Climate control rear panel sticking control buttons

[scottk]

It is possible to tease the button back out using a very fine blade, so buying you some time before getting it replaced.

I’ve had the panel out a couple of times to try and work the button. Works great out of the surround but sticks once back in place. Simple to pop out but I would rather get it fixed properly.

 

[Kemper-van]

I’ve had the panel out a couple of times to try and work the button. Works great out of the surround but sticks once back in place. Simple to pop out but I would rather get it fixed properly.

A tiny bit of contact spray solved it for me, until VW was finally able to source a replacement part (after I had them look at it!). Took them several months due to backorders in 2021… but after applying the tiniest amount of spray it worked flawless for me until replacement. I think it just neede some lubrication, in fact.

 

[OceanView2023]

My 73 Ocean is having a service next week. I have already had the a/c rear control unit replaced once due to the cold button being stuck. Less than 2k miles later and the replacement rear panel also has the same problem - stuck on LO (though can use the sync button on dashboard). I'm not sure that it's even been used more than a couple of times. Is anyone else still having issues, the last post on here was over a year ago, or just using other fixes to keep it working?

 

[dspuk]

My 73 Ocean is having a service next week. I have already had the a/c rear control unit replaced once due to the cold button being stuck. Less than 2k miles later and the replacement rear panel also has the same problem - stuck on LO (though can use the sync button on dashboard). I'm not sure that it's even been used more than a couple of times. Is anyone else still having issues, the last post on here was over a year ago, or just using other fixes to keep it working?

If you do a search someone posted a great piece the other week abut how to remove it, disassemble it and fix the issue for good which seems related to some excess plastic.

 

[OceanView2023]

If you do a search someone posted a great piece the other week abut how to remove it, disassemble it and fix the issue for good which seems related to some excess plastic.

Thanks I'll have a search, although as its under warranty I can request another unit. I was wondering if the recent units have been improved slightly ( probably not!)

 

[--olotation--]

I have a july 23 van and had the second replacement of the panel about 3 months ago. It isn't too much bother to get to the dealer for me so my view is that whilst it is under warranty I'll get it replaced rather than fixing a shoddy part myself.

The worst part is that when it initially stuck it had slowly made itself less sticky, and it was almost not a problem by the time it was replaced having waited another 3 months or so for the part to arrive.

The second time (after about another 3 months) the van went in and they replaced it same day after about 45 minutes of me dropping it off, which makes me suspect that they just took the panel off another van somewhere in their stock as I doubt they had one sat in their parts store. But it works and looks in good condition so not fussed either way anyway.

 

[OceanView2023]

I have a july 23 van and had the second replacement of the panel about 3 months ago. It isn't too much bother to get to the dealer for me so my view is that whilst it is under warranty I'll get it replaced rather than fixing a shoddy part myself.

The worst part is that when it initially stuck it had slowly made itself less sticky, and it was almost not a problem by the time it was replaced having waited another 3 months or so for the part to arrive.

The second time (after about another 3 months) the van went in and they replaced it same day after about 45 minutes of me dropping it off, which makes me suspect that they just took the panel off another van somewhere in their stock as I doubt they had one sat in their parts store. But it works and looks in good condition so not fussed either way anyway.

Thanks, great that your second replacement is ok, I think I'll ask them to replace mine again & hope that it's a better unit 3rd time lucky!

 

[dspuk]

Thanks I'll have a search, although as its under warranty I can request another unit. I was wondering if the recent units have been improved slightly ( probably not!)

Most of us learnt a long time ago some jobs are just easier to do yourself than manage the stress and hassle of the dealer. For an hours effort to do the unit myself I’d save hours of negotiation and PITA’ery with VW.

Rear A/C control Panel sticky buttons fix.

T6.1 A/C rear control panel buttons sticky causing the A/C to do its own thing. The cover of the control can be easily removed with a trim tool and the unit unplugged by pushing a small screwdriver or key into the fitting holding the control cables. The unit can then be removed. There are 4 hex...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

 

[scottk]

Ours was replaced and still sticking

 

[brcas64]

The unit is easy to remove. undo the Torxscrews and you can push the buttons out. You can file down the buttons on the edge that is sitting on the metal divider(Chrome). you do not have to file much off. Test the buttons to ensure they push in and out easily and reassemble. Very easy and quick.

 

[OceanView2023]

The unit is easy to remove. undo the Torxscrews and you can push the buttons out. You can file down the buttons on the edge that is sitting on the metal divider(Chrome). you do not have to file much off. Test the buttons to ensure they push in and out easily and reassemble. Very easy and quick.

Many thanks, I've just seen your photo on the other thread - I might show the service guys when the van is in next week & see if they want to try it

 

[brcas64]

Many thanks, I've just seen your photo on the other thread - I might show the service guys when the van is in next week & see if they want to try it

 

[2haw]

Just seen these thread after searching and posting a reply on another one, mine is playing up lately. Always on full blast and need to press the sync button everytime I start the car.

Really annoying!

 

[brcas64]

Easy job to do. The control panel comes out with a trim tool. disconnect the panel and undo a couple of Torx screws on the back of the unit. The buttons should move freely if not pop them out and file down does not need much bottom of top button and top of bottom button. Reassemble and it should work. Takes about 10 minutes.

 

[WelshGas]

Just seen these thread after searching and posting a reply on another one, mine is playing up lately. Always on full blast and need to press the sync button everytime I start the car.

Really annoying!

I could be wrong but I think the Sync function only works from Ignition On to Ignition Off then the rear panel reverts to its original settings. What is the rear panel set to with Ignition On but not pressing Sync, supposing none of the buttons are jammed.

 

[Keith Smith]

I took mine out to repair it yesterday. With mine it was the front cover causing the problem so no need to remove the screws at the back of the unit. It’s a bit tricky to remove the cover, it has a lot of catches, I started with the 3 on one long edge, these need gently levering up to release them, then there is one on the opposite long face. Initially I thought the button was binding on the cover and I filed a bit of it away but that didn’t cure it. Then I noticed the silver trim between the buttons was being pushed up when I refitted the case. So I made the tiny slot in the cover a bit bigger, refitted the cover and all fixed. I hope this makes sense.

I’d already had the dealer try and fix it, they replaced it with another faulty one, so very happy to have got this done.

 

[OceanView2023]

I took mine out to repair it yesterday. With mine it was the front cover causing the problem so no need to remove the screws at the back of the unit. It’s a bit tricky to remove the cover, it has a lot of catches, I started with the 3 on one long edge, these need gently levering up to release them, then there is one on the opposite long face. Initially I thought the button was binding on the cover and I filed a bit of it away but that didn’t cure it. Then I noticed the silver trim between the buttons was being pushed up when I refitted the case. So I made the tiny slot in the cover a bit bigger, refitted the cover and all fixed. I hope this makes sense.

I’d already had the dealer try and fix it, they replaced it with another faulty one, so very happy to have got this done.

Great to hear it's fixed !