Hi all. Im still looking into ways to get the Bolero working satisfactorily in a pre-FL Octy. Here's a suggestion id like some feedback on.

It seems there's a pin on the ISO connection for the HU that deals with illumination (pin c6). Now, the canbus must say 'during the day, do not illuminate the HU' as originally it was a Stream which was only lit at night. That's the reason (imho) why the Bolero is dim... the canbus tells it to be. But, the climate controls act like the Bolero should - bright during the day and dim at night. So... my master plan is to try and get the HU pin c6 linked to whatever drives the illumination on the climate unit.

Unfortunately, that's where my logic meets reality and i can't find what drives illumination of the climate. Is it canbus directly?

Going to (when i get a chance!) rip the HU and climate unit out and see if i can figure what does what.

Anyone got anything better than my (flawed?!) logic to contribute?? It'd be great to get a fix for this as at the moment Im seriously considering getting a Columbus...

bdifferent is trying to figure out the wiring ATM. Maybe PM him and see if you can help each other. He needs the wiring diagram to go any further.

I couldnt fix the dim issue so I opted for the columbus instead

I just stick my sidelights on quickly although a present I only drive during the time when lights are needed so it isn't a problem

Not sure if this is of any help but there might be a solution here: http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/269941-skoda-swing-backlight-problem-i-cant-incrase/

Nice link but I'm still non the wiser, lol

Me neither. I'm getting a Columbus!

bit drastic, side lights on for me

In all honesty I wish all the dials were permanently lit up like they are on my wife's car

Doesn't bother me. As Zeffania has said just flick sidelights on and off.

Depends which Bolero you have. There were 2 manufacturers for early/late models. One works with sidelights. One doesn't. SWMBO has said she'd like sat nav anyway so Columbus here we come!

Very few people will have the early version.

There's probably a 6-9 month window of production. Wish I'd held onto my original Bolero, from my first Octy2 as that was fine! Mine was probably one of the first pre-FLs to be fitted with a Bolero, once we'd worked out it would work.

Didn't know I'd end up with a different version of the same car at the time though