How To Remove Heater Panel From Dashboard?

Deskbound Dan

Deskbound Dan

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Hello,
The heater panel in my 2013 A3 8V Sportback has developed an issue whereby the backlight has dimmed on one side so I'm hoping you may be able to help me with this please.
All buttons still operate as they should so this is purely a visual annoyance rather than anything else. Audi quoted over £600 for a replacement panel hence why I'm looking to tackle this on my driveway rather than in their workshop.
Ideally I'm hoping someone can guide me through the removal process of this panel as I'm unsure whether it is just held in with clips that a trim removal tool can release or whether a more extensive removal of the dash is needed please? Also, I'm guessing once I have the panel out there'll be no bulbs to replace so a second hand unit will be needed, in which case would you know if they're plug and play or if coding would be required please?
I've included an image to show the issue I'm referring to; the left side is slightly less bright than the right.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, many thanks in advance.
Daniel.
 
Think new/second hand panel will probably need component protection removed.
Have you tried lowered the brightness so they both match? The knob is on the headlight switch.
 
AlS3BE said:
Think new/second hand panel will probably need component protection removed.
Have you tried lowered the brightness so they both match? The knob is on the headlight switch.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your response and good idea about lowering the brightness to match, I'll give that a go in the morning. If I were to still go down the replacement route though, would the component protection removal be tricky to do please?
 
CP is a dealer only and maybe vag retrofitters with the right tools.
 
The HVAC panel does indeed have component protection and a replacement monitor might also need coding. Cannot remember how to remove them but will have a look at the procedure over the weekend. If you need help with the component protection and are in or around London I can help.
 
AlS3BE said:
CP is a dealer only and maybe vag retrofitters with the right tools.
Click to expand...
Ahh I see, thank you. Would you think it possible then for me to fit a second hand panel and afterwards take it in to have the CP sorted? Sorry if that isn't how it works, it's all new to me.
 
DJAlix said:
The HVAC panel does indeed have component protection and a replacement monitor might also need coding. Cannot remember how to remove them but will have a look at the procedure over the weekend. If you need help with the component protection and are in or around London I can help.
Click to expand...
That's kind of you to offer, thank you but unfortunately I'm a couple hours from London. It would be greatly appreciated if you could guide me through the removal procedure as I still think the best option will be to fit a second hand panel and then get it coded afterward somehow.
 
That’s an DjAlix question.
The whole point for Cp is that stolen parts can’t be used in other cars so I think some dealers aren’t happy removing it on second hand parts unless some proof is shown that it’s not stolen. Something like that.
 
AlS3BE said:
That’s an DjAlix question.
The whole point for Cp is that stolen parts can’t be used in other cars so I think some dealers aren’t happy removing it on second hand parts unless some proof is shown that it’s not stolen. Something like that.
Click to expand...
Thank you for explaining it to me, I understand now. I doubt showing that I purchased it through eBay would be enough then!
 
I think if you bought from a registered dismantlers with a receipt then you'd be fine to have the dealer do the CP if it has it....that won't be cheap mind!
If you need one then get one plug it in and see what happens.
Have you priced a new one just so you know what worst case scenario is?
 
Dealer will charge at least an hour and in my neck of woods it’s around £100 an hour
 
-Ju- said:
I think if you bought from a registered dismantlers with a receipt then you'd be fine to have the dealer do the CP if it has it....that won't be cheap mind!
If you need one then get one plug it in and see what happens.
Have you priced a new one just so you know what worst case scenario is?
Click to expand...
Yeah, when the fault happened I just had the impression the panel wouldn't be serviceable in any way and that a replacement would be the only option so thought I'd get a price to weigh up whether I could live with it or not. When the price quoted from Audi was that high I didn't want to give up so wondered whether a second hand unit was doable or not as although all the controls are still functional, it is bugging me! The wife thinks I'm mad and that I should just leave it.
 
AlS3BE said:
Dealer will charge at least an hour and in my neck of woods it’s around £100 an hour
Click to expand...
That's useful to know, thanks. I do have a service due soon so I could probably have this work tied in at the same time which might help make the labour cost easier to swallow.
 
Did ou try dimming the dash lighting so all matches? That’s the cheapest option
 
AlS3BE said:
Did ou try dimming the dash lighting so all matches? That’s the cheapest option
Click to expand...
I've just tried it and either it's too light outside to see properly or the dial isn't working as I could see no difference between the dial set fully one way or the other.
I'll try again tonight when it's dark outside and hope there isn't another dashboard piece that needs replacing!
 
Might be worth looking see if someone can repair it. I remember years ago in my old golf the climate panel digital display started malfunctioning, lights and display, and in the end I sent it away and new display was soldered on and it cost about £60-70.
 
AlS3BE said:
Might be worth looking see if someone can repair it. I remember years ago in my old golf the climate panel digital display started malfunctioning, lights and display, and in the end I sent it away and new display was soldered on and it cost about £60-70.
Click to expand...
That's definitely sounding like my cheapest option, would you know how to actually remove the panel though please? I've got trim/radio removal tools but am hesitant to go at it blindly as i don't want to damage anything. Thank you.
 
Try and find some parts catalogue website and see if you can see an exploded diagram of the dash.
 
