul. It has run 100K km and the following work is estimated by an independent garage who I rely on a lot in Bangalore.

- Complete upholstry change incl. door liners
- Rear wheel bearings to be replaced
- Front suspension overhaul
- gearbox oil to be replaced (possibly)
- Tyres to be replaced (Unfortunately, the tyres purchased in 2018 at 80K km are of bad quality)
- Clutch Assembly overhaul

In a couple of weeks, I should be able to let you know what to expect.

[Maibaa]

Originally Posted by anandavinash

We have just sent in our 2011 Laura 2.0TDI MT for a complete overhaul. It has run 100K km and the following work is estimated by an independent garage who I rely on a lot in Bangalore.

Hello Avinash, I still send my 2011 TSI Laura to the authorized service center due to lack of confidence in independent garages. Can you share the details of the independent garage you send your car to?

My car has run 85,000 kms and aging gracefully but small niggles are cropping up over time. I keep wondering if it's better to retain the same car with some overhaul or sell it to avoid huge bills in future.

[Behemoth]

Originally Posted by Maibaa

Hello Avinash, I still send my 2011 TSI Laura to the authorized service center due to lack of confidence in independent garages. Can you share the details of the independent garage you send your car to?

My car has run 85,000 kms and aging gracefully but small niggles are cropping up over time. I keep wondering if it's better to retain the same car with some overhaul or sell it to avoid huge bills in future.

In my experience of 9.5 years of ownership of my Skoda Laura, it is better to have it maintained by a good Independent FNG like the Bosch authorised service partners instead of the Skoda service centre, after the warranty period is over. Genuine OEM spares are easily available at 1/2 the price with them and their service charges are also much lower. You just need to find the right garage for the work. There are plenty of people on TBHP with good experience with independent garages you can can take their advice.
The brand service centres are infamous for pushing unnecessary parts and overcharging (even with me). In my case when I had to get my suspension overhauled the service centre had quoted 1L + and I got it done from a Bosch authorised centre for 40k and it has been 4 years now and it is still working perfectly.

[MileCruncher]

Couple of days back, while trying the start the car, it gave a long crank and then started but the engine died. I initially thought may be ignition coil or may be fuel. But after the car started and ran well for 2 hours, I let it pass as an one-off.

However, when the same thing repeated in the early morning start yesterday, I decided to take it to the ASC. The new Skoda service centre Mody Skoda at Kurla. The place was filled with cars and the SA informed me that there was a huge backlog due to Monsoon affected cars. I kinda agreed. This monsoon has been hard on my car too with lot of things squeaking due to the moisture.

The SA was since enough to get the car scanned and preliminary diagnose the problem but told me that no parts were available and it would take atleast a week to arrive. Given that I needed this car for the weekend travel, it was non negotiable. However given that this particular SA and me have formed a bond over 3 workshops and my 2 cars, he called up a specialist and referred me to him.

I went to this guy called Sameer Khan who calls himself as a specialist for VW and Skoda especially their electronics. I went to his workshop and a couple of Superbs, 3rd Gen Octy and couple of Laura.

He preliminary diagnosed the problem to be Fuel Pump but told me he will study the fuel flow readings and data and inform me what the issue post detailed diagnosis. I left the car at his place and came home.

Couple hours later, Sameer calls and says my fuel pump and the chip along with the pump were fine but the culprit was the High Pressure Pump before the Pressure Rail. He also tells me that the expenditure will be less than the previous estimate.

3:30PM today got a whatsapp with this:


I had also asked for the following to be fixed which had stopped working / started behaving wonky due to the relentless monsoon this season:

• Rear Parking Sensor not working
• Driver door behaving wonky while trying to open from inside.

All were solved and I was presented with this bill.



Even though its too early, I liked Sameer's attitude towards work. Recommended!

[sidpak]

Hi BHP'ians.

I have a 2010 Skoda Laura 1.9 TDI which is 133K kms young.

While the car is otherwise running perfectly well there is a new problem that has suddenly come up....... the drivers side door does not get unlocked whether I use the remote or the unlock button inside.

This happens intermittently and sometimes it takes 7/8 attempts for it to unlock.

This happens only with the drivers side door, rest of the doors locking/ unlocking fine.

Suggestions on how to tackle this will be most helpful.

Thanks,
Sid

[MileCruncher]

Originally Posted by sidpak

the drivers side door does not get unlocked whether I use the remote or the unlock button inside.

This happens intermittently and sometimes it takes 7/8 attempts for it to unlock.

This happens only with the drivers side door, rest of the doors locking/ unlocking fine.

This has been happening with my car too. Happened last season during rains and then became alright on its own. And has again started this rains too. The most likely reason is moisture / humidity in the rains which has made the actuator sticky.

I generally tap/ punch the area on the door panel next to the opening lever and the actuator gets unstuck and the door opens. I haven't tried it but I would presume opening up the door panel and spraying some WD40 ( repels moisture) will do the trick.

Hope this helps!

[Vaibhav]

Hello BHP'ians,

Can anyone pls suggest me a good Air Conditioner expert in around Delhi / NCR or Chandigarh who has experience with Škoda problems?

Background:
I had issues with the OE fitted Sanden compressor in my Škoda Laura. Got it replaced with a Denso Compressor earlier this year.
After perfectly running for few months the Solenoid Valve of the Denso compressor also gave up last week.
Seems like there is no end to these AC troubles.

Thanks!

VS

[sidpak]

Originally Posted by MileCruncher

This has been happening with my car too.
I haven't tried it but I would presume opening up the door panel and spraying some WD40 ( repels moisture) will do the trick.

Hope this helps!

Thanks MileCruncher,

Let me try doing this, will also keep you posted on the outcome,

Cheers, Sid

[Bala.V]

Hi Guys,
My Laura 2.0 TDI (2011) is now again angry with me. Not starting...
I had parked the car at Hyderabad Airport on Friday evening and landed back on Sunday evening. The car started but suddenly all the lights in dashboard came on. Paid for the parking and came to arrival ramp to pick up by baggage and family. Loaded the car and the car wouldn't start. Sometimes the car cranked and started and died within 3 seconds. Sometimes there was only a click and sometimes it cranked and not start. Couple of times the Key got stuck in the key hole and wouldn't come out.
Many drivers around tried to help and also tried to Jump start with other vehicle but to no avail. Also since its DSG they gave up on trying to push start.
Called 24/7 Road Assistance of Bajaj Alliance but could not reach them as it was already 9.00 in the night. (so much for 24/7). Parked the car in a acquaintance's parking slot near airport by pulling my car.
On Monday could reach the 24/7 road side assistance and a towing truck was sent within one hour to pick up my car. Sent the car to Sanathnagar Service center.
Went to service center today and met Pratap who is in charge of workshop and he explained that water has gone into the circuit and the electronics has to be checked. Was very helpful in explaining the faults. Will come to now of the damage only by today evening.
Has anyone faced this in Laura?
Any other suggestions is appreciated.
Thanks