volume knob on center console

[halcyon]

My volume knob by the gear shift is wildly inaccurate. It changes volume up or down regardless of the direction you turn the knob. I'm assuming the prior owner spilled something on the center console at some point because all of the buttons stuck a little when I bought the car. Everything else works fine but for the volume control. Any suggestions? Can just the electronic switch control be replaced or does the entire center console have to be swapped out? Or can I simply take it all apart and clean it up to make it work?

Thanks!

[Dasquade]

I highly dought it can be purchased induvidually and needs a full console panel replacement. You might want to try to pull the knob off (if possible..thought so as i once did to check the 'light tunnel' design on knob).
Maybe time for an 'facelift' RS controle panel (on ebay?)...
PS: what does the steering wheel volume do, normal or simular....never know....maybe the MMI itself

[Jeff V.]

My S5 had the same issue when I first bought it. I ended up replacing the whole MMI control assembly due to a badly chipped button. I got lucky and the new panel had a perfectly functional radio knob.

I doubt anyone spilled anything on it. I've had numerous car radios with knobs like that, and they just wear out due to the design of that type of switch. I think heat makes it worse.

I've still got my old panel in a box. I've been meaning to take it apart to see if the actual electrical switch could be replaced.

[Longwolf]

I have the same issue, from day one when the car was brand new. This only happens once in a great while, usually the first time I touch the volume knob on a given trip. I'll turn it down a few notches, and the volume will go up incrementally, then back down as I continue to turn the volume down. I had my software updated (for an unrelated issue), and that didn't fix it, but I didn't tell the dealer, so they weren't looking for it.

I can live with it for now, and will probably get it addressed when the car is about to go out of warranty in 1.5 years. If I am going to get a new MMI control assembly, might as well do it just before the car goes out of warranty.

ALSO: if there is no way to just replace the volume knob (keep asking around or check with the Audi parts counter), and it bothers you enough that you are going to replace the MMI assembly, you might as well try and fix it yourself first (since you have nothing to lose). You could take it apart, spray with WD40, or electrical lube, etc.

[halcyon]

I have the same issue, from day one when the car was brand new. This only happens once in a great while, usually the first time I touch the volume knob on a given trip. I'll turn it down a few notches, and the volume will go up incrementally, then back down as I continue to turn the volume down. I had my software updated (for an unrelated issue), and that didn't fix it, but I didn't tell the dealer, so they weren't looking for it.

I can live with it for now, and will probably get it addressed when the car is about to go out of warranty in 1.5 years. If I am going to get a new MMI control assembly, might as well do it just before the car goes out of warranty.

ALSO: if there is no way to just replace the volume knob (keep asking around or check with the Audi parts counter), and it bothers you enough that you are going to replace the MMI assembly, you might as well try and fix it yourself first (since you have nothing to lose). You could take it apart, spray with WD40, or electrical lube, etc.

Thank you!

[Jeff V.]

I've got my spare MMI controller disassembled. It's definitely a rotary encoder type of knob. Replacing it should be fairly easy if you're handy with a soldering iron. Probably a $1-2 part. The trick is finding the correct size and pinout. There's no usable part numbers on the damn thing....

You could take it apart, spray with WD40, or electrical lube, etc.

I would definitely NOT do this. The switch itself is sealed. They fail due to corrosion and loss of tension in the copper contact fingers. Spraying solvents down in there is likely to do more damage than good.

[d1amund]

I would definitely NOT do this. The switch itself is sealed. They fail due to corrosion and loss of tension in the copper contact fingers. Spraying solvents down in there is likely to do more damage than good.

Agreed, WD-40 and similar products are fine for barn doors, not electronics.

[Jeff V.]

I figured I'd throw these up for anyone who's interested in trying to do repairs or cleaning on their MMI controls.

This link has an excellent write up on how to remove the panel from the car and get the circuit board out: http://audienthusiasts.com/Project_MMILED.html

Here's the rotary encoder that handles the radio volume. I can just barely make out the numbers "12730T JPN" on it. I've had no luck tracing those back to a manufacturer.





This may be more useful for anyone who has spilled something on their controls, or just wants to do an over the top detailing job. The buttons just slide out of the face plate assembly.





I'm not sure how useful this last one is. Since I'm a little crazy, I decided to remove and disassemble the main MMI knob. The black part was peeling. It's a major pain, but if you're very careful, it can be done. I'm trying to think of something unique to do with the center part. Painting it gloss black is too easy.



It's also interesting to note that the MMI knob is optical, like a computer mouse. It won't wear out like the volume knob will.