Control panel

[Kindog]

Has anybody changed the control panel? The original VW part number is 7H7 906 453 B, but using a 7H7 906 453 C. Is it compatible ? Physically it looks the same, connection on the back looks identical.
I am asking because all I can find is the C version, soreally looking for advice.

 

[calikev]

Yes it will work ok

 

[elenita]

I have recently change it , it works perfectly, the only diference is the color of the letters dark or white

 

[Kindog]

Yes it will work ok

Thanks for for your reply, have you first hand knowledge ?

 

[Kindog]

I have recently change it , it works perfectly, the only diference is the color of the letters dark or white

Thank you for your reply. Can you explain the differance in colour, are they faded or they sharper?

 

[vbk1975]

Thank you for your reply. Can you explain the differance in colour, are they faded or they sharper?

Have you contacted Ed @ElectronicEquipmentRepair ?

He is a member of the forum and runs a company that repairs items like the camper LCD panels - I have had work done by him

VW California Control Panel LCD - Electronic Equipment Repair - EERepair

VW California Camper Van Control Panel LCD -missing pixels on display

www.electronicequipmentrepair.com

The C panel is the service replacement for all Californias, the display is basically white on black and not the blue of the earlier panels.

But I would definitely get Ed to look at your existing panel as a more economical alternative

 

[Kindog]

Have you contacted Ed @ElectronicEquipmentRepair ?

He is a member of the forum and runs a company that repairs items like the camper LCD panels - I have had work done by him

VW California Control Panel LCD - Electronic Equipment Repair - EERepair

VW California Camper Van Control Panel LCD -missing pixels on display

www.electronicequipmentrepair.com

The C panel is the service replacement for all Californias, the display is basically white on black and not the blue of the earlier panels.

But I would definitely get Ed to look at your existing panel as a more economical alternative

Thanks, I emailed Electronic Equipment Repair earler this week and got a quote for the repair, a reasonable price for the work required. As it is a 2004 version I think a refurbished unit might need more work done in the future at a further cost, so thats why I am thinking of a new control panel, as the cost will not go down in the future.
Thank you so much for your response, we really apreciate your input .

 

[OllieCollieCali]

There are only a couple of differences between the 2 units, The first as mentioned is the screen is white text on a black background rather than the blue screen, and the other difference I noticed was that the fridge controls were numbered 1-7 rather than being able to set the temperature in degrees.

I bought a replacement control unit, but Ed did a great job repairing my old unit at a reasonable cost, so I have stuck with the old unit as I prefer the fridge temperature control, but have the new unit as a back up if it ever completely fails. Its usually just the LCD screen and the control knob which fail, and Ed fixed both at the same time for me, and the screen should now last another 15 years hopefully

 

[Kindog]

There are only a couple of differences between the 2 units, The first as mentioned is the screen is white text on a black background rather than the blue screen, and the other difference I noticed was that the fridge controls were numbered 1-7 rather than being able to set the temperature in degrees.

I bought a replacement control unit, but Ed did a great job repairing my old unit at a reasonable cost, so I have stuck with the old unit as I prefer the fridge temperature control, but have the new unit as a back up if it ever completely fails. Its usually just the LCD screen and the control knob which fail, and Ed fixed both at the same time for me, and the screen should now last another 15 years hopefully

Thank you very much for the information, we are unsure as to which way to proceed, repair or new. Need to make a decision before the weather improves.

 

[Kindog]

New control panel ordered, will update post when fitted

 

[Kindog]

Update on the control panel.
We ordered the new control panel from Germany on Friday on the 13th (yes I know). They confirmed the order and dispatched on the same day. We received the delivery on Wednesday 18th, with a weekend in between - a great service (contact us for details). I have installed it today and it works perfectly; white characters on a black background which is fine for us; fridge on a scale rather than degrees. For me, as long as the fridge works and keeps the items cool, that's what is important. So we are very pleased with the result and thanks to everbody who has given us input, which was very helpful.
Old control New control

 

[Budgie]

How easy or hard was it to install

 

[vbk1975]

How easy or hard was it to install

It is very easy to replace the control panel, there are lots of how to guides on the forum.

There are 4 clips that need to be pushed in, I find doing it via the sunglass holder is easiest and then 3 connectors.

No screws or trim to remove, just the panel.

Generally I remove the large connector first and replace it last to avoid errors, but they are very very easy to clear with button press or off the on.

 

[Emil Silenhag]

Update on the control panel.
We ordered the new control panel from Germany on Friday on the 13th (yes I know). They confirmed the order and dispatched on the same day. We received the delivery on Wednesday 18th, with a weekend in between - a great service (contact us for details). I have installed it today and it works perfectly; white characters on a black background which is fine for us; fridge on a scale rather than degrees. For me, as long as the fridge works and keeps the items cool, that's what is important. So we are very pleased with the result and thanks to everbody who has given us input, which was very helpful.
Old control New control
View attachment 144379 View attachment 144381

Nice work. What did you do with the old control panel? Maybe I can try to repair it…

 

[Kindog]

How easy or hard was it to install

No not a problem. Lower the sunglass holder, pull the light holder down gently. The control panel is held in position by 2 side lugs at the bottom sides. Use something strong and thin to prize the bottom lugs inward one at a time, I used the arm of a nail clipper, worked well for me. Pull the facia forward while levering the lug. Do the same on the opposite side. The bottom of the panel should be free at the bottom. Pull the unit down gently to free the top clips. The unit will then be able to come forward, allowing you to disconnect the 3 electrical connections. Install the new control panel, test that it powers up, then relocate into position. Job done, good luck.