T5.1 Control Panel issue

Skelly · Apr 8, 2026

I have a Control Panel issue that I cannot see covered in the many other threads on the topic.
We got our 2015 T.1 Ocean 2 years ago and the control knob was temperamental when rotating. So I replaced the knob (with help from the posts on this site) and all seemed ok. Menu selection was still a bit iffy but ok.
Then today having not tried to raise the pop top for a few months, the knob does not work when pressed in.
It works on rotating but nothing happens when knob is pressed in. So no way to raise the roof.
Rest of control panel display works fine....just the menu selection via the knob. Could be sensor.

Any suggestions? New CP?

calikev · Apr 8, 2026

Try a new knob

Skelly · Apr 8, 2026

Thanks, not sure if the knob is the issue. Tried it again and I am not getting the 'click' that I should get when pressing the knob in.

Skelly · Apr 8, 2026

If I do want to look at a replacement CP , any suggestions on how to source one? A quick Internet search didn't throw up anything.

calikev · Apr 8, 2026

Have you tried removing the knob and then trying to push it in

vbk1975 · Apr 8, 2026

Skelly said:
I have a Control Panel issue that I cannot see covered in the many other threads on the topic.
We got our 2015 T.1 Ocean 2 years ago and the control knob was temperamental when rotating. So I replaced the knob (with help from the posts on this site) and all seemed ok. Menu selection was still a bit iffy but ok.
Then today having not tried to raise the pop top for a few months, the knob does not work when pressed in.
It works on rotating but nothing happens when knob is pressed in. So no way to raise the roof.
Rest of control panel display works fine....just the menu selection via the knob. Could be sensor.

Any suggestions? New CP?

View attachment 146202

Post in thread 'Control panel button needing harder push…'
https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/control-panel-button-needing-harder-push….60878/post-770372

Skelly · Apr 8, 2026

Thank you...I will give that a go. Much appreciated

Alexlex85 · Apr 9, 2026

Most aftermarket knobs are pretty shite quality mine included.

To check whether your control panel is working properly, pull the knob straight off. Then try pressing the centre of the control (inside the clear round plastic) with your little finger. If the menu responds, the issue is with the knob itself rather than the panel.

In my case, the problem was that the centre of the knob was too shallow, so it wasn’t properly engaging with the metal spindle inside the panel.

What I did was insert a small piece from a wall plug into the knob to reduce the depth. You’ll need to find one that fits and experiment with trimming it until you get the right balance — deep enough to engage properly, but not so tight that the knob won’t sit correctly.

I pushed the trimmed piece fully inside the knob.

Feel free to experiment with whatever solution works best for you.
Either way let us know the outcome.

Skelly · Apr 9, 2026

Thanks Alex. This is super helpful and I have ordered a replacement knob yesterday to try replacing the knob as you and others suggested.
On reflection I think I have been pressing the knob in too hard and causing the issue.
I will try what you suggest and if it works be a lot more careful...may even buy a genuine VW knob but the cost for about 4g of plastic is such a rip off.
Thanks again.

MarkG · Apr 13, 2026

Yes, I agree with all of the above. You should be OK with another Button. There are several available, but none of them are perfect. IMHO the CP has a design fault, with the button. The other thing to consider is that the complete CP cost about £1,000 !!! So, although the buttons are extortionate to buy (if you don't have a 3D printer), they are still less than a 10th of the cost of a new panel. I have removed and repaired my button on the CP about 4 times now. Best of luck.

Skelly · Apr 13, 2026

Sorted!! I followed your suggestion Alexlex and it works better than before.
I didnt wait for the replacement knob but removed the knob which had been pushed on too far over time and was not enabling the switch to work (and click) properly.
I fitted a small piece of plastic rawlplug in the base of the hole just as you suggested. So all good for now and I have the replacement knob if this one becomes an issue. I can see how the soft 3D printed plastic can be an issue especially in a hot cab in the summer.
Thanks for all your help.

Off to Borrowdale for a long weekend next week with my 2 adult sons for some hiking. Me in the Cali them in their tents! Much happier now I can trust the CP.