Hi, I'm looking for help with 2 things... 

 

1 is, my usb A has stopped working in my Skoda fabia 2017 about 3 months ago, I now can't connect to android auto. Took it to a garage who advised it's the control unit that needs replaced as said it's all one unit... (dno if true but hey), I'm wondering if it's worth replacing it (which has proven difficult as it's on back order from skoda and can't find it anywhere else) 

 

And 2 do I just buy a new head unit stereo with WiFi option and Bluetooth support for android auto instead? And ignore the usb issue? 

 

Thanks in advance all. Hoping this community can help me as it has others

Is it actually the control unit or the USB socket at fault? 

 

I ask as ours was intermittent for a while until I checked the socket and found it had worn a little and the 'springs' in it that helped the lead make contact had been pushed back.  I adjusted them with a pin and nipped up the end of the lead too and all is now OK. 

 

Thanks for the reply, in all honesty I'm not sure as I went off what the mechanics had said. I'll have a look inside though to see if any pins have been pressed back though. 

Hi, welcome.

 

As put this could be two separate issues (or perhaps one combined).

 

Like lots on modern cars it's a computer so first thing I'd try is "switching it off 'n' on agen" by pulling its power fuse for a while or go into the menu and find a factory reset for it.

 

Check for any needed software update or search on this forum for the various similar (same?) issue(s) and see how they were resolved - or do a Google search which might bring you back to this forum anyway.  'Skoda Fabia Mk III (2014-2021)' forum. - https://www.briskoda.net/forums/forum/298-skoda-fabia-mk-iii-2014-2021/

 

Be interesting to know how the garage diagnosed a new head unit was required, did they give you a scan tool report showing all the errors or any sort of live data record.  Obviously over an internet we can't know for sure that is wrong but it does sound a bit like replacing a main component when a clean, repair or replacement of a part might fix the problem.

 

Good luck, let us know how you get on.

 

Hi mate, 

Not tried the fuse, but worth a shot tbh. Will give that a go too. I've done the factory reset on the audio system tho and no luck there. 

 

As for the garage part... They said it's the usb control unit that's at fault but didn't show me error report etc. They did say they called but part is on back order and they weren't sure when it would be available and they have a very good rep locally so don't think they were at it but no harm in trying another garage for a 2nd opinion tbh. 

 

I have however tried Google etc and this forum too but nothing comes up with the control unit mentioned being the issue so think another garage is the best option after the suggested one from yourself and skomaz

Edited 17 August, 20241 yr by Antman

Do you have any diagnostics tool like VCDS or OBD Eleven?

Unfortunately not. I have thought about buying one but not sure where to start 

If you don't have access to a relevant level scan tool for your car model and year then If you look on the following link there might be a Briskoda member near you able to give you a scan report or even perhaps a solution, most are amateurs and happy to take beer tokens, others might be professionals.  Whoever uses a scan tool, including Dealerships and other professionals you need to check the scan tool has the program for your model and year and that program is fully updated, many are very lazy or ignorant of such things.

 

I would also ask for any error codes to be deleted, another thing some garages and people don't bother doing.

 

Briskoda VCDS Owners Map (click me)

 

Another quick thought, rather than a garage someone who installs or repairs infotainment / "stereos" / electronics / computers might(?) be a better bet.

 

Just posting my solution if anybody else lands here with a similar problem.
Connecting my phone to my 2019 Octavia just stopped working recently having been a bit flaky for a while, Android Auto would not connect. I assumed like the OP that it was a physical connection issue in the car. I tried a bunch of good quality brand new data cables and still no luck, not even a flicker of recognition. I had up to same firmware in the infotainment system and up to date software in the phone

I discovered that clearing the App cache in Android Auto in my phone (Google Pixel 8) was then enough to get the car to recognise the my phone again. By the time I discovered the clearing the app cache I had already forgotten the car from Android Auto and forgotten the phone from the infotainment system and needed to go through a clean phone/car set up, which may be for the best anyway.
Hopefully this will save some people some time and money.

When I got my Fabia a couple of years back, I looked at the USB socket and thought that it would eventually fail at some point so I bought a 6" USB A socket to USB A plug fly-lead. I keep the fly-lead permanently connected to the car's socket and connect any other devices to the fly-lead socket. That way, all the wear and tear is limited to the fly-lead, which can cheaply be replaced if necessary.