1st Problems with my Ibiza

[big ALI H]

Took the girlfriend for her hair doing on saturday as we were going to London to visit some friends on Sunday (until yesterday) and while she was there i thought i'd go and visit a mate at Halfords (Wakefield). Anyway, got a call a bit later to go pick her up, went to the car and it wouldnt start.

Fecker! All the dash lights came on as normal and the Volt meter was reading fine but it wasn't even turning the engine over when i turned the key. Rang SEAT Assist and they sent the AA man out and it turned out to be the wire the goes to the starter solenoid had snapped. He said it was VERY common on the VAG diesels. He sorted it very quickly and i was very impressed with how quick they responded, found the fault and fixed it.

So on my way i went, went to Wetherby to do a bit of shopping, went back to the car, and it did the same again!:devil: Really lost my rag at this point and started ranting big time. Eventually calmed down and rang SEAT Assist again - recieved a text message this time saying what time they'd arrive (which was spot on). Turned out to be the same fault so i asked him to extend the wire so hopefully it wouldnt happen again, which thankfully, it hasn't.

Must say i was extremely impressed with the level of service from SEAT Assist/ AA.

[Tom B]

That's not good!

What's the number for SEAT Assist? Sounds as though it'll be handy to have in my phone!

[big ALI H]

Its 0500 222222 (although if you ring from a mobile its 500 222222).

I was really impressed with them mate, 1st call out was there in 20-25 mins. 2nd one was about the same.

Apparently the fault is due to these engines shaking so bloody much, the wire appears to be just that bit too short so when the engine has a real wobble on, it simply snaps the wire at the connector. Obviously only affects the car when you try starting it. The forst AA man said that since he's worked for them (2 years he said) he's done approx 20 of these:eek:

[muddyboots]

Interesting to know about, cheers !

The TDI engines really do shake round a lot, first time I had the bonnet up with the engine idling I was really surprised. Presumably an effect of having very soft engine mounts to isolate the vibration...