Install guide

Appendix H Climate Control Faceplate

It is the opinion of the author that the climate control faceplate does not need to be replaced when the

RNS-E navigation unit is installed. The color difference is not noticeable except in flash photography

or in other very bright light. Below is a picture of a 2001 faceplate in natural lighting for reference.

To replace the climate control faceplate, remove the two screws at the top corners of the climate

control unit. Open the ashtray. With a small screwdriver, push the two tabs on the bottom of the unit

while pushing the unit out from behind. Unplug the five wire connector housings and completely

remove the unit from the car. With a small Philips screwdriver remove all screws from the rear of the

unit. Remove the outer housing from the unit. Now inside the unit, remove the faceplate from the

circuit board by removing all small Philips screws. Remove the “OFF” button from the faceplate by

pushing it out from the back.

Remove the newer faceplate from the new climate control unit. Some newer A6 climate controls are

built with small Torx screws instead of Philips head screws. Once the new faceplate is free from the

circuit board, remove the auto-recirculation button by pushing it out from the back. This is the

button with the letter “A” inside the recirculation arrow. Install the original “OFF” button in its place.

Install the new faceplate onto the original climate control unit. Reinstall the re-faced climate control

unit into the vehicle. Installation is reverse of the removal process.

Do not install the 2002-2004 climate control unit. It will not function properly.