Ever since I've owned my Superb, I have had problems with my Columbus Infotainment system. The car has been to my Skoda dealer 3 or 4 times so far but the issues are never resolved with the dealer either saying the have updated the software (they haven't), they have reset the system or they have tried a software update but there isn't one. I have a suspicion the system has never successfully updated, but I can find a definitive answer, anywhere online, as to what the latest software version for my car should be. During the time I have owned the car it has informed me that there is a software update available, but I am convinced it is not completing. The last time it did this, the system said 'preparing update' and then I got a screen message, 'Cannot start backup services'.

 

The issues I am having are either Non-Apple CarPlay issues or CarPlay issues.

 

The none CarPlay issues are the system refusing to load my profile. This happens about 3 times a week and the only way to clear the fault is to turn off the ignition and leave the car for about 15 minutes. A soft reset (holding the power button) will not reset the problem. The other issue is the system simply crashing and re-booting while driving. Sometimes the profile reloads and all is well, but once or twice it won't reload the profile. This is a real pain when I'm actually driving as I lose access to any satnav.  

 

The CarPlay issues are numerous. Things like the sound dropping out of a phone call right in the middle of one (I can hear them, they can't hear me) or What'sApp/Messenger showing it's playing a message but I can't hear it.

 

I've attached a screenshot of the latest software details. I've anyone could advise I would be grateful. Car is going into dealer again in a few days.  

There is a software update I believe it to be 0270 yours is currently 0156.

Thank You Simon. I did a bit of extra research in this site after your comment and it looks as though you are right and my suspisions were correct. I found this on another post.

 

What's annoying is it does confirm my dealer has been telling porky's as they have never updated the software. 

At least you can go to the dealer and tell them what level it should be on.

https://updateportal.skoda-auto.com/en-GB

 

Someone linked to this once which is pretty useful. Put in your VIN and it'll give you the update.

 

I seem to get this - might be the same thing? (Otherwise might just be a map update...)

 

Either way, yeah the fundamental is the MIB3 system is dogs**t and needs a fair amount of work/complete overhaul. I get the same non-loading of the profile, loading of profile settings ages after seemingly accepting my PIN, not necessary putting seat to my position whether it does or doesn't recognise its me. 

 

The lies things is annoying but as long as you haven't paid for anything, there's probably little recourse for the strife. Could take it to another dealer, talk about how the last place strung you along (shows you do your research) and some BS about you're looking for someone to restore your faith in the brand etc.

 

Maybe make sure that isn't to another dealer in the same franchise...

 

 

 

On 01/05/2022 at 18:47, Ron0511 said:

Thank You Simon. I did a bit of extra research in this site after your comment and it looks as though you are right and my suspisions were correct. I found this on another post.

 

What's annoying is it does confirm my dealer has been telling porky's as they have never updated the software. 

this is very interesting.

 

This is obviously not a UK car, so I wonder if dealers outside UK get different level of service.

 

My superb IV 2021, recently had a software update but only to  0276 from 0270.

 

However my sat nav map database is now 22/3 (newer than shown on the above picture) !!!

Car is due into dealers tomorrow to have this looked at again so I have been doing loads of research since your post. I am 99% certain there has never been a successful system update since the car was new. I found the ‘service’ menu (hold finger on the menu button) and it lists all updates. The only updates are dated 2019. Someone also posted a pic of their uK system stats, same  PN as mine showing 0278 update. 
 

I can only hope I can persuade the dealer to look into the issue properly this time. 

On 08/05/2022 at 10:54, Ron0511 said:

Car is due into dealers tomorrow to have this looked at again so I have been doing loads of research since your post. I am 99% certain there has never been a successful system update since the car was new. I found the ‘service’ menu (hold finger on the menu button) and it lists all updates. The only updates are dated 2019. Someone also posted a pic of their uK system stats, same  PN as mine showing 0278 update. 
 

I can only hope I can persuade the dealer to look into the issue properly this time. 

Did you get this sorted? 

On 08/05/2022 at 10:54, Ron0511 said:

Car is due into dealers tomorrow to have this looked at again so I have been doing loads of research since your post. I am 99% certain there has never been a successful system update since the car was new. I found the ‘service’ menu (hold finger on the menu button) and it lists all updates. The only updates are dated 2019. Someone also posted a pic of their uK system stats, same  PN as mine showing 0278 update. 
 

I can only hope I can persuade the dealer to look into the issue properly this time. 

Maybe drop into conversation you can see the list of updates so they know it can be immediately checked.

I took my car to the dealers last Tuesday with a handful of documentary evidence (thanks to this forum), and, as a result, Skoda technical have confirmed there is a software update that will take 4-5 hours. My car is booked in to have this done the week after next. 

 

I'll keep you posted.

