joek666

Yeah I tried the free month first to see if my 'solution' would work, and I was pleasantly surprised. You're right, a lot more traffic data than was ever supplied via TMC, I assume that's down the lack of bandwidth available over radio vs mobile data. I didn't like the mobile tethering option as I think it required me to have my mobile hotspot turned on all the time so that I could step in and out of the car without having to think about it. Otherwise you have to manually turn it on each time. With my CarStick it just sits there and connects within about 30 seconds of turning on the ignition.

Yes that would make sense, except I've driven up and down the country and it's never displayed anything other than 3G. I don't think it's the SIM card as you can't even buy 3G SIM cards these days, and the CarStick states it's LTE/4G. So I think it's probably just an oversight in the car's software, in that it can't distinguish between 3G and 4G connections.

My understanding is that having no data connection would prevent you from obtaining any live traffic data, regardless of whether or not you're subscribed to Skoda Connect. This is because the fallback of the TMC service via radio signal has been shut down, so there's literally no available source of traffic data. It should be very easy to test the SIM card slot in the vehicle that has one - just pop a SIM card in and see what happens! You'll know if it's connected or not because the red globe icon at the top of the touch screen should change to white to indicate a data connection, and you should be able to access the various Skoda Connect services, such as news, weather, etc. On mine it also states '3G' next to the white globe, although I am fairly sure it's actually connected by 4G as both the Carstick and the SIM are 4G. At least I hope so, since 3G services are being shut down in the UK! Although I stated in my original post that I would switch to a pay monthly SIM, the PAYG SIM has lasted far longer than I anticipated because so little data seems to be used. I think I've used just £1-2 in PAYG credit in all that time.

Part number 5Q0035874C seems to be MIB2. Happy to be corrected though!

For anyone's interest...

For anyone with a MIB2 Amundsen that has lost TMC traffic updates, it seems as though there is no fix coming from Skoda, and the ‘unofficial fix’ will mean having to choose between up-to-date maps with no traffic data, or out-of-date maps with traffic data. Neither appeals to me, so I have gone down a different route. This won’t be for everyone, but just putting it out there as an alternative… Traffic data can obviously be obtained via Skoda Connect, so I signed up for a free 1 month trial to test its functionality. I have to say the traffic data seems superior to TMC, with much more traffic information being made available, even on very minor roads. I understand it then costs £44 a year which, considering Skoda map updates are free, I can personally justify. Slightly harder to justify is the purchase of a Skoda Carstick LTE, since you will struggle to find the real deal for less than £100. However, I wanted to have a data connection in my car without mucking around with mobile hotspot tethering every time I get in/out. This in turns requires a SIM card with available data. I’m unsure how much data this will use on a month-to-month basis, so I started off with an old PAYG SIM to gauge what I actually need long term. I intend to replace this with a cheap pay monthly SIM (e.g. < £5.00 per month) that provides just enough data. Finally, since I didn’t want the Carstick standing vertically upwards in front of my gearstick, I purchased a short right angle USB male-female cable from eBay for about £3. This allows me to have the Carstick laying down flat and out of sight. Overall, I can say this is working pretty well. When I start the car, the data connection seems to establish automatically, and traffic data is pulled down within seconds. Attached pictures for people’s reference.

Well I finally hit an impasse with Skoda, here is their latest reply: I see no point in flogging this horse anymore. On a more positive note, I am working on a solution that is completely different to the techy one described above. It won't suit everyone, but for those with MIB2 and stuck between out-of-date maps with traffic data, or up-to-date maps with no traffic data, this could potentially be of interest. Once I've tested it all end-to-end I will report back.

I'd be very interested in a solution for MIB2 units but my understanding from the discussion on this thread is that I'd be stuck on 2020 maps for ever more. Already looking at trading in my Skoda now for something non-VAG. Shouldn't really cost me much if anything, might even get some money back. Best do it now rather than a few years down the line when this issue is more widely known and it's used to knock down a bit of money off the asking price ("oh those are the ones with broken sat navs").

Still no meaningful response from Skoda for me, and I am chasing... On a related note, is it possible for me to swap my MIB2 Amundsen for one of the head units that does accept the more straightforward fix? Or does that create a whole load of new problems?

Does every MIB2.5 unit come with a built in data connection or at least a slot for a SIM card? My Amundsen MIB2 does not have either, so although I can subscribe to 'Connect' services, I cannot really 'connect'. Mobile hotspot tethering is more trouble than it's worth.

I don't think it's a 'first world problem'. Most governments would want to reduce traffic jams and as a by-product, net emissions. In fact, developing countries are predicted to be the worst impacted by the effects of climate change.

Just like dieselgate. They justify it for as long as they can get away with it. The lack of learning at a corporate level is astounding.

Interesting developments over the past couple of pages on this thread. Quick question from someone not so technical - I have a MIB2 Amundsen. Does that mean that I would have to choose between old maps with TMC or new maps without TMC? Personally I'm still waiting for a definitive response from Skoda but expect it to mirror the one posted a little earlier on this thread, essentially telling me to get stuffed. Once that happens, assuming there is also not a decent manual workaround, I will be in the market for a (non VAG) replacement.

Although Trafficmaster has caused the issue by ceasing its service, it is looking increasingly like either negligence or a conscious decision on VAG's part to not contract with INRIX in advance to ensure continuity of service. Either way, it's on them.

My god, how long does it take? Step into a random sample of affected vehicles on any of your main dealer lots in the UK and you will replicate the problem.