VW - TMC not working on Sat Nav

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
View Threaded
Fri 5 May 2023 20:25
VW - TMC not working on Sat Nav - J Akeroyd

I have a 2016 VW Passat with Sat Nav. (Discover or Discover Pro)

Along with the navigation it has a TMC system providing traffic information.

TMC also provides the process for the SatnNav to route you around a traffic obstruction.

This has stopped working with TMC page greyed out.

Doing some Googling reveals this is not an isolated event, it's affecting many VAG vehicles and also some Honda's and Fiats.

TMC , I understand is transmitted over DAB and is multiplexed in with Classic FM.

I would like to ask if any other forum members are having the same problem?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 5 May 2023 21:22
VW - TMC not working on Sat Nav - Brit_in_Germany

Can you receive Classic on DAB with the radio?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 6 May 2023 15:22
VW - TMC not working on Sat Nav - J Akeroyd

Can you receive Classic on DAB with the radio?

Yes, I can, also I have the scrolling text appearing, so all looks OK but no TMC

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 6 May 2023 12:41
VW - TMC not working on Sat Nav - bjoanmark
I have the same issue, VW Tiguan 2016, it stopped working in April. I have taken the car back to VW but they unsurprisingly can’t solve the problem.
The traffic option provides no details hence no dynamic route adjustments.
TMC is greyed out although ticked.
I have asked a couple of other VW owners I know and they suffer from the same issue.
Everything else is fine ie DAB just the TMC which is struck out when accessing via the Traffic option.
Contacted VW customer care who were next to useless, you’re correct it seems to affect VAG cars.
Not sure what the answer is if dealers can’t solve it and VW are just hopeless.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 6 May 2023 15:25
VW - TMC not working on Sat Nav - J Akeroyd
I have the same issue, VW Tiguan 2016, it stopped working in April. I have taken the car back to VW but they unsurprisingly can’t solve the problem. The traffic option provides no details hence no dynamic route adjustments. TMC is greyed out although ticked. I have asked a couple of other VW owners I know and they suffer from the same issue. Everything else is fine ie DAB just the TMC which is struck out when accessing via the Traffic option. Contacted VW customer care who were next to useless, you’re correct it seems to affect VAG cars. Not sure what the answer is if dealers can’t solve it and VW are just hopeless.

Have a look at this thread , the best I have found so far. It's not suprising a VW dealer is not able to help, i's a bit out of their comfaort zone.
The fact that it seems widespread (but currently little commented upon) suggests it is NOT a vehicle set up issue.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 6 May 2023 15:26
VW - TMC not working on Sat Nav - J Akeroyd

I note your vehicle is also 2016 , I wonder if it's a timebased issue?

Newer cars possibly use different data sources for traffic data?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 6 May 2023 15:54
VW - TMC not working on Sat Nav - J Akeroyd

Just sent this to VW customer services:-

Dear Sir/Madam.

I have a 2016 VW Passat Se Business with Discover/Discover Pro sat Nav.

Approximately a month ago the traffic reports (via the 'Traffic' button on the unit) stopped, with the TMC icon 'struck through'.

Please see attached image:-

Doing some research , this research suggests this is not a car related setup issue but is more an emerging National problem. See this thread which is the most comprehensive I have found to date:-

https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/512443-tmc-traffic-events-no-longer-being-receivedfirmware-update-required/

I realise that newer vehicles will be using newer data sources but if I am correct , this issue is at present fairly quiet in the media but will become more vocal as time goes on.

This will not enhance the reputation of VW in the UK

Examination of the thread above will indicate a certain problem with VAG vehicles but also potentially Honda and Fiat are mentioned.

Speculatively this seems to suggest VW only provide subscription to the service for say 5 or 6years but I can not find definitive information on this at present. If this is the case it would be nice to know ,instead of indulging in media speculation, which could suggest many things.

If I understand correctly TMC in the UK is transmitted over DAB, multiplexed in with Classic FM.

I can confirm my radio receives this correctly.

With respect , I would request you do not respond with 'take it to your dealer'. This is a problem requiring a subject matter expert and needs to get past your front office and towards the back office, where it can be dealt with , with the required level of expertise.