On 14/05/2022 at 06:31, Ron0511 said:

I took my car to the dealers last Tuesday with a handful of documentary evidence (thanks to this forum), and, as a result, Skoda technical have confirmed there is a software update that will take 4-5 hours. My car is booked in to have this done the week after next. 

 

I'll keep you posted.

Ron, from your first post in this thread I can see that we have the same Device Part Number, Hardware, and software version.  Would you be so kind as to share what you showed to your dealer and what update they have identified if they gave you that info?  I have been experiencing all of the same issues you have listed and I have a call with Skoda UK escalating the issue next week.

 

Thanks in advance.

2 hours ago, ChrisJ944 said:

Ron, from your first post in this thread I can see that we have the same Device Part Number, Hardware, and software version.  Would you be so kind as to share what you showed to your dealer and what update they have identified if they gave you that info?  I have been experiencing all of the same issues you have listed and I have a call with Skoda UK escalating the issue next week.

 

Thanks in advance.

Hi Chris if you follow the link https://updateportal.skoda-auto.com/en-GB

This will give you map info and software info. You need to input your vin.

Chris, I will update this post later this week. My car is going in for its software update on Tuesday/Wednesday. 
 

A couple of people have mentioned the portal for updates. It’s no use for our model car. Updates only available through the car system itself. 
 

Ron

3 hours ago, Simon TDI Sport said:

Hi Chris if you follow the link https://updateportal.skoda-auto.com/en-GB

This will give you map info and software info. You need to input your vin.

I'm afraid this doesn't work for OTA (Over The AIr) only models Simon.  OTA only cars don't even have SD card slots for uploading the updates into the car.  I did think I saw a post where somebody tried to get an update using the engineering menu and a USB-C memory stick.  I think this was only for a map update though as system updates are not listed for OTA only cars.

 

The problem we have is that our cars are not downloading/receiving OTA updates.  Dealers don't think it is their problem anymore because OTA updates are delivered by Skoda.  Skoda have not put in place a method to deliver updates where OTA fails.

2 hours ago, ChrisJ944 said:

I'm afraid this doesn't work for OTA (Over The AIr) only models Simon.  OTA only cars don't even have SD card slots for uploading the updates into the car.  I did think I saw a post where somebody tried to get an update using the engineering menu and a USB-C memory stick.  I think this was only for a map update though as system updates are not listed for OTA only cars.

 

The problem we have is that our cars are not downloading/receiving OTA updates.  Dealers don't think it is their problem anymore because OTA updates are delivered by Skoda.  Skoda have not put in place a method to deliver updates where OTA fails.

Hi Chris

 

You need to make a formal complaint to SKODA UK, and get an Exec assistant from Skoda to take charge of your problem. Skoda will then coordinate the solution with your dealer.

I had the same thing.  It took my dealer (Marshall Milton Keynes) 2 weeks with my car to get the OTA software to update and get the map database up to date.

The dealers are all useless with the OTA stuff.  It is true that all the updates comes via skoda but you almost certainly need the dealer to do a software updates before your car will be able to do OTA updates on its own.

My car is the L&K IV, without an SD card.

Since the "fix" I've had one map update OTA, and 3 software updates OTA.

The software version does not seem to change the version Mine is 0276, but the map database does change - mine is now 22/3.

Another owner on this forum has a software version of 0278, so there is most certainly more updates to come.

Just a reminder you MUST have paid for the Skoda Connect service to be active after the first year otherwise you will never get any updates OTA.

As part of the solution to my complaint to Skoda I was given a refund of my 2nd year subscription to skoda connect service (about £80) so worth asking for the same.

 

 

Update as promised. Took car into dealer on Tuesday morning and have just picked it up (3 days). As you can see from the before and after images, software has now gone from version 156 to 278 and the device part number has had a 'B' added to it. 

 

Apparently the update failed twice before it finally succeeded. The service rep did say that there was another major software update due in June if this one didn't fix the problem.

 

It's early days, but all worked perfectly on the 30 mile journey home (but it's done that before).

 

Re the comment from ERIK99, it's difficult to know who is giving the correct information, but my dealer told me the updates don't rely on a subscription to connect.  

6 minutes ago, Ron0511 said:

Update as promised. Took car into dealer on Tuesday morning and have just picked it up (3 days). As you can see from the before and after images, software has now gone from version 156 to 278 and the device part number has had a 'B' added to it. 

 

Apparently the update failed twice before it finally succeeded. The service rep did say that there was another major software update due in June if this one didn't fix the problem.

 

It's early days, but all worked perfectly on the 30 mile journey home (but it's done that before).

 

Re the comment from ERIK99, it's difficult to know who is giving the correct information, but my dealer told me the updates don't rely on a subscription to connect.  

Hi

Good news on the software front - I now know that my software is out of date (currently only 0276) despite 4 minor updates in the last 3 weeks.

You may be right about the connect service and software updates - it would be silly for basic car function corrections being a paid for service.

