Mr Hugo

This thread saved me a lot of money, thanks. I'll explain what happened to me, so others can learn from my experience (and stupidity). Couple of weeks ago a fuse blew, I changed it, all fine, for about a week. Then one morning the battery was completely dead. Turned out I'd forgotten to put the lid on the (under bonnet) fusebox. It was full with water (told you I was stupid). So I mopped up all the visible water, jump started the car, and it was fine again. But every time I parked, the radiator fans came on full blast and flattened the battery. Also a few warning lights (power steering, EPS) came on for a few minutes each time I jump started it. Same thing happened every day for a week. I figured out that I could stop it doing this by either disconnecting a battery terminal, or removing fuse F6 every time I parked, and faced up to the possibility of an expensive repair job (new ECU?). Then I saw this thread, hairdryered the inside of the fuse box for 15 minutes, and it's been totally fine. Odd that moisture in the fusebox had only this one very specific effect, but not entirely surprising. Makes me sound quite stupid this, as the solution is totally obvious, but there you go.

Winter 2009-2010, Winter 2010-2011 it only affected my car below 0 to -5°C Winter 2011-2012 the problem has happened at 7°C. It seems to be getting worse (which supports my thinking that it's a mechanical problem within the slip ring module, and things are wearing).

Thanks all for your answers. It's good to see it doesn't affect most people. Suggests that when I can get the correct part replaced (still under warranty) I'll be fine. Just need to find out which part it is. No, haven't noticed anything abnormal. But thanks for the suggestion. I think it's a dodgy connection on the slip rings, and condensation could well play a part.

It's a 3 spoke DSG paddle one. Wouldn't call it crappy. The leather is unperforated.

My mistake. Now corrected. I'd copied and pasted the same post into several forums.

Sounds like you have a different problem to me and RichieJ. Hope dealer sorts it for you.

I've got an Octavia II, and a a few of us have had problems with our multi-function steering wheels. I'm posting this here as well to ask if the problem has also been seen on any Fabias. Does anyone lose function of the steering wheel controls when the car is cold (in cold weather)? Relevant topics on Octavia II forum: http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/205172-retrofitting-mfsw-to-octavia/ http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/179372-mfsw-doesnt-like-cold-mornings/ http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/225380-mfs-just-stopped-working/ It's an annoyingly intermittent fault which my dealer has struggled to diagnose, so I'm keen to hear from people with the same problem. Thanks.

I've got an Octavia II, and a a few of us have had problems with our multi-fucntion steering wheels. I'm posting this here as well to ask if the problem has also been seen on any Yetis. Does anyone lose function of the steering wheel controls when the car is cold (in cold weather)? Relevant topics on Octavia II forum: http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/205172-retrofitting-mfsw-to-octavia/ http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/179372-mfsw-doesnt-like-cold-mornings/ http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/225380-mfs-just-stopped-working/ It's an annoyingly intermittent fault which my dealer has struggled to diagnose, so I'm keen to hear from people with the same problem. Thanks.

I've got an Octavia II, and a a few of us have had problems with our multi-fucntion steering wheels. I'm posting this here as well to ask if the problem has also been seen on any Superbs. Does anyone lose function of the steering wheel controls when the car is cold (in cold weather)? Relevant topics on Octavia II forum: http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/205172-retrofitting-mfsw-to-octavia/ http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/179372-mfsw-doesnt-like-cold-mornings/ http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/225380-mfs-just-stopped-working/ It's an annoyingly intermittent fault which my dealer has struggled to diagnose, so I'm keen to hear from people with the same problem. Thanks.

I've got an Octavia II, and a a few of us have had problems with our multi-fucntion steering wheels. I'm posting this here as well to ask if the problem has also been seen on any Superbs. Does anyone lose function of the steering wheel controls when the car is cold (in cold weather)? Relevant topicss on Octavia II forum: http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/205172-retrofitting-mfsw-to-octavia/ http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/179372-mfsw-doesnt-like-cold-mornings/ http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/225380-mfs-just-stopped-working/ It's an annoyingly intermittent fault which my dealer has struggled to diagnose, so I'm keen to hear from people with the same problem. Thanks.

