Android Auto Voice Commands not working?

I have a Pixel3 phone, and once connected via Android Auto it works ok, but I've noticed my voice commands are ignored. 'OK GOOGLE' will engage the 'listening' mode (clearly visible on the screen), but after that it's falling on deaf ears. I'm sure there is some stupid setting somewhere only, or perhaps someone else has this problem ?

Thanks!

Skoda Superb 2016 206TSI Wagon

i have the same issue.

my android auto will only "listen" to me after i first play music through it.
otherwise, it just sits there "listening" and doing nothing after i say ok google.

so everytime after i start the car and launch AA, i hit play & then pause and change to radio/media, or leave it to play spotify.
this way AA is ready for my ok google commands.

i've tried looking around in settings and stuff, but no luck.
i think its some weird handshake thing between the Columbus unit and Android Auto.

i have a HTC U11 phone, running Android 9.

Found a workaround - in ur Android Auto settings, turn on the Automatically Resume Music playback on startup.
Then the Ok Google voice commands will work from start.