Climate Control Display Issue

[suzannec]

Ever since I've had my A3 the climate control has had display issues, for the first few years it sometimes wouldn't display the odd pixel which didn't bother me and didn't interfere with its usability. However it has started to deteriorate and now I regularly loose most pixels!

Today is looks like this...which is at its best! Usually much worse.

Any ideas on what I should do to try and fix? Has any one else had this problem?

I was considering buying a replacement unit as they seem to go for about £50 and depending how painful it is to remove the old one I might ask my mechanic to pop a new one on during the next service - I'm kind of assuming it is "plug and play"?!

PS. I realise now I should have got it sorted under warranty! Doh!

 

[Svenedin]

Someone else asked about this unit recently and unfortunately it isn’t a case of dropping a new unit in. It’s coded to the vehicle. I suspect there’s some electronic issue. Not the screen per se but some component or other on the pcb or possibly a ribbon cable connection. There are firms around that could repair this for you (firms that specialise in car electronics repair e.g instrument clusters, speedos etc).

 

[Martinbanshee]

I got a new A/C control unit fitted 6 months ago because one of the seat heater buttons was making a noise, got it done under warranty but would have cost £380 to do.

 

[suzannec]

I got a new A/C control unit fitted 6 months ago because one of the seat heater buttons was making a noise, got it done under warranty but would have cost £380 to do.

Interesting. I’m tempted because it’s annoying me. Of course if I’d reported it in month one I could have got it sorted under warranty (it’s 6 years old in November)!

 

[jxn]

Hi Suzannec, how did you go with this? I’ve just started experiencing this myself and was wondering if it’s an electrical problem or if a software update will rectify it.

 

[larbel]

I’ve replaced, tear apart, fixed the pixel, it’s like 10 mins job that anyone could do... It’s plug n play replace if you find the exact part number, but watch out for the e-Tron unit which looks the same but will blow your ac compression in secs...

But if you want to take it apart, it’s just the foam and glass contact on top the display box not sitting correctly, just carefully take it apart and check the alignment of the foam to fix.

 

[suzannec]

I’m still struggling with this issue. It’s got worse the display is gone. Audi have quoted £608 inc VAT for the part. Interested in what @Iarbel said about it being plug and play. I have the part number and 2nd hand units are selling eBay for £30. I’m just not competent enough to swap it out myself. Local specialist won’t touch second hand unit. Any ideas?

 

[AlS3BE]

I’m still struggling with this issue. It’s got worse the display is gone. Audi have quoted £608 inc VAT for the part. Interested in what @Iarbel said about it being plug and play. I have the part number and 2nd hand units are selling eBay for £30. I’m just not competent enough to swap it out myself. Local specialist won’t touch second hand unit. Any ideas?

Probably component protection on second hand unit that will need removed and recoded to your car.
Even £608 from dealer it will probably still need coded to your car. Dealer will probably charge £100+ for coding.

 

[suzannec]

Maybe I need to look into a repair. Can anybody recommend somewhere that repairs electronics/instrument clusters etc?

 

[cuke2u]

The mondeo used to suffer from a similar issue with the trip computer and the trick was to clean the connections inside and outside of the unit...

 

[larbel]

No component protection on second hand unit if you find the exact part number, you won't need coding unless you want to change something either so just a direct swap. But even repair is super easy...

 

[Ormesome]

Maybe I need to look into a repair. Can anybody recommend somewhere that repairs electronics/instrument clusters etc?

Cant think of any myself but i did have a TT MK1 that had the classic dodgy pixelated display. I sent it off to a local guy in Somerset and it came back as new a few days later. It didnt cost alot, perhaps 200. This was 10yrs ago now so cant rememeber the details but just to reasure you that there are services out there. Perhaps google something like "Audi pixelated display fix". i did and this place below came up. Your case seems rare though so you might not find much on the internet for it but worth contacting people. I dont know if this company in the link is good, just the 1st link that appeared. What with component protection etc... i think a repair sems the best bet for you. It will come back within a few days as new and will cost you less too.

https://totaltronics.com/cat/audi/

 

[Phutters]

Google 'Audi LCD display repair'.

Robert's your mother's brother.

.

 

[DJAlix]

I’m still struggling with this issue. It’s got worse the display is gone. Audi have quoted £608 inc VAT for the part. Interested in what @Iarbel said about it being plug and play. I have the part number and 2nd hand units are selling eBay for £30. I’m just not competent enough to swap it out myself. Local specialist won’t touch second hand unit. Any ideas?

Where are you based?

