Golf 8 Software Updates

[Massimo2323]

So just to put a bit of order in the VW jungle world.
So first off, there can be at least 30 control units in the car depending on the extras installed like side assist , electric seat, Harmon Kardon, ecc.
So all these units have their own software which can be updated only by VW. So as an example my Kessy unit had sw 703 and now after the update from VW it went to 706 which fixed the problems I had with unlocking by hand detection. You need to understand that all these units communicate with the BCM, the infotainment and also with each other and this is where many problems arise. They have rewritten the whole software from scratch with the Golf 8 so unfortunately we have become their beta testers...
Also different cars will have different sets of problems because A) Difective from Factory B) Different Software versions C) Control modules installed based on Optionals, ecc.
Now for the Infotainment Sw version, the workshop will only update to 1668 if the Vin of the car is approved by VW in Erwin. The workshop has to follow by the letter what VW Germany tell them to do because the warranty work is paid by VW to those workshops.
If you want to see the information of your car , like what modules you have and their software versions you can use Obd11 or Vcds. Make a scan of the electronic system of the car before and after updates applied by VW and you will know.
The Golf 8 update system is not like the ID3 unfortunately so only minor fixes in the infotainment can be done online. For the big updates only the VW workshops are authorised to do them.
For the Travel assist errors , the steering wheel swap solves most of the problems and some others with software updates.
About the Infotainment Updates: for those on software 16xx the latest is 1668 but a newer 1670 will be available soon.
For the 1778 with 816D Pro / 820D Media a newer 1803 is on the horizon so I heard
P.S. anyone with Golf 8 Gti who has a scan , I would like a copy without the vin, Thanks. I love that heartbeat effect on the Ignition button

[Handydave]

Fantastic explanation. Thanks @Massimo2323

[michaelm713]

Indeed...thanks @Massimo2323

Wonderful explanation and could not have had a better one from VW directly!

Not sure it does make me feel better however. The senior sales manager talked to me yesterday and he was rather great about it all and he is happy to help out with the rejection however I don't think a refund is an option. Most likely start a new deal with VW on another model. I like the Id.3 but I reckon that is asking for the same trouble!

Sent from my SM-G998B using Tapatalk

[Crasher]

VW SHOULD be explaining it, if they kept people up-to date on a few forums (how difficult can that be?) and if VW UK were as up front about it as VW AG have been in Germany, people would be a lot less confused and frustrated. It still annoys me that VW UK were told to be open about the problems an owner will have but swear ignorance!

[Massimo2323]

VW SHOULD be explaining it, if they kept people up-to date on a few forums (how difficult can that be?) and if VW UK were as up front about it as VW AG have been in Germany, people would be a lot less confused and frustrated. It still annoys me that VW UK were told to be open about the problems an owner will have but swear ignorance!

Loads of people having problems with their Golf 8 in France, Germany and Italy especially software related.
Even here in Ireland the workshops are booked for months.. they need more mechanics..
This lockdown doesnt help. I have the reverse camera video flickering and wireless carplay problems…
Also the car’s wifi 5G is not working only 2.4 same thing in hotspot mode.. they are scratching there heads…
I know what the problem is … from factory the wifi 5Ghz was disabled for some Strange reason , checked other Golf 8 and it seems some have it enabled and others disabled..
I love the car … if they sort out these 2 problems i have then i will be happy.
And remember Seat Mk4 and Skoda Octavia use similar control units and software …

[Crasher]

You have touched on an interesting subject there; mechanics. When I started semi professionally in 1982 and full on from 84, I just learnt about oily bits, welding, trim etc, my first car didn’t even contain a transistor until a radio was fitted. I had to learn electrickery the hard way as with everything else, self taught but these mostly young lads they call technicians these days, they simply can’t do old school mechanics as well as being software, data security, electronics, radar, Lidar, and telematic system experts; and it is going to get much worse. Add to that this snowfake [sic] generation don’t want to work in a garage, this trade may have to split into specialist sections like panel and paint has done over the years. I can cope (just) because I actually enjoy it plus I simply have to, the buck ends with me.

[Handydave]

Loads of people having problems with their Golf 8 in France, Germany and Italy especially software related. I have the reverse camera video flickering and wireless carplay problems… …

@Massimo2323 - our reverse camera image is very grainy for the first few seconds and then stabilises. So I’ve started a new thread on this Grainy / Flickering Image on Rear View Camera. Any insights appreciated there!

[Tommieboi92]

Has anyone had problems with the a acc being unavailable and the front assist activating the brakes for no reason and the latest one I’ve got is travel assist unavailable on my golf 8 only had it 3 months

[Handydave]

Re your Travel Assist problem, the issue is covered in this thread:
Intermittant fault
See post#37 and the following ones for the solution.

[daveh100]

I've had the front assist come on for no reason along with lane assist issues(turning car towards ditches and a traffic island). Car is still with VW no updates after roughly 2.5 weeks.