Hi all

Hoping somone can anwser this

Got a columbus unti retrofitted (really good by the way) and wanted to add the lastest version of the columbus software, think I have version B, but the guy that installed stated that if version C was added then there is a battery drain issue. Would like to upgrade and the local dealer has kindly agreed to do FOC but wanna check before I upgrade

Could I just check

1. Is this actually an issue or have people upgraded to lastest version no problems?

2. Is there a way round this at all?

The car is a 2007 vRS for reference

Thanks in advance

M

It depends on the part number of your CAN gateway, if its too old then you will get a flat battery if you put the columbus to the latest software.

The way round it is to replace your CAN gateway if its too old. I had to do this with mine (cost me £115). You need VCDS (VAG-COM) to check the part number of your gateway, or strip down the car to read the part number from the gateway.

I think a 2007 is right about the changeover point for the gateway, you might get lucky and have one that'll be OK, or you might not...........

Thanks Keith

I will have a chat with the dealer, should imagine they can check the CAN BUS version before they install new software

Out of interest, would this get my parking sensors back?

I no longer have the optical display working?

Thanks again

You still wont get the parking display, for that you need to replace the parking sensor ecu with one that supports the columbus.

Thanks mannyo for the quick reply

Any idea what this likely to cost?

Thanks

Hi all

Hoping somone can anwser this

Got a columbus unti retrofitted (really good by the way) and wanted to add the lastest version of the columbus software, think I have version B, but the guy that installed stated that if version C was added then there is a battery drain issue. Would like to upgrade and the local dealer has kindly agreed to do FOC but wanna check before I upgrade

Could I just check

1. Is this actually an issue or have people upgraded to lastest version no problems?

2. Is there a way round this at all?

The car is a 2007 vRS for reference

Thanks in advance

M

You need to get the dealer to check which version of the Can Gateway you have before you decide to upgrade. It's been covered here a few times. If your Gateway is earlier than rev K then you will have a power drain problem. 2005 (my 55 plate TDi) generally have rev F so 2007 may well be L or above (the most common 'safe' revisions are L, S, and AA). A new gateway will cost you around the £120 mark. You will need VCDS or get the dealer to enable each of the control modules installed in your car on the new Can Gateway.

You have to ask yourself if a few graphic and speed improvements and 32gig SHCD card support is worth 120 quid plus the cost of a dealer diag scan (not to mention the hassle) on a system that is currently "really good by the way".

Having said that I'm probably about to do the same thing myself.

BR

Mark

Edited 11 April, 201016 yr by mrose

Thanks for the reply

Just trying to work out what it would cost to be honest. The thing I miss the most, apart from the graphic display, was the ablity to change the volume of the sensors and the radio when reversing

Like you say is it worth the cash? I should imagine I will upgrade at some stage as there could be really benefically future enhancements in later versions?

Thanks for the reply

I dont think the ecu is that expensive, I think you can get a compatible module from kufatec.

The way round it is to replace your CAN gateway if its too old. I had to do this with mine (cost me £115). You need VCDS (VAG-COM) to check the part number of your gateway, or strip down the car to read the part number from the gateway.

Keith - The £115 cost, was this supply and fit or just the cost of the gateway?

Thats supply only, I fitted and coded it myself with VAG-COM, very easy to do. Worth the effort IMO as I wanted the ability to use 32GB SDHC cards.

Thanks for the reply

Just trying to work out what it would cost to be honest. The thing I miss the most, apart from the graphic display, was the ablity to change the volume of the sensors and the radio when reversing

Like you say is it worth the cash? I should imagine I will upgrade at some stage as there could be really benefically future enhancements in later versions?

Thanks for the reply

The way I see it you (and I ) have four options here:

1. replace the can gateway to upgrade Columbus firmware to get better graphics, faster touch screen response, and large capacity SD card support. No risk of power drain on new firmware - 120 quid plus fitting and coding. Folk here will offer loads of support and help. We'd definitely get the best out of the Columbus.

2. Replace the parking ECU to get the park assist on the Columbus - around 40 quid plus fitting, and running a length of can bus wire to the front of the car. This involves pulling the boot area apart for the PDC ECU and pulling up the carpet and door sill trims. Ditto on the help. Maybe the beeps are enough?

3. Do both the Can Gateway and the PDC - around 165 quid on the parts and all of the above. Ditto on the help. A complete solution.

4. Leave well alone. But....you've got this far costing and thinking it out so you are probably going to take the bull by the horns anyway. I probably will in the end.

I'd say it's worth it in the long run if you plan to keep the car for a number of years and are gong to enjoy the new features (and the warm glow that you'll get from the fact you did it yourself).

If you are maybe looking to sell in near future all of the upgrades may make your car more attractive to a prospective buyer. That buyer will probably be like us though so will be planning and costing and posting for info. If you are going to end up selling at a high-ish mileage the buyer will probably see them as unnecessary cost additions and lump for a lower mileage lower priced less swish car....

....then spend hours here researching how to upgrade to Maxidot, Columbus, etc etc.

And so it goes.

BR,

Mark

Thanks mrose for the excellent summary

I think if i do it then I may as well do it all. My local dealer is going to advise to costs but need some new tyres first so will have to wait (18 inch wheels so please feel my pain LOL)

If you do this first would be grateful of anymore advice

Agains thank a million for concise reponse

Cheers

Marc

anyone know where i can buy the SW disk to upgrade so no battery drain ??

anyone know where i can buy the SW disk to upgrade so no battery drain ??

Search this forum for modified 3180a firmware and you'll find the links.

2007 Octavia may have a new enough CAN Gateway. Mines an April 2007 Octavia and that had a non-compatible / too early gateway fitted.

Changing the bums of the beeps should still be possible with VCDS. While not as easily accessible as having it on the HU, how often do you changec the settings anyway?