Yeah...my heater console buttons are sticky, but they still function. So it annoys me, but not enough to futz around with removing the whole console. Maybe during the summer if I had some time to kill, but def not now that it's getting cold.

 

I had this problem. You need to soak the buttons in water to get rid of the coke or whatever drink has been spilled into them. Do take care to dry it off before use. Taking the unit out is the best option but...

I fixed it like this:

1. Get the buttons wet (electrics off - fuse out perhaps?). 3 or 4 drops on a button.
2. Wait 30 seconds.
3. Using paper or paper towel wipe the surface dry then put the edge of the paper into the gaps around the button to soak up the now dirty water around and behind the button.
4. Exercise the button.
5. Repeat until not sticky.
6. I did this on a few different days to get back to normal working order. (once the water dries it will be sticky again - but not as bad as before. Multiple soaks were required.)

BTW remove the facia surrounding the stereo and AC panel first (it is just held on by sprung clips - prise off by opening the ash tray and carefully pulling the bottom edge)! It will show where the bolts are that hold the centre console bits together.

The previous owner of my car tried to prise out the ac panel and made a right mess - had to replace the facia.

Hope that helps someone.

Stu

 

i have the same problem. i used a card from a playing card deck (what you play poker with) and then just cut it small pieces. then put it around the buttons. thats what i did and it helped unstuck few buttons. its thin enought . well i wish you guys good luck

 

Ya, i have the same problem... i was thinking, couldnt i soat it in alcohol? if you drop a cellphone in the water, you soak it in alcohol and let it dry. alcohol wont rust. could i splash that with it, set a fan in there with the windows open, and see what happens?

 

I used Q-tips and alcohol. With the car off, press each button and hold it in while you wipe all 4 edges of the surrounding buttons thoroughly and several times. Do each button and you're good as new.

 

maybe if audi's cupholders weren't placed directly above the entire radio/climate console we wouldn't be having this problem. the previous owner of my car did the exact same thing...spilled coke or something and now my buttons are sticky too. damn those europeans for not eating/drinking in their cars!

LampyB.

 

Spay RadioShack contact cleaner and push on the buttons while wet.

 

Hey, I know this is a little off topic, but I am wondering if there are individual replacement buttons for sale? I asked my local audi dealer, and they said I had to replace the entire A/C unit (1200). All I need are the + and - buttons for the A/C unit because they have worn from use. Please let me know. Thanks.

 

wooh me two i use my lighter to unjam hehehe ust beat that puppy untill it pops back out

 

See if you can get them from dads auto, a recycler of crashed Audis