About 3 weeks ago my Jan 2024 L&K Superb started throwing out virtually constant warnings about Parking Assist not being available and other related warnings about Manoeuvre Braking not available, reversing assist etc. Looking on here I see multiple reports about a stone chip having taken out a parking sensor and sure enough, the sensor next to reg plate has a tiny mark which could be a stone chip. However, after 3 days of constant alerts they stopped. After a week and a half with no issues I thought it had sorted itself out somehow but last Friday for no obvious reason the exact same problem returned. Fast forward to Sunday and we're back to normal. Then again today it's warned me a couple of times but otherwise behaved itself. Now it would seem likely that the sensor has been damaged but I cannot understand why it could be fine for 10 days and then go mad again for absolutely no reason. I wondered if the ambient temp or sunshine or something might trigger a change but there's no pattern I can discern. Have any of you experts got any ideas, I'm hoping there's something I can do to keep the sensor happy as I fear I'll get stuck with a massive bill to replace it given you've practically got to take the front of the car off to get at the thing! 

Edited 3 September, 20241 yr by Paulinkeighley
Typo

No one got any ideas? It's in the local dealership for investigation shortly and I fear my bank account is going to get a kicking!

Those were the first warnings I got when the battery was failing but then the warnings were only at start up.

Well the car is only 9 months old and the fault occurs randomly including part way through a long drive so I have no clue how that could be related to a battery starting to fail. As I said, I can see a chip on one of the sensors but it's puzzling how it continues to be fine for days at a stretch and then will decide to act up again for no reason. Clutching at straws that it might be a loose connection somewhere but I guess even that will require the front of the car to come off thus costing a fortune.

As the car is that young then it’ll still be under warranty surely?

 

Let them deal with it and update once sorted

Unfortunately there's quite a few posts on here which suggest that a sensor damaged by a stone chip isn't covered by the warranty. I can't be certain that's the underlying cause of my issue but there's certainly signs of a chip. Does make you think it's not fit for purpose if it's so easily damaged but I can't see me getting anywhere arguing that point! The weird thing is it can be perfect for over a week and then kick off again for no discernable reason. Anyway, will see what happens on Thursday. 

Don’t tell them about the chip, just get it booked in with a list of the problems and act dumb 

after accident dealer replaced front bumper, headlight, fender, etc. but not the parking sensor.

it was still working few weeks after i received the car and then it stopped.

luckily it was visible on the photo just after the accident that the impact was also over the sensor and the insurance accepted it and was replaced later too.

so, if there was some shock to the sensor, it can act weirdly and fail at any random time

 

I'm sure you're right, in my head I expect electronic components etc to either work or not, I can't get my head around how they can work one day and not the next and then work again! Anyway, fingers crossed for tomorrow.

Resurrecting this to add an update.

 

Dealer confirmed that the sensor was damaged most likely by a stone chip. Needed to be replaced and wouldn't be covered by warranty. Cost to fix circa £450 roughly broken down paint and parts £150 and £300 labour. I protested and it was suggested I speak to Skoda Customer Services. Rang them and had the most wonderful experience. I was treated politely and empathetically, being a loyal Skoda customer and the car only being 8 months old probably helped but who knows. The customer care person suggested straightaway that Skoda would be helpful and she asked me to leave it with until the following day. However, when I went to collect my car that afternoon I was told that Skoda were going to cover the cost, something that Skoda confirmed the following day. The car was in today for the repair and all good. So a happy ending and I encourage anyone else with a problem to at least give customer services a call, can't do any harm.