I don't know what my columbus model is, however, my garage tells me that the part number for my registration is 3T0035680BWHS (elegance trim).

Basically, it is constantly resetting itself. For the first 60 seconds after it resets, everything is fine, but as time goes on, it gets steadily more laggy and unresponsive until it resets itself again. And sometimes it randomly turns on by itself. Music from my phone on bluetooth will play for a while, until it stops, at which point I can soft reset, or wait for the system to do it itself in a couple of minutes. Or when I first start the car, it is so slow the parking sensors throw a fault because the columbus is unresponsive. Or weirdly after taking a phone call, whatever music was playing before suddenly goes to max volume, but only on the driver side speakers. It's just bizzare, and unwelcome.

I can also soft reset it myself by pressing 3 buttons, which I do repeatedly. It has been playing up 13 out of the past 14 days. On one day only, it was completely fine for the day. There is no fault code that is consistently showing for the radio / telephone on a scanner (carista), and some fault codes for the telephone precedes this issue, so I don't think that's it.

Yes, the car is from 2012 and has done 369000 miles, so it has been used extensively. Still, any chance of a fix on the original unit? Or should I try and source a part from a breakers yard or something.

Obviously, I'm unsure what's wrong.

Edited 18 January18 Jan by newskodadriver

Pls share VIN (in PM) so I can check details of your Columbus as in 2012 it should definitely not be 3T0035680B.

On 19/01/2026 at 11:10, pab567 said:

Pls share VIN (in PM) so I can check details of your Columbus as in 2012 it should definitely not be 3T0035680B.

Why don't you think that's the correct part number? That's what the garage said. I could also try and take out the unit just enough without unplugging to see the side according to this video

https://youtube.com/shorts/7R1JN-fh4Bo

I've just spent half an hour trying to find a print out of every single component of my car that was given to me 10 years ago by a skoda master tech at the dealership, that would also settle it, but I haven't found it yet. I'm sure I'll find the correct box eventually

Because in 2012 suffix should be definitely higher that "B"

5 hours ago, pab567 said:

Because in 2012 suffix should be definitely higher that "B"

Does this help? From the SETUP button menu pressed 15 seconds.

From my description, what do you think is the issue with my unit and is the only fix a replacement unit?

Thanks

Edited 4 February4 Feb by newskodadriver

As you can see, part number of your unit is 3T0035680E with which I can agree

I will send you link to download firmware 5238 so you can have your unit upgraded just pls note after the upgrade you will need to load maps too.

1 hour ago, pab567 said:

As you can see, part number of your unit is 3T0035680E with which I can agree

I will send you link to download firmware 5238 so you can have your unit upgraded just pls note after the upgrade you will need to load maps too.

Sorry I don't understand, what do you mean I have to load maps? I don't ever use the maps on columnus as I have a mobile phone with Google maps.

You think the issues are software based? But why has it taken 13.5 years for it to break down like this.

Also, what do I do with the Iso file ? Burn it to CD and just put it in and the system will automatically recognise it?

probably your NAND becomes overloaded and requires re-formatting.

Yes, you burn it as an image on CD-R.

Hi guys,

I have similar problem - my Columbus unit is not able to load media, nor the maps. I do not really mind the maps, but I am frustrated by display always saying "System is activating".

Also, factory settings does not solve anything. Seems to me that software is corrupted. I tried to look around the internet, trying to find firmware so I could try to reinstal it. Alas, without any luck.

I was also thinking about buying new unit with android auto, but I am not sure if it any would be compatible.

I will appreciate any tips and comments considering how to solve the issue, or recommendation about compatible unit with android auto.

Edited 8 February8 Feb by Neuroxerus