I've just had a Skoda Tech try and code my older Columbus to no avail (see seprate posting about Climate Display).

Anyway, apparently because my vehicle is not fitted with the roof mounted GPS, you cannot even code an aftermarket Columbus correctly. Is this bull or is he talking sense?

It's not that the unit won't work it's just that it's impossible to get the MFD to display the nav details without the correct coding and you can[t code it without the roof antenna.

I've just had a Skoda Tech try and code my older Columbus to no avail (see seprate posting about Climate Display).

Anyway, apparently because my vehicle is not fitted with the roof mounted GPS, you cannot even code an aftermarket Columbus correctly. Is this bull or is he talking sense?

It's not that the unit won't work it's just that it's impossible to get the MFD to display the nav details without the correct coding and you can[t code it without the roof antenna.

Bull mate - i haven't got the antenna (i have got the shark fin but that is for the bluetooth. What model do you have? I am sure mine is the 1Z0 model and it worked straight off with just the MFD missing - this was simply a case of putting a tick box in a long code on VCDS. Best bet is to find someone local with VCDS.

Edit: Just looked back through some old posts and mine is the 3T0. You can do a FW upgrade which will take it to a 1Z0 to a 3T0 and then everything apart from the maxidot should magically start working!

Edited 8 August, 201114 yr by jrw

Bull mate - i haven't got the antenna (i have got the shark fin but that is for the bluetooth. What model do you have? I am sure mine is the 1Z0 model and it worked straight off with just the MFD missing - this was simply a case of putting a tick box in a long code on VCDS. Best bet is to find someone local with VCDS.

Edit: Just looked back through some old posts and mine is the 3T0. You can do a FW upgrade which will take it to a 1Z0 to a 3T0 and then everything apart from the maxidot should magically start working!

OK, I'm up for that but how would I do a firmware update on the unit? I've also heard horror stories of these getting "bricked". If thats a risk I'd rather sell it on and buy another newer model!

Let me get this straight - my FL2011 if fitted with a later firmware revision will show the data in the MFD, have full MFSW operation AND allow the Climate display as well?

Let me get this straight - my FL2011 if fitted with a later firmware revision will show the data in the MFD, have full MFSW operation AND allow the Climate display as well?

No your FL with the correct f/w will have MFSW, climate display and parking sensor display. MFD will need to be coded.

Nick P and Simbo are the people to ask about f/w updates. I can't advise on that as i haven't done it.

I would have thought it was down to the dealers V.A.S system not letting him code it as it's not as flexible as vcds

If you purchased your Columbus from EBay - proceed carefully with any firmware upgrades.

A large percentage of EBay units have questionable herritage and if the device was "hacked" a firmware upgrade could indeed brick it.