Looks like the (simple) change of <provider_ref id="2" mode="non-exclusive" /> to <provider_ref id="12" mode="non-exclusive" /> in TmcProviderSets.xml in entry <!-- PayTMC UK --> failed to make any change. I still have the TMC symbol struck through and obviously no messaging coming through. It was (perhaps) too much to hope it was that straight forward. So - if I got the suggestions correct from pcbbc above.....

 

This is the top section of the fie:

    <!-- PayTMC UK -->
    <tmc_provider_set id="21" use_free_tmc="true"
        use_online_traffic="false">
        <provider_ref id="12" mode="non-exclusive" />                        .....line altered here from id="2"
    </tmc_provider_set>
 

Should I also need to make any change in the <!-- ------------- Online Traffic Provider Sets --------------- --> section here:

    <!-- PayTMC UK -->
    <!-- 32768 + 21 -->
    <tmc_provider_set id="32789" use_free_tmc="true"
        use_online_traffic="true">
        <provider_ref id="2" mode="non-exclusive" />
        <provider_ref id="12" mode="non-exclusive" />
    </tmc_provider_set>
 

Surely this for section is for the online data collection, nothing to do with FM data collection.

 

And should there be any changes made in the SEAT and VW sections as well? Can't see why, as this is in a Skoda vehicle with a MIB2 Std unit.

 

The one file was simply over-written and put back into the nav unit. I can see no way of indicating to the nav unit that the data has changed, so presume it reads what it needs on-the-fly/as required.

 

There's obviously more to it than that simple change [thought it would have been "too" easy a fix] - simply getting rid of the TMC strike through would be a step forward.

 

Any further ideas?

 

 

6 minutes ago, dgc188 said:

Any further ideas?

 

You might want to take a look at my previous post:

On 11/05/2023 at 20:15, langers2k said:

@pcbbc - Not sure if you've seen this thread: https://www.navitotal.com/general-discussions-about-tomtom/rds-tmc-decrypted-t18251.html

 

Seems they were able to make a selection of mctx.dat files (used by TomTom) so the user could choose a TMC provider - both TrafficMaster and INRIX are included. No idea if you can extract the location table to use on the RNSE or not

 

I've done some more poking around the MIB2, I expect the location table is in one of the NDS files which is a closed source ZIPVFS sqlite database. A little work has been done on changing these files (Seat Mapcare) but it doesn't seem fully understood: https://www.seatcupra.net/forums/threads/updating-the-inbuilt-mib2-satnav-mib2-tricks-and-lost-mib1-card-solution.388586/post-4702740

 

You'll probably need to both add the appropriate INRIX location table in to the correct NDS file and also change the xml files

22 minutes ago, BionicJohn said:

Like others, I contacted Skoda UK Customer Service, complaining that TMC info was disabled.  I asked when and how it would be restored.
Here's their reply:

 

 

I'm about to write to the Digital Support Team...... 

 

Typical useless reply from Skoda. No one knows anything and they pass the buck around in circles. Next you'll be asked to go to a dealer. 

21 minutes ago, joek666 said:

 

Typical useless reply from Skoda. No one knows anything and they pass the buck around in circles. Next you'll be asked to go to a dealer. 

Not quite....

 

They replied remarkably promptly:

 

"Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention. We apologize for the inconvenience caused.

 

We understand that the Traffic Message Channel (TMC) on your vehicles sat nav/media system has not been displaying any traffic information.

 

To be able to further investigate the issue, please provide us with additional information as a reply to this email:

- VIN number of your vehicle.

- A photo with the TMC from your infotainment system.

 

If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

 

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

 

With kind regards,

 

Support for Digital Services ŠKODA AUTO a.s T: 00800 80 247 247 *****@*****.tld,  www.skoda-auto.com "

33 minutes ago, dgc188 said:

Any further ideas?

None, unless the configuration is copied somewhere else on uploading new maps?

