Warrior193

I think the issue with Ali vendors (at least in my case) is the reliability (or otherwise) of the vendors in respect to actual delivery of paid-for goods - not the card itself.

There are also quite a few being touted on the Ali at very low prices - but be warned, I got burned a few years ago when an ordered and paid-for card didn't arrive and just got given a lot of nonsense from the vender - finally ended up doing a charge reversal through my credit card provider to which the vender didn't even respond!

Yes I believe any Skoda-branded SD navigation card will work, it is also possible that any VAG card will also work - you should try for 32gb card if you intend to use full EU maps as the 16gb card reportedly requires files to be edited-out to fit. There was a member selling 32gb cards on this forum a few years ago, otherwise try Ebay - there are sellers on there.

Hello Martin, welcome to the forum. For the Amundsen MIB2 unit, you require a genuine, Skoda-branded (or possibly VAG) SD card for the GPS port. I currently have my Amundsen running on 2025 maps - not sure about latest 2026.

If you mean the pre-engage solenoid, I wouldn't initially suspect it for slow crank - it is either on or off - pulling the starter pinion into engagement with the flywheel ring gear and closing the main contacts to supply power to the starter motor. Dirty contacts in the solenoid could cause your issue - but I'd be first looking at all large electrical connections (earth straps, etc) to the engine first.

I have recently seen a post where the member attempting to log-on to Erwin simply input that they were a service garage - and succeeded!

Check all earth straps from engine to chassis.

OP says greater than 14 volts with engine running.

Try testing the battery voltage while the engine is being cranked-over - if much below 10 volts, battery is probably failing. Unless you have a parasitic drain on the vehicle, battery voltage should stay above 12.30 volts (70% SOC) for at least several weeks if vehicle is unused with battery in reasonable condition.

On rereading your post I'm assuming a 265 can only be pure ICE - sounds to me that either your alternator isn't charging correctly or the battery is faulty. What is the battery voltage when the engine is running?

Try driving it up onto kerb so that one side is raised and hit undertray with hand, it may dislodge lost cap onto road on low side.

Hello, is this vehicle any sort of hybrid - or is it a pure ICE one?

It sounds as if you've been lucky to not experience the 'teabag' failure issue - is the coolant still normal colour?

I assume you will be following recommended practice for TDI in replacing the water pump when you get the belt done.

Personally, I'd suggest topping the level back to just beneath the Max. line and monitor carefully for the next month - the quantity you have apparently 'lost' over a year is very small. Top up with G13 or G12 evo.

Another point, the reduced size spare is usually only intended as a temporary fitment until the damaged one can be repaired and refitted.

^^^This, plus the tyre on your 16 inch spare wheel will almost certainly be a different profile to the normal 17s fitted on the remaining corners - meaning that the overall circumference of the 16" will be similar to the 17"

If you are unable to do it yourself, I suggest you get a mechanic to check all engine mounts and replace as necessary - very likely that at least the one pictured has failed completely.

Hello Adam, welcome to the forum. I'd say that movement is excessive - how does it compare to the other side?

If you don't have a multimeter, can your charger read voltage while it's not charging? If so, leave it clamped to battery terminals while not charging and get someone to crank the engine over on the starter - voltage falling below around 10 volts indicates failing battery. A decent multimeter need not be expensive and is a very useful item for the toolbox.

AFAIK, the MQ250 was in production until at least 2020 - so in use for at least some early Mk4s

I strongly suspect your battery is failing, have you tried a load or cranking test?

Particulary atmospheric shot of the yacht wreck.

Also be very aware of and take precautions against static electricity discharge.

Absolutely no issues with either of our two Mk3 gearboxes (2015 & 2018 M6/MQ250?) - predominant use of both vehicles is relatively short trips. Both still on original clutches.