I await your kind response.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 6 May 2023 20:23
VW - TMC not working on Sat Nav - catsdad

I suspect you will get nowhere. My 2018 Golf satnav, ironically the Nav model, has a mind if its own with ridiculous diversions that, when ignored, instantly and materially reduce the estimated arrival time. These are not current traffic related as they occur at the same place every time. Like the TMC issue this is well covered online but ignored by VAG.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 6 May 2023 22:38
VW - TMC not working on Sat Nav - Adampr

I imagine they stopped supporting TMC because nobody uses it. Not least because nobody uses the VAG SatNav either. The last person that tried is still.somewhere in Sahara.

The great comedy thing is that I can't connect my phone to android auto in my Karoq because it's 'too new'. I am doomed to forever have a massive RAC map in the car.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 7 May 2023 11:29
VW - TMC not working on Sat Nav - Falkirk Bairn

I googled the problem - reports from Australia with the same issues.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 9 May 2023 19:37
VW - TMC not working on Sat Nav - J Akeroyd

Well, you can guess what resulted from my email to VW.

They basically said it's not VW Connect (their latest system) so contact your dealer.

Precisely nowhere........................

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 12 May 2023 10:39
VW - TMC not working on Sat Nav - pcbbc

If I understand correctly TMC in the UK is transmitted over DAB, multiplexed in with Classic FM.

That’s not correct, or not correct with regard to VAG vehicles anyway.

There are (or at least were) 2 separate and commercially competing TMC providers in the UK. TrafficMaster who broadcast a service on Heart and Capital, and INRIX who use Classic FM.

The INRIX service on Classic is alive and well. In fact they just successfully bid to renew their licence. It’s Trafficmaster who appear to have shut up shop. Regrettably VAG seem to only have support for the Trafficmaster service in many/all of their products.

Technically, at least for systems which still have supported map updates, it would be possible for VAG to contract with INRIX in the UK and restore service.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 7 May 2023 21:51
VW - TMC not working on Sat Nav - Big John

Similar thread on Briskoda at the moment:-

www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/512443-tmc-traffic-e...7

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 8 May 2023 09:12
VW - TMC not working on Sat Nav - J Akeroyd

Yes, I'm following that thread.

maybe I should try updating the sat nav , the maps are about a year old now.

I won't hold my breath....................

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 8 May 2023 09:44
VW - TMC not working on Sat Nav - Big John

maybe I should try updating the sat nav , the maps are about a year old now.

Looks like people on that thread have tried updating and TMC-RDC is still not working.

IT's not just VAG, looks like other manufacturers affected inc Honda. I can't test myself as I use Tomtom SIM based traffic navigation which is working well.

Edited by Big John on 08/05/2023 at 09:45

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 10 May 2023 13:08
Skoda - TMC not working on Infotainment system - Westbury
TMC stopped working during April in my Skoda Superb Infotainment system. TMC symbol now crossed out. From blog www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/512443-tmc-traffic-e.../ the same issue being experienced is being experienced on both new and old VAG group models and Honda and Fiat cars.
Will Honest John team please put pressure on VAG / Skoda to restore the TMC service asap please?
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 17 May 2023 20:51
VW - TMC not working on Sat Nav - BigJohnD

I have the same issue on my 2016 Skoda's Amundsen..

I complained to Skoda UK. Here's there reply:

"We are sincerely sorry that your vehicle is not performing as you would expect as a result of the TMC function experiencing a fault. Škoda UK are aware of this fault and that it is impacting several customers, we are therefore working hard toward resolving the matter. After a full investigation of the fault, it has been determined that a software update is required to fix the fault. The software is not currently available and Škoda UK are waiting for an update from the Škoda Factory directly. Once the update is available, your local Škoda Retailer will be in contact directly to arrange an appointment to update your vehicle software.

ŠKODA

We understand that this is not your desired outcome. We kindly ask for your continued patience in this regard."

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 18 May 2023 11:58
VW - TMC not working on Sat Nav - elekie&a/c doctor
I would think that Tmc is bit old hat these days. I use my I phone with waze , and it’s all displayed on the media screen in my wife’s Vitara .
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 19 May 2023 21:18
VW - TMC not working on Sat Nav - J Akeroyd

Well that's way more than I got from VW.

Away at the moment so it's difficult to pursue, once home I'll see what more I can do.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 6 Jun 2023 11:29
VW - TMC not working on Sat Nav - oldgit

Well that's way more than I got from VW.

Away at the moment so it's difficult to pursue, once home I'll see what more I can do.

Well it is/was a pretty useless system anyway. I pressed my Traffic button for the first time in yonks or at least many weeks and it showed zilch with a cross over TMC. My satnav is VW's basic one.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 6 Jun 2023 11:45
VW - TMC not working on Sat Nav - RT

Well that's way more than I got from VW.

