I recently had the dreaded constant reboot problem with my Columbus, the one where the software fails to load properly and just goes into an endless cycle of re-booting. Most commentators on this site will say that points to a duff HDD and they might be right. However, I've got it working again, at least for now.

My Columbus is a 2009 H11 unit, originally with 1164 firmware and V3 (I think) maps. I first upgraded to V8 maps, but couldn't, of course, get 7-digit postcode functionality. Baffled and dismayed by the reams of conflicting advice about upgrading the firmware in steps, I decided simply to take the plunge and upgrade to 4024 with a disc I acquired from... somewhere.

It worked.

I now have fully functioning 4024 firmware with 7-digit postcodes, maps, POIs and music and have recently upgraded to V9 maps (which definitely DOES have more recent mapping than V8).

Now, when the above fault appeared, I first tried SWL_FIX, again widely available from all good stores via Google. The unit accepted this and completed its actions but this did NOT fix the problem. My next step was to re-install the 4024 firmware.

This DID fix the problem.

Lesson 1: by all means fear the worst, but don't re-mortgage your house to get a new Columbus until you have tried a few options.

Lesson 2: seek and ye shall find.

Firmware & the SWL fix files are available from the 'My GTI' website FOC & legally (as far as I know they are legal).

It's the map updates that circulate illegally on the net!

I recently had the dreaded constant reboot problem with my Columbus, the one where the software fails to load properly and just goes into an endless cycle of re-booting. Most commentators on this site will say that points to a duff HDD and they might be right. However, I've got it working again, at least for now.

My Columbus is a 2009 H11 unit, originally with 1164 firmware and V3 (I think) maps. I first upgraded to V8 maps, but couldn't, of course, get 7-digit postcode functionality. Baffled and dismayed by the reams of conflicting advice about upgrading the firmware in steps, I decided simply to take the plunge and upgrade to 4024 with a disc I acquired from... somewhere.

Lesson 1: by all means fear the worst, but don't re-mortgage your house to get a new Columbus until you have tried a few options.

Lesson 2: seek and ye shall find.

Your post has given me some hope. My Columbus is refusing to play CD's and DVD's as well as playing the one and only HDD track the previous owner must of uploaded ... McFly of all bands

My car is out of warranty and I'm at a bit of a loss as what to do ... do I find a Skoda specialist (mechanical engine repairs maybe but audio repair?), do I take to my local Skoda dealer for help or can I some how re-boot the system (rather than just switch it off)?

I'd like to try something first. Do you need to remove the unit to perform a firmware update or can i plug in via the AUX port in the armrest?

Any advice or pointers would me most welcome. Thanks

No need to remove the unit; it's all done by DVD. Just make sure the doors of the car are closed and the ignition is off, then pop in the firmware disc. After that, just sit back for about an hour. PM me if you're having trouble sourcing the firmware.

Just don't take it to Mitchell Skoda in Ellesmere Port - I've just had the constant rebooting problem and took it there under warranty (warranty from a dealership down south).

After two days they told me they could fix it as the processor was allegedly broken, and would have to be replaced at a cost to me of £2500. I told them I didn't think they were correct. Last night I used the firmware update disk as recommended on here, a hour later my columbus was back to working condition.

Just in case my unit was to start doing this...where did you get the disc from?

Firmware updates are available for download from the 'My GTI' website where there is lots of useful info.

Or from the 'VW Navi' forum, but are harder to find on there.

I dont do `downloads` (dont know how to), so, is this disc available from main dealers?

Many thanks.

Mike.

The main dealer will (should) be able to offer an update to the Columbus, but many won't / can't especially if it's a retro-fit as opposed to dealer supplied.

The only update my dealer would perform was a map update to v8 when it was in for a service last week. As no 'recalls', no updates done.

I would prefer it if my dealer was more enlightened, Allams of Epsom.

Come back James Rothwell

Pleeeeeasssse

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James Rothwell is now apparently selling Mercs in Dubai!

http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/james-rothwell/35/698/313

I know........

He told me before he left. He likes Mercs as well a Skodas but there isn't much of a market for Skoda out there :lol:

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Hi, 

 

I am having the same problems with the splash screen starting up and then going dark. I've read about the possible fix with the firmware upgrade but have also read about the battery drain problem unless the CAN module is changed, but understand this only occurs on certain models. The only problem I have is that I have no idea what version of the Columbus I have.

 

I have an Octavia VRS on a '59 2009 plate. Has anyone any ideas as to what version of Columbus I have and whether the firmware upgrade would be wise, or whether I am creating a further problem for myself?

 

Thanks

Hi,

I am having the same problems with the splash screen starting up and then going dark. I've read about the possible fix with the firmware upgrade but have also read about the battery drain problem unless the CAN module is changed, but understand this only occurs on certain models. The only problem I have is that I have no idea what version of the Columbus I have.

I have an Octavia VRS on a '59 2009 plate. Has anyone any ideas as to what version of Columbus I have and whether the firmware upgrade would be wise, or whether I am creating a further problem for myself?

Thanks

Best to ask in the ICE section, but I suspect your car is new enough not to have the battery drain issue.

You need somebody with VCDS to enable the hidden menu. You will then be able to see what version of the firmware you are running. Holding the setup button for about 30 seconds once the hidden menu is enabled, will bring it up.

A 2009 Octavia should have no issue with battery drain - but I don't think that was the main part of the question.

(Suitable CAN gateway controllers to avoid battery drain were fitted from roughly mid-2007 onwards)

did anyone get a fix to this? same problem with mine and want some help with it please, thanks!