Hi

I am new to the forum.

I am having some problems with my Columbus unit in a 58 plate Superb.

A few days ago it just stopped working as i was driving. The system will not restart. I bought the car 2nd hand in May and have never had any problems like this before. As far as i am aware the firmware is still the original from when the car was new.

I tried to reboot using "Eject+Setup+MiC" but i get a message saying i need the SWL CD.

I have downloaded that using a link posted here on the forum and followed the instructions such a good CD brand and slow burn speed. The file i downloaded was 3.8mb.

The disc registered and went through the cycle of updating the software but i am still in the same position where the unit will still not initialise. It cycles repetitively with the "Welcome to Skoda Navigation" splash screen but then blacks out about 10-20 secs later. It will carry on doing that but not get any further than the splash screen.

Am I looking at a trip to Skoda in Cardiff? They have quoted me £80 plus vat to investigate and another sum (cant remember how much) for a new fimware CD.

What can i do?

Mine has just done exactly the same!! I don't know what to do? I am unsure what is causing the Columbus to fail on boot up? It just keeps cycling as you have described.

There are a few sites on the web who offer a repair service for around €250. It involves sending off to the checzh republic. Do you know if anybody in the uk can repair these units??

Have you tried removing the unit from the car? As the unit is always connected, it always has power.

^^^That doesn't seem a bad shout. In effect it would force a full reboot, a bit like shutting down and unplugging your PC rather than putting it on standby (sleep).

Thanks for the advice guys. I have not pulled the unit out or killed the power to it. I also now understand that the Columbus is permanently on. I might pull the fuse or battery but that may mean that the radio code will be need to be reentered. I don't think this is a hardware issue that needs a physical repair. Sounds just like the software has gotten messed up and needs a proper clean. if it was hardware it is unlikely the system would even start.

I did a bit more digging on this great forum and found a similar problem being decribed by a member called Cholley where he got a solution

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/246017-skoda-superb-navigation-system-gone-bust-help/page__st__30

- his reply is on the 2nd page of the topic towards the end.

I have PM'd him with a couple of questions but waiting for a reply.

I have also contacted the skoda garage to check whether the price of £192 is for the firmware and V8 of maps or whether it is only for the maps. If the latter i will be no better off. Also if the firmware is not working the maps won't load anyway.

Will keep you updated.

The car will remember the code from the first time it was entered, you won't ever have to re-enter the code to put the headunit back into your car. (You'll only need the code again if the headunit is put into someone else's car)

So I would start by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes and see if that helps.

Just one note, on an Octavia at least (am assuming it might be similar for a Superb) after you disconnect and reconnect the battery you'll get a couple of warning lights on the dashboard (ABS/Power steering), you just need to go for a v.short drive to reset those.

I have just disconnected my battery and this has not solved the boot up problems. I have also removed the Columbus unit and am going to send it off to be repaired. I am not keen on doing this but feel I have no options left.

I have also just tried the Josi download install. It too went through the cycle and all looked promising but back to square one, the system won't boot ip fully.

Gutted, time to send it off. I will keep you updated.

Usually when this happens its because the internal hard drive has failed, the columbus will require major dissasembly and a replacement drive installed. Even though its an automotive drive, its still basically a standard laptop drive with added shock protection, and just like a laptop the drives do fail eventually.

It's out of warranty. What would you suggest to do?

My options are

Send it off to somebody and have it repaired. Prices start at £110+vat (no parts, just labour and software)

Get a replacement unit off Internet for around £400ish

Go to the dealer roundabout and pay £100per/hr ish.

I am unsure.

Update to this.

I Contacted skoda in Newport, Gwent. They booked the car in for 1hr and uplifted/reinstalled the firmware and I now have a fully working Columbus. They have installed version 2854 of the firmware which also gives me the 7 digit post code search ability.

Cost for this was 1hrs labour £96 for which they also washed and vacuumed the car.

If this has happened to you and you are not sure whether you can install the firmware or aren't sure what version was on the head unit this is by far the easiest way to resolve it.

They were even going to install v8 maps but someone has walked off with the disc! They have said they will install that when they find it or when I get the car serviced. Can't praise them highly enough.

Very happy Superb owner again!

Update to this.

I Contacted skoda in Newport, Gwent. They booked the car in for 1hr and uplifted/reinstalled the firmware and I now have a fully working Columbus. They have installed version 2854 of the firmware which also gives me the 7 digit post code search ability.

Cost for this was 1hrs labour £96 for which they also washed and vacuumed the car.

If this has happened to you and you are not sure whether you can install the firmware or aren't sure what version was on the head unit this is by far the easiest way to resolve it.

They were even going to install v8 maps but someone has walked off with the disc! They have said they will install that when they find it or when I get the car serviced. Can't praise them highly enough.

Very happy Superb owner again!

What version of firmware did you have on your Columbus before??

I am glad you have yours sorted. I think I will follow what you did and go to my dealer.

Gianthotdog

I didn't know what version of firmware was installed which is why i took it to Skoda. Was fairly sure that mine had never been updated (58 plate) but some uplifts had to be done from newer versions of software so there was a risk it might wipe data off the unit.

cost me 96 quid but gave me peace of mind. I am now on 2854 so i know what i can do in the future now.