Deskbound Dan said:
View attachment 163604 Hello,
The heater panel in my 2013 A3 8V Sportback has developed an issue whereby the backlight has dimmed on one side so I'm hoping you may be able to help me with this please.
All buttons still operate as they should so this is purely a visual annoyance rather than anything else. Audi quoted over £600 for a replacement panel hence why I'm looking to tackle this on my driveway rather than in their workshop.
Ideally I'm hoping someone can guide me through the removal process of this panel as I'm unsure whether it is just held in with clips that a trim removal tool can release or whether a more extensive removal of the dash is needed please? Also, I'm guessing once I have the panel out there'll be no bulbs to replace so a second hand unit will be needed, in which case would you know if they're plug and play or if coding would be required please?
I've included an image to show the issue I'm referring to; the left side is slightly less bright than the right.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, many thanks in advance.
Daniel.
Click to expand...

It has 2 torx screws behind it, but i don't know how you would access it from there. Have a look round underneath, and you will be able to gage if you can access them by removing the centre console. It is definently screwed in for sure, as i removed one from a dash but outside the car.
 
AlS3BE said:
Try and find some parts catalogue website and see if you can see an exploded diagram of the dash.
Click to expand...
Good idea, thank you. I've had a look online but it's hard to check on my phone so I'll have a better look on Tuesday when I'm back behind a PC.
 
BrummieLad said:
It has 2 torx screws behind it, but i don't know how you would access it from there. Have a look round underneath, and you will be able to gage if you can access them by removing the centre console. It is definently screwed in for sure, as i removed one from a dash but outside the car.
Click to expand...
Found this image on eBay which seems to show the two screws you mention, I think?
 

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Dunedin said:
https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/how-to-blank-dash-button-mod-for-garage-remote-control.336027/

This might help, it's a mod for An existing panel however it does explain fitting.
Click to expand...
I have those exact removal tools but there aren't any slots on the panel to insert them in to and the gap around the panel seems too tight to force them in. The torx screws mentioned in another post are now looking the most likely method of securing so I'm going to give them a go and hope for the best. Thank you for providing the link though. :icon thumright:
 
suzannec said:
Hi Dan - Did you ever get your display working better? Mine is deteriorating quickly and I'm after a solution!
Click to expand...
Sorry for the delay in replying!
The easiest solution would be to have Audi replace the panel but this is by far the most expensive solution as the part alone is over £600 - I personally couldn't justify that amount on such a minor cosmetic issue but it is a solution nonetheless. I guess if the actual controls also began to fail then the cost would be a lot easier to swallow.
The alternative, and the reason behind this thread's original creation, would be to remove the panel yourself and then replace it with a second hand unit from eBay (roughly £75) however what I've learnt from the replies is that a second hand unit would require coding of some sort to remove/bypass the component protection so be aware that this option is definitely the more onerous of the two. Having Audi fit a second hand part is not an option, I'm told.

My advice would be to check whether you have any local independent Audi specialists who can either attempt repair on the faulty unit or fit & code a second hand unit. I'm currently awaiting reply from a local garage myself but if that doesn't work out for any reason then I think I'll live with the issue until the car is next at Audi for other work and then perhaps tie it in, at least that way the labour costs would be better spread.

Hopefully this helps in some way.
 
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Has any of you tried to get some goodwill out of Audi for the repairs?
A part like this should be expected to last a bit more than a few years if not out last the car itself.
Might be worth writing an email or letter to Audi U.K. and see if they will contribute towards it.
 
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AlS3BE said:
Has any of you tried to get some goodwill out of Audi for the repairs?
A part like this should be expected to last a bit more than a few years if not out last the car itself.
Might be worth writing an email or letter to Audi U.K. and see if they will contribute towards it.
Click to expand...
Good point, it's got to be worth a try. I'll write something up and then send it over to customer.services@audi.co.uk and let you know what, if any, response I get.
 
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Reactions: suzannec
Can’t lose. What’s the worse they will say ‘no’.
Normally if it’s something with a full Audi service history they will do something about it.

Other option is take a second hand part and start dismantling it and find out which part drives the display and unsolder it and solder it back in your own one.
 
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as above, i'd check if it can be disassembled. i agree, it could be dry joints between display and the board.
 
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Deskbound Dan said:
Sorry for the delay in replying!
The easiest solution would be to have Audi replace the panel but this is by far the most expensive solution as the part alone is over £600 - I personally couldn't justify that amount on such a minor cosmetic issue but it is a solution nonetheless. I guess if the actual controls also began to fail then the cost would be a lot easier to swallow. The alternative, and the reason behind this thread's original creation, would be to remove the panel yourself and then replace it with a second hand unit from eBay (roughly £75) however what I've learnt from the replies is that a second hand unit would require coding of some sort to remove/bypass the component protection so be aware that this option is definitely the more onerous of the two. Having Audi fit a second hand part is not an option, I'm told. My advice would be to check whether you have any local independent Audi specialists who can either attempt repair on the faulty unit or fit & code a second hand unit. I'm currently awaiting reply from a local garage myself but if that doesn't work out for any reason then I think I'll live with the issue until the car is next at Audi for other work and then perhaps tie it in, at least that way the labour costs would be better spread.
Click to expand...

Really helpful, thanks. Like you it is irritating but functionality works so £600+ isn't an option. I may think about finding an indie. I hope to keep the car for as long as I can so it is worth me getting a fix. Keep us posted! My thread is here: https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/climate-control-display-issue.378771/

AlS3BE said:
Has any of you tried to get some goodwill out of Audi for the repairs?
A part like this should be expected to last a bit more than a few years if not out last the car itself.
Might be worth writing an email or letter to Audi U.K. and see if they will contribute towards it.
Click to expand...

I hadn't considered it. My A3 hasn't been exclusively serviced by Audi. Although I'm sure early on they pointed out it wasn't working and that was during a warranty period so I could try and persude them to fix it gratis now! Hmm think my luck would dry up quick.
 
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