Climate contol panel problem

[storeyd]

I have a couple of problems with my CC.

Firstly the LCD display is missing some segments which can make it difficult to see what temp is displaying.

And secondly, the temp + and - buttons are sticking, which again makes it difficult to adjust the temp.

My guess is that a dring has been spilt over the front before I bought it and this has damaged the LCD and the resisdue is now making the buttons stick.

What can I do about these problems, as I guess a new control panel will burn a hole in my pocket. Can the unit be removed and taken apart to remove the residue from the buttons (done this to my TV control a few times)

Any Ideas?

 

[CupraUK]

Keep an eye out on flea bay for a breaking one and change it. They do come up quite a lot.

My buttons stick, coke (cola!!) in them.

 

[storeyd]

Sounds like a plan.

Is the control unit special to the LCR or is there one generic one to cover the Leon range?

 

[CupraUK]

I'm pretty sure that they are the same, do a search, I remember another thread about the units some time ago

 

[joely]

I’ve been looking into this problem as mine is doing the same. I’m an electronics engineer by trade so I thought I would have a crack at fixing it.

Your first problem, where some of the segments on the LCD display are missing are usually caused by a number of things:-

1) The LCD can be faulty, this is a problem as the display is specifically made for SEAT, I’ve tried to source a new one but no luck so far – just hope this isn’t the problem!
2) The carbon boots that are used to transmit the electric signal from the display PCB to the LCD are warn, this is fairly common on these types of LCD arrangements, Nokia used to have the same problem on some of their old phones, I haven’t had a chance to source these parts yet, but shouldn’t be too hard (he says!).
3) The simplest problem is that the contact area between LCD and the carbon boots is dirty, this can be clean with an alcohol cleanser. I tried this on mine and had mild success.

When I find a cure to the missing segments (and I will) I will write a guide and post it on here for all.

Your second problem of the sticky buttons is fairly simple, you need to remove the dash facia and then remove the Climate module. Take it to bits and then clean with a foam cleaner the buttons, the rubber boot for the buttons and if your feeling brave the actual switches on the PCB. Make sure you dry it completely before reassembling!!!

Joel

 

[CupraUK]

Cool

 

[storeyd]

I’ve been looking into this problem as mine is doing the same. I’m an electronics engineer by trade so I thought I would have a crack at fixing it.

Your first problem, where some of the segments on the LCD display are missing are usually caused by a number of things:-

1) The LCD can be faulty, this is a problem as the display is specifically made for SEAT, I’ve tried to source a new one but no luck so far – just hope this isn’t the problem!
2) The carbon boots that are used to transmit the electric signal from the display PCB to the LCD are warn, this is fairly common on these types of LCD arrangements, Nokia used to have the same problem on some of their old phones, I haven’t had a chance to source these parts yet, but shouldn’t be too hard (he says!).
3) The simplest problem is that the contact area between LCD and the carbon boots is dirty, this can be clean with an alcohol cleanser. I tried this on mine and had mild success.

When I find a cure to the missing segments (and I will) I will write a guide and post it on here for all.

Your second problem of the sticky buttons is fairly simple, you need to remove the dash facia and then remove the Climate module. Take it to bits and then clean with a foam cleaner the buttons, the rubber boot for the buttons and if your feeling brave the actual switches on the PCB. Make sure you dry it completely before reassembling!!!

Joel

Thanks for the info. I have just ran over this with an electonics design engineer at my work (I am mechanical) and he says it will be the third problem, because of the signs that a liquid has been spilt. He is confident he can fix the problem as he does this to LCD displays on various products. I will keep ou posted of the outcome.

Now, is there a guide to removing the control unit or can anyone tell me how its done.

 

[ITMonkey]

Wow, that's scary - I posted the same problem yesterday. It's not just me then! Could these failures be related to the recent heatwave?

 

[Tallpaul]

Wow, that's scary - I posted the same problem yesterday. It's not just me then! Could these failures be related to the recent heatwave?

lol, yeah! - Hot Weather = People with cold cans of coke in their hands while driving and sloshing it over the CC when they change gear

 

[storeyd]

Personally I would never consider putting a drink in that holder and driving around. Its an accident waiting to happen. The holder is a 'Gimmick'

 

[CupraUK]

LOL, I prefer to balance the glass on top of the dash board. Its a test of skill.