I have the same problem (as in linked thread above). Seems to be the cold. In previous winters I've only seen it in temperatures below about -5°C. This winter it's happening at +5°C. Annoyingly intermittent fault, so dealer didn't see it today. After 6-7 minutes driving all fucntions work again. Does this sound consistent with what you've seen?

See also: http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/179372-mfsw-doesnt-like-cold-mornings/

I'm going to bump this thread because I'm still having the same problem with my steering wheel. Happens every winter. All controls (horn, audio, trip computer, DSG paddles) fail to work on (most) cold mornings. Skoda diagnostics shows no fault with steering wheel controller. I noticed a few people on here have fitted/replaced their own Multi Function Steering Wheels. Could any of you who understand the system point my in the direction of the suspect part (so I can get dealer to replace under warranty)? I'm obviously getting a failed electrical contact somewhere. I suspect it's the junction between rotating parts and static - is there some sort of sliding elctrical contact (have been told by dealer it's not a slip ring)? Would appreciate any help. Thanks.

Yep, I shall have to do that (again). It's a really annoying problem though as unless temperature is around zero °C, the problem doesn't show. It's not cold enough this week, so all they'd do is plug a computer in, see there's no error at the moment and tell me it's fine, send me away. Even if I could persuade them to replace the slip ring unit (which i suspect to be the culprit*), on not much more than my hunch, we wouldn't know if it had worked until we get a good few days of really cold weather. *seems logical? It's obviously a slightly unreliable electrical connection somewhere. Fact that it's only when cold points to slip ring for me, maybe there's some contaminant (that disperses when fluid/warm enough), or the brushes aren't quite in good enough contact when cold (could bend away due to thermal contraction effect?). If it was a fundamental problem with the wiring loom say, I can't see why I'd only have this when cold. They've had everything apart and jiggled/cleaned the connectors on 4 occasions, so I doubt it's at one of the plugs. The steering wheel control unit has been replaced already. P.S. Anyone know if my airbag would still work? I've never seen the airbag warning light.

Ah, at last, someone with the same problem! sounds like there are two problems referred to by different people: - failure of certain controls for a few seconds (could be software?) - longer term (10 minute) failure of MFSW in cold conditions I have the latter temperature related problem on my ’59 plate Octavia Elegance. Had 4 visits to the dealers last winter, and then the problem went away. Of course, we hoped that was due to the dealer replacing the steering wheel control unit (under warranty) but now it's cold again problem has recurred. You may think it's a minor inconvenience, but if you've got the same problem as me, you're driving without a horn for 10 minutes every icy morning. It’s illegal. The car would fail an MOT. I hope we can find a solution to this. Knowing other people have the same problem has got to help. I suspect the steering wheel slip ring, just intuitively really. Anyone know if a failing contact on the slip ring would be consistent with these symptoms: - non functioning of horn, and all steering wheel controls (stereo, trip computer, DSG paddles) on cold mornings - starts working after 5 - 10 minutes. Could that be slip ring? Would be really grateful for any help. With it being an intermittant fault, it's really hard to get the dealer to see it (particularly as the drive to the dealer is long enough to warm things up).

I had a problem with my Multi function steering wheel. When the car was cold (as in below zero), last winter, none of the functions worked (DSG paddles, trip computer, stereo controls). Once it'd been running for 5 minutes, everything worked fine. A difficult problem to demonstrate, by the time i'd driven to the dealer, it had warmed up. Eventually after 4 visits they found a fault and replaced something under warranty. I do wonder a bit if the problem went away because the weather got warmer, rather than due to the dealers actions. We'll see when it gets cold again. Anyone else had this problem?

I have a similarly specced car, here are my thoughts on the above. ESP is standard on 1.4 and 1.8TSI DSGs Aren't folding mirrors standard on Elegance? They were on mine (59 plate), and seem to be still in the brochure. I also like the MDI option very much, but if you can fit your driving music on an SD card then no need. Boot netting system. Although it's listed as an option, I didn't order it, and mine came with it for free from the factory. I've never used it as it would just get tangled up in muddy pushchair wheels, so can't comment on its usefulness. Glad I got the paddle shift wheel. To be honest I leave it in Auto 95% of the time, it works well, but I know I'd have regretted not having the paddle shifters.