 

My assumption was that as the PayTMC + online traffic node already included providers 2 and 12, that the map data would also. Otherwise what was the point of specifying provider 12 INRIX?

The way I read those sections is that the online section is combined TMC and online data. But I’m not certain and really have no experience of looking at anything in regular MIB2. I’m just going by what was done in Australia/New Zealand

https://github.com/catatonicChimp/mib2-tmc-ANZ

You could be right that these are for online only. Does online traffic also use location tables? If so, are they the same as RDS? I have no idea.

 

I’ve also realised that the file I changed in MIB2 high in the ISO may not be the correct one.

There seems to be a copy located in /mnt/app/navigation/resources/app/vw/<region>/tti/paytmc.json

I need to check if updating the ISO caused that version to be updated, and if not modify it separately.

3 hours ago, BionicJohn said:

Like others, I contacted Skoda UK Customer Service, complaining that TMC info was disabled.  I asked when and how it would be restored.
Here's their reply:

 

 

I'm about to write to the Digital Support Team...... 

If their Digital Support Team is like the Audi one they will tell you that they do not deal with RDS-TMC and direct you to a main dealer for a useless and expensive diagnostic check.😡

 

2 minutes ago, Hillbilly23 said:

If their Digital Support Team is like the Audi one they will tell you that they do not deal with RDS-TMC and direct you to a main dealer for a useless and expensive diagnostic check.😡

 

You could well be right, but I remain optimistic.

 

I have submitted my VIN and a photo of the screen saying "No reports available" and TMC logo crossed out.   Apparently, "one of their agents will be contacting me."

I sent my photos to them some time ago, still waiting for a reply......

 

 

Like others here, I also emailed the weconnect-support @ voltswagen . de (minus the spaces) and had this most informative (NOT!) response:

 

Thank you for contacting Volkswagen Digital Services.

Please be informed that the Digital Services department only provides technical assistance and support for the use of the digital services within the Volkswagen vehicle and related apps – “We Connect”, “We Connect Go”, “We Connect ID”.

We kindly invite you to contact Skoda Digital services who will be able to assist you with your enquiry:

*****@*****.tld

Thank you for your understanding.

Warm regards,


Your Volkswagen team

 

I have further emailed them such that if they are not responsible - after pointing out again (in both bold and red) that this affect VW vehicles as well as Skoda - then perhaps they could point me in the direction of someone who could assist as this is a VAG-wide problem. I expect they had all gone home by the time this was sent. I await they're fresh response - but I'll not be holding my breath I'll get anywhere.

 

Incidentally, I've been in touch the other day with their advised email address @skoda and they advised they would pass it on to their "information department". Again, I am awaiting a reply from there.

 

The phrase which includes "head" and "brick wall" comes to mind!

 

 

6 hours ago, pcbbc said:

I’ve also realised that the file I changed in MIB2 high in the ISO may not be the correct one.

There seems to be a copy located in /mnt/app/navigation/resources/app/vw/<region>/tti/paytmc.json

I need to check if updating the ISO caused that version to be updated, and if not modify it separately.

Updated that copy also. No change in TMC message status unfortunately.

13 hours ago, dgc188 said:

Like others here, I also emailed the weconnect-support @ voltswagen . de (minus the spaces) and had this most informative (NOT!) response:

 

Thank you for contacting Volkswagen Digital Services.

Please be informed that the Digital Services department only provides technical assistance and support for the use of the digital services within the Volkswagen vehicle and related apps – “We Connect”, “We Connect Go”, “We Connect ID”.

We kindly invite you to contact Skoda Digital services who will be able to assist you with your enquiry:

*****@*****.tld

Thank you for your understanding.

Warm regards,


Your Volkswagen team

 

I have further emailed them such that if they are not responsible - after pointing out again (in both bold and red) that this affect VW vehicles as well as Skoda - then perhaps they could point me in the direction of someone who could assist as this is a VAG-wide problem. I expect they had all gone home by the time this was sent. I await they're fresh response - but I'll not be holding my breath I'll get anywhere.

