PetrolDave

The price of Copper has risen over 70% in the last 5 years, so stealing copper cables (even when live) is much more attractive. See this page on the Network Rail website Cable Theft

On the ICE versions there is a form of micro hybrid using the battery/alternator to only charge the 12V battery to around 80% capacity most of the time. Battery voltage of around 14.5V only occurs just after starting and when coasting/braking at all other times the battery voltage can be as low as 12.5V - so I would say that 13V when idling is NOt an indication of a failing battery.

Because the update portal is a poorly designed website!

16GB and 32GB cards with part numbers beginning 5L0051236 (currently 52 of them on eBay) WILL work with a MIB1 Amundsen despite what som eBay sellers say - I know, I used one with my previous MIB1 Amundsen!

The battery voltage is dynamically controlled, with the battery only being charged when needed to keep it pretty well charged - so a battery voltage anywhere between 12.5V and 14.5V is normal depending on the situation. Typically 14.5V just after starting and when coasting, when driving as low as 12.5V can be considered normal, and when idling 13V is expected and is not an indication of a failing battery.

First thing to check if those maps will work with your Amundsen, I'm pretty sure that as you have a 2014 model it will be a MIB1 and Skoda discontinued MIB1 maps in 2020.

A 2014 model will be MIB1, the MIB2 was not introduced until mid 2015 and the MIB3 was never fitted to the Octavia Mk3. The message you are seeing on the update portal is because Skoda stop issuing map updates 5 years after a MIB unit is no longer used in production - which for MIB1 means no updates after 2020.

@pab567 Can you help?

I also have Thule Wingbar EVO - first used on my Audi RS4 Avant, then my Octavia 3 Combi, then my Toyota Aygo and now my Octavia 3 hatch - same bars, just different feet for each vehicle.

My last 3 iPhones when charging overnight charge to 80% initially and only finish charging to 100% in the last hour or so before I've set as my wakeup time.

I'm not at all sure that the Amundsen can play videos, I *think* it's only the Columbus that can play videos?

The car includes a HV to 12V down converter so, in theory, the 12V battery is charged whenever the HV battery is being charged. I say in theory as there have been several owners complaining of the 12V battery going flat, but it appears that a software update to this system supposedly fixes the problem.

Even with AWD and sufficient power/torque you need to feed the power in as you describe - this was the only way to drive my RS4 without spinning all 4 wheels from an over enthusiastic standing start (true with Michelin Pilot Super Sport sticky tyres)!

You're assuming that the money is there to invest, many people are living "hand to mouth" each day with no ability to save or invest. After divorce when my ex stripped me out I'm definitely in that category - haven't been able to save or invest a single penny post divorce!

I think you mean 0% loans?

I have to disagree, there are many people (me included) not in your fortunate position of having a substantial income/pension and savings; for us the grants were a lifeline to the possibility of replacing our ICE with an EV but an effective price hike of £5000 shattered that dream.

One of the IMHO stupidest things was to reduce then remove the purchase grant on EVs, yes there are grants for home (EVHS), workplace (WCS) & on-street (ORCS) charging points but charging points without affordable vehicles are a long term investment that won't get more EVs purchased/leased right now. As for the Plug-In Car Grant (PICG) the percentages look good, but the caps are so low as to be almost pointless!

👍

If it won't open when using the button on the key then it's not using the button on the boot so it's most likely the lock.

Kept clearing the washer nozzles using a haberdashers pin.

On a different vehicle I've had screenwash gunk problems after a dealer service when the dealer topped up the screenwash with VAG branded fluid which reacted with the high street fluid I used to created a thick gel which blocked the washer jets.

As it's a TDI check the mileage and, if necessary, whether the cambelt has been changed - as a 2013 it should have at least been inspected several times. Consider also your driving pattern, the DPF on a TDI requires some regular longer drives to allow regens to happen - does this fit with your usage?

My GF NEVER fills the tank in her Audi A5 cabrio.

This is the important code, it suggests a lack of supply voltage to the J431. Have you checked the fuse that supplies it? Myabe getting the wiring diagram it a good idea - a site called erwin has the official information?

Self levelling can be put into a mode that allows the resting beam height to be set using either VCDS or OBDeleven or a similar VAG friendly diagnostic tool. When in this mode you adjust the beam using the adjusting screws on the headlamps themselves, and then exit the setting mode to remember the new setting.