Yeah, not much wrong with the car itself. I'd even say the digital km/h display is a good thing, if it educates us Brits in sensible metric units. IMO we should forget about miles as soon as possible anyway, as the Irish have. As for actual car problems, could say wind & road noise, but it doesn't really bother me as I tend to listen to music or radio any way and don't expect silent journeys.

Ah, I finally understand why people have been whinging about the seatbelt beep so much. That is annoying, the way it is on your car. On facelift cars (well my 59 plate Elegance at least), it doesn't beep til you're doing at least ~ 19km/h (cleverly a slightly different speed to the anti-hijack auto locking, so the 2 things happen separately to avoid confusion) … which means you could stick with your preferred start up sequence. You can also do low speed parking manoeuvres with your seatbelt off. I actually find the beep useful. So it seems they’ve fixed the thing that annoyed people there. Actually quite a few of these niggles have either been solved by the facelift, or by going for a higher spec car.

But now iTunes purchases are DRM free (since some point in 2009), so that's one less problem - iTunes also enables easy (right-click) conversion to MP3. CDs are fine if you only want a choice of 6 albums at any one time. Personally I'm too indecisive so enjoy having several thousand tracks to choose from. Wish I wasn't, as there is a definite pleasure in listening to whole albums. SD cards don't have to be SDHC to work with Bolero by the way. In fact there's some doubt over certain types of SDHC cards.

Yeah, it also gets rid of the step between the boot floor and the folded down seat backs when seats folded, so you get one long flat area and basically no lip. I find the VBF really useful. When transporting pushchair, I go for flat floor. When not with baby, I use the floor in the folded vertical boot-separating position, to stop my shopping or whatever flying around.

I think you'll find that all Octavias except S specs have the "multifuncitonal indicator (onboard computer)" in manual speak, or "trip computer" in brochure speak. What you don't have is an "information display" which is a larger display (called "MaxiDOT" in Skoda UK brochures, but not in the manual, confusingly) including: - all functions of the multifuncitonal indicator (onboard computer) - audio display - naviagation display (if fitted) - vehicle status messages such as "please refuel!" - setup options The use of very similar terms isn't very clear, but pages 21-25 are relevant (whether you have MaxiDOT or not) I like the 4°C bong by the way, and it's clever enough not to bong repeatedly if the measured temperature fluctuates between 4 and 5°C during a journey.

I got a new Elegance, delivered in September. No, Maxidot was never standard on Elegance spec cars. Yes, the steering wheel package(s) include Maxidot, it doesn't have to be ordered separately. Skoda UK, brochures and dealers are often ambiguous on this point. Actually they often basically read the brochure back to you, because they don't know the answer. I tried repeatedly to get a firm consistent answer but it was impossible. Don't pay extra for Maxidot, but to cover yourself, insist it's written on the form you sign, that way you'll have come back if by any chance your car turns up without it.

I'm sure that's the case. I bought my car from Mitchell and am really pleased with the customer service I received. I don't have any complaints at all. As an example, some people on this forum have had difficult arguments about the lack of a spare wheel on new Octavias and the way their dealers have handled that situation. My car was supplied without a spare, but Mitchell just took one out of another car and gave it to me, no problem, no extra charge. It sounds like the person you dealt with had no idea about good customer service. I'd suggest you write to the manager with your complaints.

Don't know about "fun", but a couple of things. Things to turn on? - Daytime running lights if you want them? The manual says this can be done by the indicator stalk but the reality seems to be that on UK-spec cars the feature needs VAGCOM activating, and can then be turned on and off by the stalk. On your SE, without dedicated DRL bulbs, I think it'd just be your dipped lights that are on when ignition is on and light switch at 'off'. Annoying aspects? - Some people say seatbelt warning chime, (it beeps once you exceed ~20km/h without drivers seatbelt plugged in). Personally I just wear my seatbelt, seems better that way. - So called "comfort indicators" which give three flashes. Personally can't see that these are anything other than an annoying feature, unless you want a rude way to say "i'm coming in five seconds, whatever you do or think". On my Elegance I've turned the feature off (using maxidot computer) so my indicators work in a conventional and totally satisfactory manner. Could be either annoying or desirable: - anti hijack locking. locks doors when you exceed ~20km/h, unlocks them once you take key out of ignition.