Hey,

Just had a service and MOT done on my car. They did highlight they suspected the head gasket might need replacing as there was some oil in the spark plug well but it wasn't urgent. I managed to get it home but the next evening it's showing engine light and EPC warnings on the dash.

It's sputtling on idle and there is an electric alarm doing off in the engine bay which from what I have read could be the turbo? 

Anyway should I be worried and what would you look at first? I'm assuming it's a misfire from what I have read. I am gonna check the spark plugs for oil and possibly the air filter incase it's somehow installed incorrectly. But any advice would be appreciated.

 

If the head gasket is going then this should be one of the main concerns. I'd recommend getting a compression test done.  

You'll also need a diagnostic check to see if any fault codes flag up 

Thanks. Yeah I'm gonna get someone else out to have a look. It was a new garage as I just moved and the car has never had a fault in the last 7 years so I'm just a bit suspicious.

Hello Iain,

I would not do any ‘suspecting’ at this stage, and I think your intention of seeking a second opinion is sound.

Please let us know how you get on. 
Kind regards,

Gareth.

p.s. Petrol or diesel? 

Fair point. I have done a bit more reading and are far less worried than I was previously.

It's a 1.8tsfi so petrol. And I love it. So there is a tinge of complete dread in all of this. 

But yeah I will let you know what happens.

Seek out an independent with a good reputation. 

Update: next door had one a diagnostic thing and I'm getting the error codes P0115 P130A.

 

Hello Iain,

Are you equipped tools and knowledge wise to correct these faults? 
Probably coolant temperature sender - possibly signalling incorrect mixture requirements to the ECU, and resulting in P130A. 

I have no experience with cars. But I am a lab tech so changing a sensor shouldn't be too far removed from what I can do.

It seems a cheap and relatively easy job if I prepare properly. I think I will try this myself before getting further assistance.

Well done Iain, 

I have known surgeons who couldn’t change a light bulb, and Oxford graduates who can’t punctuate a sentence, but…..

Great if you can. Perhaps could let us know your procedure before you start. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

Sadly I am yet to get a diagram to locate what I am looking for. If anyone has advice on where to obtain engine diagrams I would most appreciative.

So until then i think I'm stuck. 

So, it's been sorted now it had a failure on the ignition coil on cylinder 1. 

They found that there were a smaller amount of misfires from another two coils. 

All the coils have been replaced and new set of spark plugs.

Thanks for the advice!