My Skoda Superb Mk III has a very frustrating issue. Intermittently I receive these error messages on the infotainment system.  Starting "Smartlink"... and Starting "Media"... These errors show up when I select either the Media or Smartlink option on the menu. Other functions, such as the radio continue to work. The other significant symptom is that when the ignition is switched off and the keys are removed after this error has been displayed, the radio does not turn off as it would normally and will continue to play what ever station is active, even when I lock the car.  

 

Over the passed 2 years it has change to happen much more frequently, going from once in a while, to one a month, to several time a week.    

I have tried multiple cables, multiple iPhones and Android devices. This error occurs with all.  The error also occurs when no phone is connected, but seems to be more frequent when a phone is connected.

 

When the issue happens the only way to 'fix' the issue is to stop the car, lock up and leave the car locked for at least 5 minutes. 

 

I use the Media and Smartlink function a lot, this is very frustrating. I have twice asked my Skoda service agent to investigate, but on both occasion the error has not reared its ugly head, so they have been unable to address it.

 

 

Has anyone seen a similar issue?

 

If so have you been able to fix it?

 

 

I had this problem – Media refused to load. It only happened when it was very cold weather (I park outside). After the car had warmed up, the problem disappeared.

 

You might try holding down your On/Off button until the unit reboots?

Hi Jerry

 

Thanks for the input. My car is also parked out side and I have definitely seen this problem get worse recently, so the cold might be a factor. However, I often see this error after the smartlink was working. I.e. I start the car, smartlink and media are working, e.g. music is playing from my Apple phone over Carplay, then I put the car in reverse or drive off and the Starting "Smartlink"... error appears.

 

I will try you suggestion of holding the on/off 'button' (its a touch sensitive area on my car) to reboot the infotainment system, as up until now the only way to recover use  is to park and lock the car for at least 5 minutes. I have tried waiting for it to start on its own, once on a long drive  up north. It stayed on the Starting "Smartlink"... for 2 hours and only returned to working state after a stop at a services.

 

I will update the forum if I have any news.

Hi, I’m having the exact same problem. 
Did you find a solution to the problem