I've just bought a 2016 Superb L&K (which I'm enjoying a lot :)), with the Columbus navigation unit.  SmartLink is supposed to be activated (the previous owner claims

to have used it), but all the SmartLink options are greyed out (MirrorLink, CarPlay and Android Auto), and the USB cannot be selected as a media source when a device

is attached (phone, USB memory stick etc).  I've tried replacing the USB port in the centre console, but this has made no difference.  Has anyone here seen this before?

I think it's probably a hardware fault.  Thanks!

Are you using an original / MFi approved USB cable?

Yes, I've tried about a dozen cables of various types.  4-5 of them are original Apple cables (tested to work on my Mac Mini).

The port also doesn't work for an Android phone, and won't recognise a memory stick or disk drive, so I'm pretty sure

that cables aren't an issue.  A USB tester shows that the port is delivering 5V, though the voltage drops significantly if the

load is more than about 1A. Although I can power a portable disk, the iPhone won't draw power. This suggests to me either

that the data lines are being recognised but there's no handshake from the control unit, or else the power draw is too high.

The odd thing is that the USB is greyed out as a Media source even when a device is plugged in.  Since the previous

owner said that it used to work, I suspect faulty wiring from the control unit, but I thought I'd see whether anyone

else had had the same symptoms before I book it in to an auto-electrician (the nearest one is a 30 minute drive).

 

I had the same problem with my Octavia Scout.. Sasha Grace suggested replacing the USB connector in the dash.  Part No 5Q0035726E .  I have just done it today and it is working again!  But if you have already done this you must have another problem.

 

Thanks. Yes I think it might be the cable but I haven’t been able to find a suitable replacement (or managed to remove the unit from the glove compartment). I tried an auto-electrician without success, so I think the dealer may be the only option (need to find a clear morning to do this, though!).