gsmdo

Compared with the integrated look of the rest of the car, the screen looks bloody dreadful - like an aftermarket piece of tat. I'll bet my boots it'll be changed for the facelift, if not before...

Yep - all good 👍

Yes, David - it's all working as it should. The initial weirdness where it wouldn't play my audiobook unless it was physically connected has vanished. It now boots up straight into CarPlay - exactly what I was hoping it would do 👍 I liked it so much, I've fitted one in my Audi 😆

Hi David, I fitted a new Android head unit and reversing camera to my Superb Mk II late last year. Very pleased with the result - WAY better than the Škoda system it replaced. The thread about it is here: Click Cheers, Mike

That suggests it may be a brake or reversing light? All VAG cars I have had, have only shown the warning lamp once you've used the circuit in question.

Have you fitted an LED bulb? If they are not Canbus friendly, they'll throw up a fault, even if the lamp works...

So, I didn't leave it there...😆 I read the eBay listing on the new head unit, and it said that it would accept a reversing camera input without any further modification. After discussing (via email) the available options, it became clear that a unit which replaced one of the number-plate lights would be the one to do the job. This is for a Superb Mk2 facelift estate, with number plate lights that look like this. Once again, I'm unable to post a link, but search eBay for item number 184037233958 This device has the considerable advantage of transmitting its data wirelessly - thus obviating the need to run a cable from the tailgate to the dashboard. I already had after-market LED numberplate lamps fitted, which required a resistor to stop the canbus flagging a fault - I just used the same wiring to connect the lamp. I needed a switched power supply for the transmitter feed, which I took from the black wire going to the rear wiper motor. The loom that comes with the head unit provides all the power and earth connections needed for the display. Now, as soon as I put the car in reverse... ...I get a good view of what's behind me. Excellent bit of kit - and only £37. 🙂 NB This will NOT work with a factory head unit. Once again - hats off to Audio Tech Direct - really helpful vendors.

Original unit now sold 🙂

...and replied to 😎

I am happy to report that this seems to have cleared the problem completely... 👍

By the way - if anyone wants my old Columbus unit - I'd be happy to let it go for £200 inc GB delivery...🤔

So, one of the few snags with fitting the new head unit, was the incompatible fit of the car's GPS aerial. It wasn't hugely important to me, as the main purpose of the swap was to use Waze on CarPlay, where the GPS data is supplied by the phone. However, it's always best to have everything working if you can - right? Well, Audio Tech Direct (who I bought the new head unit from) have a solution... For £9.99 delivered, they will supply this electronic pigtail, which will screw onto the back of the new head unit, and fit the existing plug in the car. Once again, I don't think I can post a link, but the item number on eBay is 182750446135. I'd also like to give a shout-out to Audio Tech Direct, who answered my questions late on a Friday evening and got the part delivered this morning - a thoroughly professional bunch of people. 👍

Hadn't really thought about it - probably keep it in a box in case I want to return it to stock - then throw it away in 20 years... 😆

Oh - and the hands-free calling works without the supplied mic - so the original (which presumably routs through the multi-pin plug) is still active...👍

OK - got the white plug(s) to fit - just needed the correct orientation. The GPS socket is a threaded one, whereas the aerial from the car is a coax push fit, so I have left it - as I have left the DAB. I intend to use Waze GPS via my iPhone, so don't need the car's antenna, and the unit doesn't have DAB (I think it's an option, but not one I needed, so didn't check further). I'm about to do a little out-of-sight surgery to the trim that fits over the heating controls, to allow the USB sockets to be accessed to charge my phone - and to connect it to CarPlay. Done! I. have to iron a few wrinkles out - the 'splash' screen it opens with is a VW one(!); it doesn't automatically open in CarPlay - but these are minor snags, and I'll work out a way to sort them. Unusually, even though my iPhone is 'hard-wired' via the USB charging and data cable, my audiobooks won't play over the speakers unless you are also linked by Bluetooth. All the steering wheel controls are working as advertised, and the info usually displayed on the original unit - seat heaters, temp setting etc - are replicated on the new unit. I'd say it was as close to plug-and-play as you can get. If I was installing one for someone else's car now, I estimate it would take 10 minutes or so. It seems one can't put a link on here - so just search for eBay item 185779514166 - that's the one I bought. Mike 😎