 

Incidentally, I've been in touch the other day with their advised email address @skoda and they advised they would pass it on to their "information department". Again, I am awaiting a reply from there.

 

The phrase which includes "head" and "brick wall" comes to mind!

 

 

I read somewhere that the Trafficmaster service had ceased because it was "no longer supported". I wonder if VAG Group and others decided not to continue paying for the service. If this is the case then I cannot see them paying to switch to the INRIX service so we are all being sent around in circles hoping we will get fed up of trying. As I never buy a car less than five years old it looks like a Volvo for me next.

 

1 hour ago, Hillbilly23 said:

I read somewhere that the Trafficmaster service had ceased because it was "no longer supported". I wonder if VAG Group and others decided not to continue paying for the service. If this is the case then I cannot see them paying to switch to the INRIX service so we are all being sent around in circles hoping we will get fed up of trying. As I never buy a car less than five years old it looks like a Volvo for me next.

 

2020 so it's 3 years old for some and the plug pulled out. Reckon they will do the same for connected service. Mib4 and then the plug pulled on Mib3 soon after 2025. More like disconnected services.

Just now, Tell said:

2020 so it's 3 years old for some and the plug pulled out. Reckon they will do the same for connected service. Mib4 and then the plug pulled on Mib3 soon after 2025. More like disconnected services.

My Bro-in-law has a 72 plate Octavia.  It uses Android Auto, so no need for trafficmaster. 5G Data costs are paid by the user. 

 

I have noticed that my admittedly old Garmin portable sat Nav no longer has RDS traffic info 

 

It's all changing 

 

It'd be nice if VAG/Skoda acknowledged that 

21 minutes ago, BionicJohn said:

My Bro-in-law has a 72 plate Octavia.  It uses Android Auto, so no need for trafficmaster.

A 72 plate Octavia can have built-in sat nav (that uses Skoda Connect for traffic data if you pay and sign up) or Android Auto/Apple CarPlay when a suitable smartphone is connected.

 

It's not the car that uses Android Auto it's your BIL.

19 minutes ago, BionicJohn said:

My Bro-in-law has a 72 plate Octavia.  It uses Android Auto, so no need for trafficmaster. 5G Data costs are paid by the user. 

 

I have noticed that my admittedly old Garmin portable sat Nav no longer has RDS traffic info 

 

It's all changing 

 

It'd be nice if VAG/Skoda acknowledged that 

I don't trust them to pull the plug on online software car updates, which connected cars use.

 

You can put these on AA or Apple if you wish but the point is the car was sold with TMC. The INRIX technical solution will be the answer if one exists, other than that providers of the TMC data service have done the dirty on its users.

Just now, Tell said:

the point is the car was sold with TMC.

Exactly, we were sold cars with TMC for the built-in sat nav which has been removed without warning.

 

There IS a solution which is for VAG to pay to subscribe to INRIX and issue new maps (they only need to update the UK section of the maps as this is a UK specific problem).

 

And equally importantly for Skoda UK to issue advice to ALL UK Skoda dealers and their call centre staff so they stop telling us we need to pay for diagnostics 

And in the meantime, any Skoda dealers selling used cars affected by this are passing on vehicles with a known fauls.  If they fail to inform buyers then there's a whole different set of implications.

50 minutes ago, BionicJohn said:

It's all changing 

 

It'd be nice if VAG/Skoda acknowledged that

There should be a legal requirement for devices which provide key functions via connected services (cars, smart TVs, other domestic appliances) to be sold with a minimum supported lifetime quoted in the showroom at time of purchase.

Then at least consumers would know where they stand when buying a product and have some legal recourse when service providers prematurely stop supporting their “old” platforms.  Otherwise all too soon service providers cut the cost of supporting what they regard as “legacy” systems. Until we as consumers stop accepting as the norm that “technology moves on” nothing will change.

 

Perhaps the EU should take a lead on that as they are keen to reduce electronic waste? Won’t help us in the UK, but it would be a start.

