Anyone ever had to obtain the 4 digit security code of a retro fitted unit from a dealer? Do they just do it through the computer when the unit is installed, or can they do it with the unit on their bench just?

Anyone ever had to obtain the 4 digit security code of a retro fitted unit from a dealer? Do they just do it through the computer when the unit is installed, or can they do it with the unit on their bench just?

When the unit is installed it will ask for the code this is then just tapped in, the dealer can let you have the code some don't. The unit will rememnber the code if the battery is disconneted for a short time, I don'y know the maximum time it will hold the code but I did remove the battery on my MkI to clean out the drains and the Columbus did not ask for the code after over an hour. With my MkI and my first MkII the code was written in the service book, it was not in the service book for my new Combi but I have obtained the code.

I think the dealer needs the serial number of the Columbus AND the VIN of the car it was originally fitted to. If its a unit supplied as a replacement or accessory, I would think the code comes with it.

There's definitely no code with it, but it came in the sellers Superb, so there's no problem getting the vin.

The bottom line is, the code can be got!

I believe that for Skoda to be able to get the code, then the headunit must be fitted to the car it was originally supplied with otherwise the online system will not provide the code. The dealer can no longer call Skoda for the code, instead the car is connected to Skoda HQ online, and unless the VIN and headuniit serial number match then no code is provided. Bottom line is, the headunit may need to go back to the seller for them to get the code for you, because I believe its only the registered car that can have the code retrieved.

Oh crap.

Can I ask how you know that mannyo and are you 100%? if that's the case I don't think I'll be able to go down this route.

Edited 27 April, 201115 yr by Lyonzo

I've been looking into the same thing just now. I phoned a Skoda sealer today to ask that exact question- Can you install a Columbus if I don't have a code for it?

The guy went away and checked but said yes they can do that. He also quoted £37 for installing and doing whatever they do with the computer.

I will have the VIN number and details of the car it was originally in, not sure if that makes any difference. I hope they can as I've paid for the Columbus now. Hope I don't end up with an expensive but good looking ornament!

We just need the serial code of the unit and a vin number.

We just need the serial code of the unit and a vin number.

That's good news, thanks very much!

Did you get the 1 on eBay!?

If you're looking for something else to do during the Royal Wedding this weekend, the gripping (or griping)tale of how that Columbus unit ended up on e-bay can be found on http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/177804-columbus-replacement-26k/. Apologies if I seemed bitter about the quality of Skoda's help at times. The ending was relatively happy however (despite Skoda), although probably not as fairytale as the Wedding. I also managed to save my insurance company about £1,000 by haggling - I'm still waiting for their letter of thanks - any day soon I'm sure. I'm treating the new unit with the greatest respect.

Good luck to the e-bay buyer. I really hope that you can get the Columbus back into use without too much hassle.

I'm devastated! The winning bidder got a bargain though.

We just need the serial code of the unit and a vin number.

True and they charged me £15 for the privilege

Did you get the 1 on eBay!?

Yes I think it must be the same one. Apologies!

Have you the replacement screen sorted yet?

Have you the replacement screen sorted yet?

Going by what I've read, the age of it, part number, firmware number and that different voice control button on the top right I've taken a gamble that it is a type C with the LED screen and have one of them on the way so we'll see what happens.

Happy days.

In case anyone is in the same boat- Yes they can get the code. I went to a dealer today and they got a code from just the serial number of the stereo he said. It was not installed in the car at the time. It took a couple of attempts admittedly and one nervous hour for me after it locked itself through failed attempts, but the second number they got was correct. The number they needed was the full serial number under the barcode sticker on the top. The charged 0.4 of an hour for it which was £30 inc vat.

You got the screen fitted yet?

You got the screen fitted yet?

Yes I put the screen in, it was the led type it had. Wasn't too bad fitting it, mainly screws and little ribbon connectors but there is a metal plate clipped in that needs prised out of the plastic front panel which was awkward. The circuit board is clipped in too.

Impressive result.