Hi all - I have a 2010 Superb Elegance model and recently the Coumbus unit has stopped working. It powers up switches on but doesn't respond once the radio channel appears and the buttons do not respond.

 

I tried the reset buttons.

I asked the Skoda dealer in Wicklow to investigate, they say they couldn't isolate the issue and suggest replacement unit which would cost nearly as much as the car is worth.

I asked them to disconnect & reconnect but to no avail.

 

Does anyone know if this is fixable in any way without replacing the unit? My phone still connects via Bluetooth but no sound comes through.

Is there another way to connect a device to come through the speakers even so I can use hands free and stream music/radio from my phone?

 

Any help guidance appreciated thank you!

This is typical behavior for overloaded NAND. You can try to reflash it with applicable firmware, if it doesn;t help that NAND has to be cleared ( requires RNS510 service tools like SetConfig which is not available for Skoda dealers) and then firmware reflashed.

 

if you don't find any solution pls PM me.

 

 

30 minutes ago, SuperbEleganceWicklow said:

Does anyone know if this is fixable in any way without replacing the unit? My phone still connects via Bluetooth but no sound comes through.

Is there another way to connect a device to come through the speakers even so I can use hands free and stream music/radio from my phone?

 

Any help guidance appreciated thank you!

 

Access to the speakers is via the head unit only so if that's not working, even though the Bluetooth module is still fine, there's no audio device in the car for it to send data to, you won't be able to hear anything.

 

If your unit is bricked, you could try contacting user 'rustynuts' by pm as he does work on these and may be able to help you out, or sell you a replacement for a lot less than the dealer wants for a new one. Beware buying a used one on eBay as it will probably be a stolen unit.

I've had units doing this before and it's the main board which is fried, usually on the earlier LCD units (top right button has a small speaker and letter i on it rather than a microphone). Mainboards are not cost effective to fit to old units like this, but if yours has the microphone button then it's a bit more promising. Ireland makes it a little more complicated though so you'd need to send me the unit to diagnose and repair.

I had serious problems with the Columbus unit on my 2011 Superb. I got a genuine replacement fitted by Motor Mods for just over £700. Main dealer had quoted me £2000  plus labour. Apparently these older Columbus units are prone to failure. Motor Mods quoted £400 to fix the old unit, but would not give any guarantee it would not go wrong again in a short time.

 

Wh

On 3/21/2018 at 18:03, Tenchfisher said:

I had serious problems with the Columbus unit on my 2011 Superb. I got a genuine replacement fitted by Motor Mods for just over £700. Main dealer had quoted me £2000  plus labour. Apparently these older Columbus units are prone to failure. Motor Mods quoted £400 to fix the old unit, but would not give any guarantee it would not go wrong again in a short time.

 

What is wrong with your unit?

It began sending me messages in German, which obscured other functions such as the map and I could not clear them . I lost the voice announcements on the Satnav and the unit would freeze up at different times for no apparent reason, usually accompanied by a message in German. I would not be able to clear the message, although  sometimes I could switch off the engine and restart and the unit would clear, other times it would take a day or two to clear. I was unable to use the phone, as the phone book was inaccessible and the keypad was obscured by a German message. It also meant that the satnav was hampered, as I could not see the information screen to set up a route. There may have been other things, but It’s nearly 2 years since this happened. I still have the old knackered unit in my garage, as I have never got round to throwing it away. I’l probably do this now, as I have sold my Superb.

Thanks all for the replies and the helpful responses. 

 

So I've come to the conclusion that the unit is hosed and I need to find a replacement unit. A techie friend recommended the following as he has a Seat and used the same head unit and can vouch for it.

 

http://eonon.co.uk/Android-Car-Stereo/Car-Specific-GPS/Volkswagen-SEAT-SKODA-8-Inch-Car-Audio-2GB-RAM-Octa-Core-GPS-Navigation-System-Touchscreen.html?Catype=1

 

So I believe I will follow this as a solution.

I will be interested to raed a review when you have had a chance to use it.

Just ordered the unit a few minutes ago. It comes with a free reverse cam also. The total cost including shipping to Ireland was €309. I believe this will fit perfectly within the dash and integrate with the steering wheel controls. It’s full Android 7.1 so should have all the apps you can get. It has WiFi also, so you can tether to your phone for navigation/music/Netflix etc.

 

I will post a review and upload a pic or two when I have it and it's installed!

 

Are the connections a straight swap for the existing or do you have to spend ages splicing in>?

8 minutes ago, superbdreams said:

Are the connections a straight swap for the existing or do you have to spend ages splicing in>?

 

I believe it is a straight swap, although a friend will be doing the swapping for me. Have a look here see if this makes it any clearer.

 

I believe both units can be easily fixed at a fraction of costs you mentioned - approx 100 GBP. I have repaired multiple such units, PM me if you are interested.

On 3/26/2018 at 11:07, SuperbEleganceWicklow said:

 

I believe it is a straight swap, although a friend will be doing the swapping for me. Have a look here see if this makes it any clearer.

 

I would love to get one of these for my Octavia 09. Please keep us informed on your progress. John.