Skoda Fabia TDI: Rough Engine Idle (1000-1500 RPM)

Hello everyone,

My Skoda Fabia TDI AXR 1.9L 101 hp, manufactured in 2006, has a minor engine problem. When the engine speed is increased to approximately 1000-1500 rpm while the vehicle is stationary, a noticeable imbalance can be felt. The engine starts to visibly vibrate.
There's nothing noticeable at idle with 900 RPM. The car also doesn't produce any black smoke or exhibit any loss of power.

The following issues have already been checked by a Volkswagen workshop and at a Bosch Diesel Center, but there has been no improvement.
- Idle speed control: +0.5 -0.3 -0.2 0.0
Fuel pressure at the tandem pump is within the specified range.
- The common rail injector elements were disassembled, cleaned, and tested on a test bench.
- Injector nozzle elements re-sealed.
- Wiring harness for common rail injectors replaced.
- Camshaft sensor tested (no idea how...).
- EGR valve removed and inspected.
- Throttle valve, EGR valve, and mass airflow sensor tested.

The Bosch Diesel Center initially suspected a defect in the ZMS (torque converter clutch), but according to the parts catalog, this car was only equipped with an EMS (engine management system) from the factory. So, it can't be that either.

Do you have any other ideas about what we could test or where we might be able to make further progress?

Regards,
Oliver.

Sure, here is the translation of the text from German to English:

"Hi,"

Sorry, as you have surely read in the terms of service ( ), for PCI, Auto-Intern, and DRV customers, a vehicle diagnostic support key is required to provide diagnosis-related assistance to diesel mechanics.

From then on, feel free to continue the discussion here.

Best regards, Rainer.

Hi, welcome.

I'm quite sure that all AXR engines have a ZMS. So, it could be a possible cause.

After replacing one of three power distribution (PD) elements on my BRE, the engine's idle is still not perfectly smooth, even though the idle stabilization system seems to be working correctly. If you slightly increase the speed, the engine runs smoothly.
I suspect the cause lies in the extremely different wear condition of the piezo injectors (some are new, while others have almost 300,000 km). Therefore: Has one of the piezo injectors possibly been replaced in your vehicle in the past?

You can also upload videos to this forum; why don't you try it? That way, we can get a better sense of the shape and appearance of the engine block.

Best regards, Rainer.

Hello,

thank you.

According to the parts catalog, the following flywheel is installed: 028 105 269 BX.
This should be an EMS (Engine Management System). Only the Polo, of the same production year, had a single-mass flywheel (SMF) installed with the TDI AXR engine.
I would be happy to be convinced otherwise; it would simplify troubleshooting.

The vehicle has approximately 200,000 kilometers on the odometer and still features the original injector pump components. None of them have been replaced yet. According to a test bench at Bosch, all four components are functioning perfectly.

The engine runs very smoothly even at idle. It's only when you increase the RPM by 100 to 1000 that this imbalance starts to become noticeable.

Regards,
Oliver.

Hello,

How can I find out if my car has a dual-mass flywheel installed? The information in the parts catalogs is really confusing...

When I push the car forward and backward in 5th gear, I don't feel any springy resistance. The engine actually starts to move directly, but there's a clicking sound coming from the area of the transmission with each direction change.

'Could someone perhaps help me with the parts catalogs? For example, I'm seeing clutch kits displayed that aren't actually intended for the AXR engine and JDA transmission??? Is there possibly something wrong in the parts catalogs? Also, when looking at a Seat Ibiza with an AXR engine and JDA transmission, it's showing a dual-mass flywheel (ZMS).'

Regards,
Oliver.

The manufacturer's parts catalog (ET*A) is always the definitive source. Anything else you find may not necessarily be reliable.
An experienced parts service can determine what was originally installed in your car based on your vehicle's data. You might want to visit a larger Volkswagen dealership for this, rather than a small independent dealer.
The clicking sound is probably normal and likely originates from the entire drivetrain.
hg
Herbert.

Hmm, perhaps Skoda cut costs compared to Volkswagen in this area? As Herbert already mentioned, it's best to inquire at your local Skoda dealership using your service booklet or the vehicle identification number (VIN).

Best regards, Rainer.

Please provide the reference number. This can be quickly resolved.

Hello,

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is: TMBHS26Y674073267.

Regards,
Oliver.

028 105 269 B or BX. It's as you already suspected.
I have sent you the individual data for the vehicle via private message.

ZMS or EMS? And perhaps also, how was it found?
Otherwise, nothing will work out here.
hg
Herbert.

Yes, that's correct. The question is valid.
For the Fabia from TE, it comes with an EMS (Engine Management System) as standard, with the part number mentioned above. Sachs also offers a similar unit with the part number 3021 600 294.
I used partslink24 to find the information and sent the original poster screenshots and the complete list of part numbers (including those not listed on the sticker in the service booklet) for the car via private message.
It's about a specific vehicle, so that's why I didn't make it public. Here's a picture of the flywheel.

Sure, here is the translation of the text from German to English:

'Hi,'

The crazy thing is that the VW Polo and Seat Ibiza (from 09/2006 onwards) have a dual-mass flywheel (DMF) with this engine and transmission combination (AXR/JDA). Since a DMF is supposed to protect the transmission from harmful torsional vibrations, I find it somewhat strange that they omitted it.

The master technician initially suspected a faulty dual-mass flywheel (DMF) because, based on his experience, the symptoms seemed to indicate a problem with the DMF. However, after researching the parts involved, he dismissed his initial suspicion.

Could it also be a faulty crankshaft sensor, a missing software update, or even a defective engine control unit?

Regards,
Oliver.

ollibaer79 wrote:

Hi, "The crazy thing is that the VW Polo and Seat Ibiza (from 09/2006 onwards) have a dual-mass flywheel (DMF) with this engine and transmission combination (AXR/JDA). Since a DMF is supposed to protect the transmission from harmful torsional vibrations, I find it a bit strange that they're doing away with it..." The master technician initially suspected a faulty dual-mass flywheel (DMF) because, based on his experience, the symptoms seemed to indicate a defective DMF. However, after researching the parts involved, he dismissed his initial suspicion. Could it also be a faulty crankshaft sensor, a missing software update, or even a defective engine control unit? Regards, Oliver

.
"Hi, while faulty software is theoretically possible, it would mean the error has been present since the last update."
If it makes you feel better: My car's check engine light has been on for about 40,000 km, and it seems to be not a critical issue.

Best regards, Rainer.

I've only had the car for 6 weeks, so I don't know how long this has been happening.

My parents also had an older Skoda Fabia TDI, but with the ATD engine, and it never had such problems and ran perfectly fine even at 317,000 kilometers.

There must be some reason for it.

As I mentioned, in my case, it's because 1 out of 4 power distribution (PD) modules was replaced. However, the cost of fixing the current situation by replacing another 3 PD modules is not worth it to me, especially considering that the replacement vehicle is already waiting in the garage.