 

[storeyd]

Right. I have the control unit removed from the car. Quite easy really.

I will take it into work on Monday and give it to an LCD expert there who recons it should be easy. I will re-fit it and let you know how it goes....

 

[bushybeaver]

If no joy

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SEAT-LEON-DAS...QQihZ002QQcategoryZ100918QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Just looking myself for something and remembered this post.

 

[storeyd]

I’ve been looking into this problem as mine is doing the same. I’m an electronics engineer by trade so I thought I would have a crack at fixing it.

Your first problem, where some of the segments on the LCD display are missing are usually caused by a number of things:-

1) The LCD can be faulty, this is a problem as the display is specifically made for SEAT, I’ve tried to source a new one but no luck so far – just hope this isn’t the problem!
2) The carbon boots that are used to transmit the electric signal from the display PCB to the LCD are warn, this is fairly common on these types of LCD arrangements, Nokia used to have the same problem on some of their old phones, I haven’t had a chance to source these parts yet, but shouldn’t be too hard (he says!).
3) The simplest problem is that the contact area between LCD and the carbon boots is dirty, this can be clean with an alcohol cleanser. I tried this on mine and had mild success.

When I find a cure to the missing segments (and I will) I will write a guide and post it on here for all.

Your second problem of the sticky buttons is fairly simple, you need to remove the dash facia and then remove the Climate module. Take it to bits and then clean with a foam cleaner the buttons, the rubber boot for the buttons and if your feeling brave the actual switches on the PCB. Make sure you dry it completely before reassembling!!!

Joel

I tried fixing it today and have failed. The buttons were easy as you said, but there are still two segment missing from the display. (right where the temp numbers are shown).

Unless I can get one cheap I think I will live with it for now.


Joel - Let me know when you source the carbon boots or even the display...

 

[incident33]

Did you get anywhere with this storeyd? I have the same problem with the display. The top & top left segments are not working on the 2nd digit of the display - this isn't a big problem as I generally have the climatronic set to 21C but I'd like to swap out/fix the problem if it's not too expensive.

I had a look on fleabay but the only seller on there wanted £100+VAT for a replacement unit - is that the usual price?

 

[storeyd]

Yes. After I cleaned the carbon boots one segment came on after about a week and the other comes on gradually after 15 mins of driving. Its a pain of a job and unless you have someone with LCD experience, dont even bother.

Luckily theres an electronics lab at my work and they had all the gear. Its definitely a contact problem though. The IC is locked down by metal tabs and this is what you need to tighten up to get a better contact.

Good luck.....

 

[willbatch]

Phone round a few breakers rather than getting these off e bay, you'll be shocked how cheap you can pick them up.

 

[Scoobers]

Had the same problem with mine. The temp - button keeps getting stuck. Called SEAT last Wednesday to have a winge about it. Took the car in this morning for them to check it out. No trace of spillage and no faults in VAGCOM so they replaced the climate control module under warranty.

One of the guys at work with a Cupra had the same problem, his local dealer said it's a known fault. My local didn't say anything of the sort, simply checked and replaced.

As for the cupholder. Mine doesn't work, SEAT have offored to fix it but I prefer it broken.

 

[barryg]

mine's missing segments now too

Yes. After I cleaned the carbon boots one segment came on after about a week and the other comes on gradually after 15 mins of driving. Its a pain of a job and unless you have someone with LCD experience, dont even bother.

Luckily theres an electronics lab at my work and they had all the gear. Its definitely a contact problem though. The IC is locked down by metal tabs and this is what you need to tighten up to get a better contact.

Good luck.....

Any other help on fixing this missing segments, im going to take out the cc unit tomorrow for a look. I had one apart about a year ago but cant remember mmuch about it..
I think it was a drink that spilled on it.

 

[storeyd]

Make sure you try and lock the IC down as tight as possible by pressing on the locking tabs with a suitable tool. Spend plenty of time on this and be careful. This is what provides the contact force for the carbon boots