However I note that your  NAV database is still on 2021 / Jan - mine went to 22/4 yesterday - do you have a current Connect service, if not maybe that is why you are not on the latest database for maps

Fingers crossed for you Ron!

 

Mine is going in for the same update in a few weeks time - they are keeping it for two days to get it done.  I have the same start point as you with regard to Device Part Number and Software.  I'll let you know if I have the same position as you afterwards.  The dealer suspects there may also be a problem with the antenna/comms module and are prepared to change that out too.

 

The work on my car has been scheduled for the week after the June update comes out to ensure that is embodied too.  The June update specifically addresses issues with the SOS call function which is constantly dropping out on mine.

 

I got this sorted by raising the issue with Skoda UK customer services.  They tried to tell me to get it sorted with the dealer but I insisted on escalating the case with Skoda UK.  As it happens, I had also asked my dealer to update it, but they told me there was DEFINITELY NO UPDATE available for the car.  A Customer Relations Manager called me, I described what was happening and he seemed to know right away what the issue was and suggested it might need an update.  He called my dealer, and lo and behold, it is booked in for an update!

 

I took the opportunity to clarify the requirement for a subscription with Skoda too.  UK cars come with a 10 year subscription to SOS call and OTA updates for system software.  You can see this by logging in to your account.  The two other paid subscriptions cover Skoda Connect services like remote locking and map updates.  You can update your map manually using a USB-C flash memory stick.  Download the map as normal from the Skoda Portal and plug the USB stick in to your car.  I find the next bit absurd, but here it is - your car downloads the new map from the USB stick as you drive around.  It only downloads the updates it needs for your current position.  Skoda recommend leaving the USB stick in at all times so that you have the most up to date maps!  The instructions for doing this are all hosted on the Skoda Portal too.

 

 

Ah, that could be the bit that needs the Connect service. I don’t have it. I wasn’t that impressed with it compared with my last car. I will wait a couple of days to see if my NAV database updates. To be honest, I use Google Maps or the WAZE SATNAV through Apple CarPlay. Way better that the Skoda system (in my opinion). 
 

I should also say a massive thank you to all those that have added to my post. Everyone really helped me get an understanding of the Workings of the Infotainment system. I really do think that I know more about it than the dealer now 😀

On 01/05/2022 at 18:47, Ron0511 said:

it does confirm my dealer has been telling porky's as they have never updated the software

Well that’s a bit laid-back in terms of factuality, given 90% of dealer management lie with impunity and encourage staff to do the same. They have as much integrity as that blond entitled buffoon in No. 10. 

4 hours ago, ChrisJ944 said:

I find the next bit absurd, but here it is - your car downloads the new map from the USB stick as you drive around.  It only downloads the updates it needs for your current position.  Skoda recommend leaving the USB stick in at all times so that you have the most up to date maps!  The instructions for doing this are all hosted on the Skoda Portal too.

 

 

 

 

You're right.  That is absurd. 

11 hours ago, Robster59 said:

You're right.  That is absurd. 

I was given this "story" as well by Skoda uk. I tried it. It took a very long time to download, and it did NOT work.

It is unbelievable that Skoda take out the SD card reader in the Superb and then have the cheek to make you pay an annual subscription to get map downloads via a USB stick, which for most owners also DO NOT work.

Because the download software did not work on my car during the first year (free Skoda connect service) Skoda refunded my 2nd year subscription (£82). After my car spent 2 weeks at a Skoda dealer, with no explanation from the dealer, both my software and the maps had been updated. I now get map updates. Currently on map 22/4 (April 2022). 

Note there is no indication that a map update has happened. You have to look is settings and check the versions / date to find out.

LOL! Erik, it is not a story I'm afraid.  Go to the Skoda Portal; the instructions for doing this on MIB3 are linked there on the front page.  If it hasn't worked for you then you should inform Skoda Customer Services.  I'm going to wait until the other issues with my car are addressed before I try.

 

The map updates are free.  I still get them on the Skoda Portal and only have the 10 year SOS call and OTA system updates subscription.  The annual subscriptions have lapsed.

 

Having the map updates delivered to your car OTA is the paid for service.  To see if your subscription is active or not, just log in to Skoda Connect.  Whether or not it works on your car is a different question altogether.

I've just been in to check mine.  This is what my car is showing at the moment.  It's a company car, so I'm fully subscribed.

This is insane - I've been wondering where the SD slot referred to in all the documentation is; at no point does anything talk about OTA updates.

So I'm on 270, I had an update download while driving (stopped when the car moved, but continued when we were in traffic. I now get a popup telling me to install an available update but when I click on the install button, it goes to engineering mode and then has nothing in the list of media to install from.

 

If I'm reading the above right, I need to go to a dealer and get them to run the update so I can get the OTA updates working properly, is that right? And if they're not happy, raise a complaint with Skoda UK?