Away at the moment so it's difficult to pursue, once home I'll see what more I can do.

Well it is/was a pretty useless system anyway. I pressed my Traffic button for the first time in yonks or at least many weeks and it showed zilch with a cross over TMC. My satnav is VW's basic one.

When it's working, the TMC in my VW Touareg works fine - as well as giving a list of road issues from the TP button, the system automatically updates the satnav to show roads with congestion in red as well as rerouting if appropriate.

I suspect there's some sort of licencing/payment standoff between VW and the broadcasters - it happened a few years back and we lost TMC but it came back until recently we lost it again.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 9 Jun 2023 15:03
VW - TMC not working on Sat Nav - Simon Gibbons

I have got a 2018 Golf Estate and my navigation system stopped showing traffic and roadworks info last Saturday?

Edited by Simon Gibbons on 09/06/2023 at 15:35

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 12 Jun 2023 15:37
VW - TMC not working on Sat Nav - Kristina Banham

I have had same problem with my 2016 Seat Leon, got new sd card about 3 years ago, no TMC, crossed through as some of you mention. Mechanic at my local dealership suggested a built in end of life to the aerial which is incorporated in the rear windscreen, so that would need to be replaced!! Just been quoted £180 to have a diagnostic done on it. Have ordered new sd card for £25 to see if that makes a difference, seems to be a problem with few different cars

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 12 Jun 2023 17:15
VW - TMC not working on Sat Nav - J Akeroyd

If you look back at the Skoda forum link you will see that it has a much more developed and informative status in it than this thread.

Basically Teletrac stopped transmitting this data using RDS-TMC on the 31st of March.

INRIX are an alternative supplier/transmitter of traffic data but to decode their data a recode or update of the mapping system would be required.

There is no sign VAG have any interest in doing this.

Anyway, I may have found a response to this problem:-

My Passat does not have it's 'App-Connect' feature enabled.

VAG charge , say £200 to do this.

There are specialist firms who offer this for about £100.

However , in ebay land , there are many people offering a 'crack' for anything from 99p to £30.

Going try it.

In other words convert to Android Auto etc.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 12 Jun 2023 17:50
VW - TMC not working on Sat Nav - J Akeroyd

Well, my ebay contact quoted £120 in actual fact , not 99p.

Have messaged another vendor who is quoting £35 , so we shall see...................

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 12 Jun 2023 19:46
VW - TMC not working on Sat Nav - Brit_in_Germany

The HJ site now has connections to VW via Mobility Trader and Heycar. This is the answer given to a recent TMC question:

www.honestjohn.co.uk/askhj/answer/182037/why-has-t...n-

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 13 Jun 2023 11:01
VW - TMC not working on Sat Nav - J Akeroyd

Yes, i've seen that

It does not really tell us anything new.

BTW, my investigations on Ebay about getting a cheap crack for App Connect on my Passat have not yet come to anything. It seems they are advertised at say £35 but really are £120 once you enquire.

I have also looked at Car-Net , again on my Passat system. This does traffic reports etc. but as far as I am aware not interfaced with the Sat Nav. Perhaps it is on newer vehicles (mine is 2016).

The Car-Net system , uses WeConnect as an app on your phone.

After signing up, creating a hotspot on my phone etc. and registering, and getting excited. It tells me my subscription has expired and asks for £70 to renew it. I'm thinking about it.

As you can see I am looking at ways of replacing the cars traffic messaging system.

This ain't going to be fixed anytime soon unless the Github geeks over on the Skoda thread crack the INRIX coding and give away or sell the result.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 14 Jun 2023 20:17
VW - TMC not working on Sat Nav - Brit_in_Germany

It was more for Kristina's benefit before she goes and has a new rear screen put in.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 14 Jul 2023 15:57
VW - TMC not working on Sat Nav - ??

I was so pleased to find this forum ...

The TMC on my 2017 Passat SE Estate ceased working a month or so ago ... it's been driving me barmy trying to fine an answer ... I could find nothing on line .. VW didn't want to know.

Now I can rest easy knowing it's not me ... it's THEM

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 15 Jul 2023 00:04
VW - TMC not working on Sat Nav - Big John

RE Some success - follow this thread already mentioned above ignoring a hijack on a different subject :- www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/512443-tmc-traffic-e.../

Edited by Big John on 15/07/2023 at 00:07

Reply | Report as offensive | Link