RNS-E Display Ribbon Disassembly & Photos

[lectrolink]

The display went out on my 2006 A3 Sat/Nav unit, which has a Japanese branding: Aisin AW Co, Ltd. (does anyone know if this was a normal OEM supplier in 2006?) Everything else was working so I suspected a bad/loose ribbon, which others have reported.

On my particular unit, once I pulled the RNS-E, I opened up the LCD and disconnected all the cables in back before LCD could close again. My removal sequence: I removed the three screws from bottom of LCD bracket and removed the LCD; removed the top plate; removed screws from both side plates (which hinge out when loosened); removed two front screws from bottom plate. This freed the fascia, which is necessary to get at the control unit end of the ribbon. A note on disconnecting the ribbon: at LCD end, pull back (slide out) on the two tabs at either end of the retainer; at control unit end, flip up the retainer.

As you can see, my ribbon was damaged/corroded on the last two pins of the control unit end. Three options are: replace cable ~$50 when available (sourced on ebay from Euro sources); use silver-bearing electrical paint to paint over the damage (don't know anyone who has tried this successfully); Cut off appx 2mm to get rid of damaged part and reinsert. Not sure which option yet for me.


Note damaged pins on control end of ribbon


Label on my 2006 A3 RNS-E unit


Control unit disassembled, with fascia at back and back of LCD at right


Ribbon port on control unit


Ribbon port on back of LCD

[sa_seahawker]

I could've sworn the were built in either Belgium, Romania or some eastern Euro country...

[lectrolink]

UPDATE: I ended up buying a syringe of silver condictive paint/glue for $7 off ebay. Gave it a nice even coating on the two damaged pins and let it dry for an hour. Reassembled unit, installed...works good as new!

[lectrolink]

UPDATE: I ended up buying a syringe of silver condictive paint/glue for $7 off ebay. Gave it a nice even coating on the two damaged pins and let it dry for an hour. Reassembled unit, installed...works good as new!

Unfortunately, the unit began acting oddly in July, with the screen maintaining a residual glow when ignition key was turned off, draining the battery. Finally, screen went out again. Going to withdraw my recommendation of the silver paint fix. Buying an entire new cable now from Germany. 29E

[TagEldinAhmed]

Unfortunately, the unit began acting oddly in July, with the screen maintaining a residual glow when ignition key was turned off, draining the battery. Finally, screen went out again. Going to withdraw my recommendation of the silver paint fix. Buying an entire new cable now from Germany. 29E

If you don't mind me asking, where are you buying the cable from? Had it go out a few months ago, fixed it by disconnecting it and then connecting it again; however, the car sat in the sun all summer so the cable gradually gave up on me when I started using it again.

[fbg111]

Thanks for the pics and updates, I just bought an RNS-E for my B7, this will be very useful if ever mine has similar problems.

2006 B7 A4 S2.0T | S-Line | Sport