Audi radio soft touch controls

[David Head]

I recently repaired the soft touch controls on my Audi/Bose/Blaupunkt
radio. Thought I'd share the info.
Removing the front cover is only possible if you have a SAWITW (smallest
allen wrench in the world). I'm not sure of the size - I borrowed mine
from the radio repair place that's fixing my Bose amp. Once these are
out on each side, you can unsnap the cover and angle it down. There are
2 screws inside the cover and a snap on the right side to disassemble
the cover for repair.
Warning #1 - if you unplug the ribbon cable from inside the radio, life
just got ugly. (Gee, how does he know THAT?!)
The failure is the 'hinge' on the little rubber donut plugs that actuate
the switches. They have to be replaced. The radio repair guy was kind
enough to give me some. I also found that the rubber plugs from Porsche
models work, and are actually more durable. Note: these plugs from
Blaupunkt run $70.00 for a set of 15. If you don't know a kindly stereo
repair owner, either snag them from old junkyard models or give up and
do the Audi exchange program.
The plugs just pop out with minor assistance. There is a center piece to
the plug - if it is missing and it looks like a donut, make sure the
piece that broke off and fell into the switch is removed - otherwise
when you put it back together and press on the switch the first time, it
will ruin your new plug (Gee, how does he know THAT?!).
If you are hamhanded like me and pull out the ribbon cable, pull the top
and bottom covers off. You need a T10 torx (actually, the next size down
- but a T10 barely works). Pull the 4 bolts holding the cassette
assembly and remove the assembly such that it can be angled up (the
right side connector has to be uncoupled) You'll have to do so creative
prying with that upper circuit board that's in the way. Now you can get
on both sides of the ribbon cable and fit it back into the connector.
Reinstall the cassette conector, refit the casssette assembly and put
the torx bolts back in. Put the covers back on, and save yourself and
everyone else time and trouble: put the radio code on the cover with a
permanent marker! No one really wants to steal an Audi factory radio
anyway.
Now you have a nice stereo that won't change stations each time you hit
a bump. Of course, your reception is still crappy, but that's another
issue!

Dave Head
90 V8q 80K
90 V8q 107K