3 minutes ago, pcbbc said:

There should be a legal requirement for devices which provide key functions via connected services (cars, smart TVs, other domestic appliances) to be sold with a minimum supported lifetime quoted in the showroom at time of purchase.

 

 

Whilst I agree, it's not a good analogy for this situation:

- If you have a SmartTV that can stream YouTube or iPlayer or Spotify etc and one of those services shuts down, there is nothing the SmartTV manufacturer can do to reinstate that service.

- In this case, Trafficmaster have decided to end TMC over FM so you can't really hold VAG accountable.

 

If a contract between VAG/Trafficmaster has been broken, then they may be able to sue and offer a small amount of compensation to owners but without details, it's just conjecture at this point.

 

However, I certainly agree with PetrolDave that they should have better messaging around it and not be performing diagnostics - ideally refunding anyone who has paid for this issue to be 'diagnosed'...

 

IIRC, it's not the first time something similar has hit VAG as some cars supported Google Earth before that got pulled

 

Just to set the record straight re: some of the more recent posts to this thread - this doesn't appear to be a Skoda / VAG decision, rather the supplier of TMC data (Trafficmaster) have stopped broadcasting TMC data to all manufacturers that used to rely on it, so this includes VW, Skoda, Seat, Audi, Honda, Mazda, Chrysler, and Vauxhall and possibly others.

 

Since Trafficmaster cannot be compelled to resume the service, we need to pressure our vehicle manufacturers to devise a solution to get this functionality working again. The obvious solution is for them to pay INRIX (as they used to pay Trafficmaster) for TMC data and then issue an update to all impacted vehicles.

 

The problem we are encountering is that Skoda seem largely clueless about the issue, and provide absolutely shockingly bad customer service. I just received another useless reply from them today. There must be people at Skoda/VAG that actually understand the issue and are perhaps even working on a fix, but the message is not getting through to anyone customer facing. Some of the replies we're receiving are a complete joke, they really are shambolic.

VW tend to be the brains and it's them that terminate services in the past.

4 minutes ago, Tell said:

VW tend to be the brains and it's them that terminate services in the past.

 

Perhaps, but there's no evidence that this is a VW decision. Rather, Trafficmaster did not renew their licence to broadcast TMC data over FM, which has caused this knock on effect to many tens possibly hundreds of thousands of vehicles. 

7 hours ago, joek666 said:

 

Perhaps, but there's no evidence that this is a VW decision. Rather, Trafficmaster did not renew their licence to broadcast TMC data over FM, which has caused this knock on effect to many tens possibly hundreds of thousands of vehicles. 

... and as said many times previously in this thread it is NOT VAG specific.

 

7 hours ago, joek666 said:

VW, Skoda, Seat, Audi, Honda, Mazda, Chrysler, and Vauxhall and possibly others

 

Practically I don't reckon anything is going to happen officially, it all rests on whether users can get the alternative data in somehow. The alternative method is to follow the other cars in front on a Google maps rat run when a traffic jam occurs and peel off to get to where you are going back using the cars sat nav. I've done that one. If driving yourself... helps to have the co partner on navigation. Old school methods or use Google Maps  etc.

12 minutes ago, Tell said:

Practically I don't reckon anything is going to happen officially, it all rests on whether users can get the alternative data in somehow. The alternative method is to follow the other cars in front on a Google maps rat run when a traffic jam occurs and peel off to get to where you are going back using the cars sat nav. I've done that one. If driving yourself... helps to have the co partner on navigation. Old school methods or use Google Maps  etc.

 

I think giving up on an official fix sets a worrying precedent. That's effectively saying that for anything provided for your vehicle by a third party, e.g. FM & DAB broadcasts,  compatible light bulbs, tyres, oil, spark plugs, brake discs, if the third party decides to cease production, the vehicle manufacturer doesn't need to do anything, you're on your own. Your vehicle could be made obsolete at any moment, regardless of age.