 

[suzannec]

No component protection on second hand unit if you find the exact part number, you won't need coding unless you want to change something either so just a direct swap. But even repair is super easy...

I’m very tempted to buy a second hand unit then. I’ve got the exact part number. Cheers for confirming.

 

[suzannec]

Where are you based?

I’m in Somerset.

 

[larbel]

It's actually very straight forward... The hardest part is removing the panel from the dash, there's 2 holes at the underside of the AC control panel, you'll need 2 x hook removal tool to pull it out. Disconnect the 2 connectors, and remove the 6 (or 8) torx bit at the back of the panel and using pry tool to pry along the edge to open it up, there's a cable connected to the display, you'll need to disconnect that before you can remove the front panel. Once that, just carefully remove the PCB and just check/clean the display box, make sure the display glass is sitting on the seals and box correctly and reassemble then done... 10 mins job really...

 

[suzannec]

It's actually very straight forward... The hardest part is removing the panel from the dash, there's 2 holes at the underside of the AC control panel, you'll need 2 x hook removal tool to pull it out. Disconnect the 2 connectors, and remove the 6 (or 8) torx bit at the back of the panel and using pry tool to pry along the edge to open it up, there's a cable connected to the display, you'll need to disconnect that before you can remove the front panel. Once that, just carefully remove the PCB and just check/clean the display box, make sure the display glass is sitting on the seals and box correctly and reassemble then done... 10 mins job really...

10 mins for you maybe. I’m a total novice! Appreciate the info.

 

[Ormesome]

I’m in Somerset.

Where in Somerset? There was a place near Bridgwater, towards the M5 motorway near the BP garage that used to do electronics.

 

[suzannec]

Where in Somerset? There was a place near Bridgwater, towards the M5 motorway near the BP garage that used to do electronics.

TSR Performance? I live practically opposite! I’ll give them a shout in the morning. They did good things to my TTS a while ago but didn’t think of them for electronics.

 

[Ormesome]

TSR Performance? I live practically opposite! I’ll give them a shout in the morning. They did good things to my TTS a while ago but didn’t think of them for electronics.

Yep that’s them. They didn’t do my TT clocks but my cousin takes his Elise in there for performance upgrades and so on. They might be able to help you or at least point you in the right direction.

 

[suzannec]

2nd hand unit procured. Arranging fitting. Will report back!

 

[suzannec]

All fitted and fixed. Very pleased. Took all of 5 mins to swap out! Definitely plug and play.

 

[larbel]

All fitted and fixed. Very pleased. Took all of 5 mins to swap out! Definitely plug and play.
View attachment 186265

Now you can experiment taking apart your old unit and try fixing and selling it lol

 

[michelhaudia38v]

I’ve replaced, tear apart, fixed the pixel, it’s like 10 mins job that anyone could do... It’s plug n play replace if you find the exact part number, but watch out for the e-Tron unit which looks the same but will blow your ac compression in secs...

But if you want to take it apart, it’s just the foam and glass contact on top the display box not sitting correctly, just carefully take it apart and check the alignment of the foam to fix.

Hi Iarbel,

Accidentally I came across this thread, but I think my question suits you. Ive got a 2015 a3 etron in which I swapped the seats for heated seats. For what I heard and just read your comment about blowing your ac compressor, thought I might take or need a little advise.
What part do I need ? Where to pay extra attention? Yes or no component protection ? What about the scheduled heating / cooling?

I know I have to make some coding and wiring adaptions to make the seat heating working.

Thank in advance

 

[wendyjsmith]

Now you can experiment taking apart your old unit and try fixing and selling it lol

Hi Suzannec i have the exact same issue as what you had with your climate control. Could possibly trouble you for advice on how you attained a new display and how you fitted it please. Your help would be really

Ever since I've had my A3 the climate control has had display issues, for the first few years it sometimes wouldn't display the odd pixel which didn't bother me and didn't interfere with its usability. However it has started to deteriorate and now I regularly loose most pixels!

Today is looks like this...which is at its best! Usually much worse.

Any ideas on what I should do to try and fix? Has any one else had this problem?

I was considering buying a replacement unit as they seem to go for about £50 and depending how painful it is to remove the old one I might ask my mechanic to pop a new one on during the next service - I'm kind of assuming it is "plug and play"?!

PS. I realise now I should have got it sorted under warranty! Doh!

Hi Suzannec i have the exact same issue as what you had with your climate control. Could possibly trouble you for advice on how you attained a new display and how you fitted it please. Your help would be really appreciated. Many thanks in advance