A warning light showing 'no reverse' appeared last Sunday. Diagnostics in a main dealer on Monday: replace mechatronic unit. Can't get a timeline from 2 main dealers on when a replacement can be done: does anyone know if this is a parts supply issue, or is it a particularly complicated job? (local main dealer said diagnostic would have to be done again...not keen on using them due to chums' experience with their Superb) Not sure what to do next - it's an expensive job and I'd rather get the pain over quickly...

Not particularly complex. Is it a DQ250 6 speed or DQ381 7 speed? It needs diagnosed not just assumed a MCU required. Auto Specialist for that. When was the Oil & Filter changed, & at how many miles, and where at?

Just a heads-up, the immobilizer is stored in the DSG control unit. So simply swapping it out isn't possible.

@Evolution13 thanks for the reply. The Skoda diagnostic came back with 0GC300014E as the part no. which Googles as the DQ381 7.

Is a 'main dealer' not the Auto Specialist, or does the dealer send it 'out' for work like this? I understand that the unit requires reprogrammed to the car's VIN and there's a 'key' required to change the gear oil/replace the part, which only a Skoda main dealer can do. I've been quoted £1800 for the work, which is sore, but I'm willing to pay it as I really like the car!

I'll check the service history for oil & filter - we bought it privately late last year and there were Skoda stamps in the book, but I didn't absorb the detail at the time. (ps it's a 2019 model, not the 2017 i joined this site with)

@Cairus I did not know that! Thanks! I am trying not to drive the car at all, though the warning light's been switched off.

If I knew approx how long it would take to do the repair, I'd hire a car in the meantime for commuting.

Edited 23 May23 May by JackThe

@JackThe Where are you? (Edit, i see Cumbria.) MCU,s can be Refurbished or Replaced. A Main Dealer will be getting in a new one. There is nothing 'Only Skoda Main Dealers can do'. Infact some farm out Gearboxes / DSG,s, even large Dealership Groups. Plenty actual trained and qualified techs / mechanics about with Licensed Equipment? Often all the gear and more than just Ideas like at the Main Dealerships they left and set up in business.

Edited 23 May23 May by Evolution13

@Evolution13 Yeah, we're in Sth Cumbria. Nearest main dealer is Morecambe. Our local mechanic did some investigation on refurbing the MCU and this is where I got the info about draining/replacing the gearbox oil. I tend to trust his advice, he's looked after all our cars & has a diagnostic unit (which tallied with the original diagnostic). He's also pretty scathing overall about the 'motor trade'. The original diagnostic was done in Edinburgh, which is where we were when the warning came on and I intended to take it back there for the work, if they could confirm when they can do it and it was not too risky to make the trip.

The car is out of warranty so whatever happens I'm not going to affect that - but I do worry about 'quality and reliability'. It's the most expensive car I've ever had and I'd like to hang on to it for a while yet...

But, tell me more about 'licensed equipment' ? (if that's not too impertinent ) Does that mean they're Skoda-blessed, or just licensed to refurb MCUs? Mechanic did investigate as he was willing to do the job, but baulked when he heard about keys and codes etc.

Wet clutch DSG,s are the same oil in Box and MCU. The difference with Dry clutch DQ200,s being 2 oils. Separate in Box & MCU. & just a Small filter in the MCU. Where in Edinburgh, West End Skoda? Independents, Auto Shops might send off the MCU. You were near a very good place when in Edinburgh. http://autohausedinburgh.co.uk

Yep, Western Skoda at Fort Kinnaird. Ta for the autohaus tip - I'll give them a ring. Really appreciate the advice @Evolution13

Sadly they are so so. IMO best swerved.

I wouldn’t go near a main dealer if you paid me.

Find a decent Indie place - anywhere with a TVS sticker is worth a punt!