Hi all.

I've just purchased a 58 plate Skoda Octavia 2.0 manual TDI estate. The spec is Laurin & Klement and the car is fitted with a Columbus touch screen DVD/Sat Nav screen. The car also has an aftermarket towbar fitted.

When I put the car into reverse nothing happens on the touch screen and I don't get any bleeping from the sensors either. It's like it's all been disconnected. I can't locate any 'P' button anywhere either. Before I take the car to an auto electrician is there any quick fixes I could be checking like fuses etc. Thank you.

Firstly, a scan with VCDS will tell you what's going on and point to where the fault lies.

What is a VCDS? And I certainly don't have one, plus I'm guessing they are not cheap to buy? Thanks

Where are you based? A local member might be able to take a look for you and read out any fault codes.

I'm in Keighley, West Yorkshire. Thanks

Keighley up to me is about 60 miles.  There'll be someone closer I guess if you look on this list.

Hi again. I've just worked out that the car is not fitted with a Skoda car stereo, it's one of these cheap lookalikey things. I'm wondering whether this is why my sensors don't work and it doesn't seem like it has a reverse parking screen either. I've emailed who I think sell them on Amazon but wondering whether I should just replace it with a proper Skoda one or can someone advise which one is compatible with the sensor's. Thank you.

Yeah, that would cause the problem. Aftermarket stuff won't always integrate with OEM systems.

I have a couple of units here which will fit and work fine, genuine Columbus units.

Thanks Rustynuts, however I've had the car into the garage this morning as I noticed the reverse lights weren't on either (school boy error). Turns out there was a snapped wire on the reverse switch. It's had a temporary fix and everything is working fine now including a screen display. It does need a longer piece of wire and connector fitting buts that's for another day when it's in for its Dual Mass Flywheel but that's another headache for another day.

The 'P' button would be for the front sensors only, hence it's absence.