Retrofitting electronic folding mirrors with auto-dimming on a Skoda Octavia Mk3 can be a complex process. This article outlines the challenges and potential solutions encountered during a retrofit attempt on a November 2013 model.
The original vehicle lacked electronic folding and auto-dimming mirrors, with door modules coded 5Q4 959 393 B and 5Q4 959 392 B. The interior mirror had auto-dimming functionality. The upgrade involved replacing both side mirrors with units featuring auto-dimming, entry lights, and electronic folding. Additionally, both door modules were updated to 5Q4 959 593 E and 5Q4 959 592 E, and the mirror control knob was replaced.
Following the retrofit, several issues emerged:
- Auto-Door Lock Malfunction: The automatic door locking system malfunctioned while the car was in motion, attempting to lock the doors frequently. This feature was subsequently disabled through the infotainment system.
- Central Locking Issue: Locking the doors using the central locking button near the gear lever functioned correctly, but unlocking using the same button failed.
- Auto-Folding Mirror Failure: Despite enabling the auto-folding mirror option in the infotainment system, the mirrors did not fold automatically when the car was parked and locked.
Adaptation changes were attempted using diagnostic software:
- Security Access: Code 31347 was used to gain access to the security settings.
- Adaptation Channel 24 (Access Control 2 – Funk Spiegelanklappung Modus): Changed to “by look command via remote control key.”
- Adaptation Channel 26 (Access Control 2 – Menuesteuerung Funkspiegelanklappen): Changed to “active.”
Despite these adaptations, the problems persisted. Suspicion fell on the CAN gateway (module 19). The original gateway was a 5Q0907530L, while the donor vehicle, from which the mirrors and modules were sourced, had a 3Q0907530G gateway. This raises questions about compatibility and the potential need for a gateway upgrade or replacement. Could the 5Q0907530L be updated to the 3Q0907530G version, or is an update to the existing 5Q0907530L possible?
Further investigation also points to the Body Control Module (BCM). The current BCM lacks specific options related to mirror folding:
- Adaptation Channel 34 (Access Control 2 – Profilfunktion fur Anklappung der Aussenspiegel)
- Adaptation Channel 35 (Access Control 2 – Signalisierung Spiegelanklappung)
This absence suggests a potential incompatibility with the retrofitted hardware. Is a BCM update or replacement necessary for full functionality? Resolving these issues requires further diagnostics and potentially hardware or software updates to ensure compatibility between the retrofitted components and the existing vehicle systems. This retrofit highlights the complexities of integrating newer features into older vehicle models and the importance of thorough research and preparation before undertaking such projects.
