Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[norustplease]

April 5th was the last I heard from Skoda!
Not a Dickie Bird since.
Has anyone else with an affected car heard from VW/Audi/Skoda as yet?
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1953 Citroen Traction
1964 Volvo PV544
1957 Austin A55 Mk 1
Boring Tucson SUV

[norustplease]

After a few choice words with the main dealer, I am now informed that Skoda Superb diesels are currently being upgraded and that the feedback is that the car feels no different post reprogramming, although they do not say what the fuel consumption is like.

So why the cheat code then in the first place, if this can be accomplished without the need for one?

My own car, is apparently not now due within the programme until the end of 2016!!! That will make it two years since the original notification, and the car will be approaching 4 years old.
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1953 Citroen Traction
1964 Volvo PV544
1957 Austin A55 Mk 1
Boring Tucson SUV

[MikeEdwards]

My understanding of the issue (which may be incomplete, or just wrong) is that the software in the car recognises when it's undergoing a specific set of test sequences, and adjusts various parameters to ensure that the emissions are at a minimum. Because the emissions test has a specific pattern to it (for example, stationary car, run to temp for 'x' minutes, run at a certain number of revs for 'y' minutes, etc.) it's quite easy for the software to recognise it. Note that it's the emissions test for type approval of the vehicle when first introduced, not the annual test as part of MOT or equivalent, so it's a lot more of a controlled environment.

Hence I wouldn't be surprised if taking out the special code that responds to that exact scenario doesn't many any noticeable difference to how the cars perform (in terms of performance and economy) when being driven by normal people.

[norustplease]

Just taking out the code that recognised that set of conditions would, however, mean that the car would fail its type approval test, since it would remain in the non compliant 'general running' condition. This would also, one presumes, make it fail its MOT.
The cure is a re-programme of the ECU, according to SKODA. But if it were that easy, then surely they would not have gone to all of the elaborate subterfuge that has landed them in bother in various countries.

I am yet to be convinced, but will wait and see what happens.
_________________
1953 Citroen Traction
1964 Volvo PV544
1957 Austin A55 Mk 1
Boring Tucson SUV