Climate Control Button Replacement

s3jase

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Hey guys,

I have a 2003 S3 with this Climate Control Unit:
IMG_7069_zps2d306599.jpg


I've recently got these buttons from ebay for a good price:
buttons_zps35acb817.png


I've searched the forums and online in general and come across very little in the way of help or ideally a how to guide for replacing these buttons. I'm sure I won't be the first to do this, so if anyone could shed any light or provide any tips I'd be really thankful! Or even better link me to a thread or guide that I have been unable to come across, would be even better!

Also, a thought I've had is I know the rubbing off will just happen again over time, has anyone got any clever ideas of how to to perhaps prevent this from happening, could I perhaps coat the buttons in something before replacing them? Obviously I want the look of the buttons to remain as OEM as poss and appreciate by covering them in something protective, like a protective film will of course most likely alter the appearance, so perhaps I am asking the impossible?

Any help or feedback as always will be very much appreciated!

Thank you,
Jase
 
Pull the unit out, the front facia comes off and you should get better access to the buttons.

There's nothing that can be done to protect the buttons without changing their finish, other than to not press them like a woman.

Genuine logic...women press things with their nail pointing up.

Men press things with their nail pointing down.

Go ask a woman to press a button, and watch it happen.

They don't wear, they get scratched by nails.

Mine are 144k old and 13 years. Still spotless.
 
My missus has no concept of climate control... when she used my A4 she would turn heat up when she was cold and then turn it down again when too hot... repeat ad infinitum.... I did tell her to leave it at 20 degrees and it will stay there but she didn't get it and I would always find the climate control in a state when I got my car back...

The soft finish used on the S3 buttons (and everywhere else for that matter... soul black they call it) is susceptible to contaminants on hands so hand creams and general beautification products etc for girlz and engine oil, boogies and firearm residue for boys (;P)

Climate control doesn't really need to be played with once set... thats kinda the point

<tuffty/>
 
The other day in a Hyundai I was trying to see what would happen if I pressed as many buttons as possible.

Two hands, one on the door doing the window switch, turning on the heated seats, other hand pressing the up and down button on the passengers dual zone climate, two fingers pressing the up and down on the fan speed, one finger on the off button.

Pressed all at once and the boot popped open, rear windows dropped down and the horn flashed.

My life on it as the gods honest truth.
 
The other day in a Hyundai I was trying to see what would happen if I pressed as many buttons as possible.

Two hands, one on the door doing the window switch, turning on the heated seats, other hand pressing the up and down button on the passengers dual zone climate, two fingers pressing the up and down on the fan speed, one finger on the off button.

Pressed all at once and the boot popped open, rear windows dropped down and the horn flashed.

My life on it as the gods honest truth.

What happened when you tried this on your S3? :D
 
I know how to do this, A4 B5 dont wear as easy as S3 and are slightly different in colour. Just did mine.
Screenshot 20170911 201114