Hi there,

Recently the trip meter display in the center went out.

But car was still ok. I sent the car in for repair to see if it was

just a blub or fuse that was burnt out.

I was told later that it was the blub that was spolit and replaced.

But later I was told the car could not start and they suspected it

to be the immobliser that was activated.

They tried to get the immobliser code from Skoda Auto in Cezh to

reprogamme the immobliser. However now they have told me that

the meter is linked to the immobliser and that I need a new trip meter

and the cost is about $1700....about 500pounds!!!!!

Could anyone advise if I am being ripped off here???

It is possible, I know the immo code is contained in the instrument panel. But changing the bulb should not affect the existing electronics. Could be they have broken something changing the bulb and are trying to pull a fast one and get you to pay for the damage they have caused.

I've taken my instrument pack out several times and had no problems - even without disconnecting the battery first (naughty but there again I'm lazy like that).

I think Manny could be right - I would check with Skoda customer services before shelling out that much money.