Hi all,

The mighty Superb has a bout of Gremlins, which is getting annoying.

For the last two years, the drivers rear door speakers have been losing audio, occasional crackle or pop, then periods of working. Nothing detrimental. Now the audio gremlin has now reached the drivers door over the past three days. Now it’s annoying. Today drivers side wasn’t working, put the fader/balance to the drivers door. Reset the radio, then the drivers door crackled then slowly increase in volume, but not where it should be.

I’ve checked the wiring in the door, checked the tweeter as it was throwing a code, swapped the speakers from rear to front door, then everything worked for about 10/20mins then lost rear drivers door audio. The speakers all work when the audio works, so I don’t think it’s a component failure.

I’ve also had to replace the rear drivers door lock unit, as lost ability to unlock the door, then two weeks ago lost the ability to lock the outside handle. Luckily there is a manual outer handle lock.

The other Gremlin is the tailgate. I’ve noticed dependant on how much I use the car (distance) effects the opening period of the tailgate. Sometimes it behaves, other times it opens and a quick dive in before it starts to drop. Tonight, it wouldn’t open via the key fob or the outer switch.

Both key fobs are getting low battery warning on dash, as it’s a Kessy unit, it may explain the issues on the remote.

I’ve spoken to my local Skoda dealer. They reckon minimum of 3/4hrs diagnostic at £168ph, just to go over the audio issues. They recommended it won’t be a cheap fix.

Anyone have any ideas, or suffered similar problems.

2016 Superb SE-L Exec estate 190bhp 6-speed DSG. 213,360 miles. 1 prev owner.

Kessy, F&R sensors, heated front screen, ambient lighting, pedal opening, sim, 2 x Sd slots Columbus, 3 way climate, rear heated seats.

Further diagnostic on the audio system as I’ve ended up with only the passenger front tweeter working, then slowly things can back online slowly, but not all speakers.

Snap on diagnostics show that during audio diagnostics it’s now showing a random drivers door treble speaker fault, it then clears and comes back. I have booked a repair for the head unit, hopefully that works otherwise it’s almost £3800 to replace and programme a new unit via TPS and ŠKODA. I know some may say, just get a Amazon or Halfords android based unit but I’ve been advised against that route.

On the door lock, I’ve replaced the unit with a new lock from TPS. Didn’t think it would need coding, but it’s showing:

B122B12: Central locking motors: Short circuit to B+.

B122B11: Central locking motors: Short circuit to ground (gnd).

B122D29: lock unit for central locking range/performance.

Everything is working correctly, so I’m flummoxed.

I'd be looking at the door wiring loom from the door to the inside at this stage. Check it for resistance whilst opening and closing.

Just as a classic gremlin check - how’s the battery?

83% life, all well within standards. It has been on for 4yrs, inc a failed alternator 3yrs ago.

Update:

Audio fault was the head unit. £250 later inc travel. All sorted including map updates. It was a bit odd having no screen for a couple of days. At least the parking sensors audio is a separate unit.