DIY : RNS-E Chrome buttons install

[Axis]

Here's how to install chrome buttons on an RNS-E. I'm using the Euro A4 RNS-E Chrome buttons, if you're using the A3/TT buttons you will need to mod them in order to fit properly since they're not made for our units like the ones I'm using. You will need to merge you oem volume button with the A3/TT chrome button and drill out the A3/TT mode button.

Here's an image of how the A3/TT buttons look like at night when un-modded :

*Image borrowed from another forum*





In my car once installed using Euro A4 RNS-E Chrome buttons:



Tools needed:

4 X Radio removal keys
1 X #0 Phillips Screwdriver
1 X #4 Phillips Screwdriver
1 X Jeweler flat head screw driver
1 X Pair of long noses

1 - First remove the RNS-E from the car. (If this is complicated for you dont attempt this DIY)

2 - Remove the 3 top #0 Phillips




3 - Remove the #4 Phillips, 1 on each side





4 - Remove the top lid and put it aside.

5 - Remove the 4 X #4 Phillips on each sides





6 - Pull the lock ears on both sides towards the outside to unclip them (Dont remove them)



We can see the face plate connector in this image, note where it is for later.


7 - Remove the 2 #0 Phillips on the bottom of the unit



8 - Pull gently on the face plate, it will move upwards as shown below and it will bring the screen up with it



9- Push the face plate back to its original position by pushing on the exterior, the screen tray will stay in place



10 - Remove the 3 #0 Phillips that secure the screen to the tray, dont strip them they have blue loctite, hold the screen in place once the screw are removed since the ribbon of the screen is still attached



11 - Now to remove the ribbon, pull the brown tab towards you with your jeweler screwdriver. Once the ribbon is removed, slide one side of the screen out of its track, then the other and put the screen aside.







12 - You can now remove the connector of the face plate and place the face plate in front of you on a towel.



13 - Remove the 7 #0 that hold the board in the red rectangle



14 - Lift the board gently, the ribbon is on the left. Push the black tabs away to release the ribbon using the jeweler screwdriver. Once removed, put it aside.



Beware picture taken with potato, it show the black tab in released postion.


15 - Remove the 6 #0 Phillips of the metal plate, remove it and put it aside



16 - Remove the L shaped plastic spacer/shim



17 - Remove the 5 #0 Phillips screw holding the board



18 - Unclip the tab holding the board's ribbon like we did earlier using the flat head jeweler screwdriver





17 - Now that you have the board in your hands, remove the power button from the board by pulling on it (Mine is chrome but its a TT button that didnt fit properly and trying to mod it to fit properly gave me nose bleeds)



18 - Install the A4 RNS-E Chrome button



19 - Re-install the board and ribbon.

20 - Now back to the faceplate that you can lift without all the buttons falling because you put back the board right, RIGHT?

21 - Pull on the mode button, remove the spring from the oem button and install it in the A4 RNS-e chrome button and install chrome button. You might need to make the tabs a bit tigher using the long noses but test the button first.





22 - Put everything back using these steps in reverse.

23 - Enjoy

[Axis]

Result:


Installed:


Comparaison of the A3/TT button, oem RNS-E button and Euro A4 Chrome button side by side:



Comparaison of the Power/Volume button side by side:



Now these are the A3/TT chrome buttons, see the difference in the Power/Volume button?



Euro chrome RNS-E buttons:

[Okedokey]

Nice right up mate.

[jerseybrian]

If I bought these, I'd ship you my RNS-E lol

[Axis]

If I bought these, I'd ship you my RNS-E lol

You can do it easily Brian but if you're really not confortable opening it up, I can pm you my address

Not home but I think I only have one pair left.

[3.2]

Temped to do this diy but the board and ribbon makes me nervous! stupid question, could you like cut the original buttons off to remove them and then install the chrome ones?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Axis]

Temped to do this diy but the board and ribbon makes me nervous! stupid question, could you like cut the original buttons off to remove them and then install the chrome ones?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nope, you'll have to open it to remove the power button.

You cant break the ribbon except if you try to. Especially with all the steps to follow posted.

[iamshayan]

Picked these up from Axis and installed them, they are everything I ever wanted.

Install was a breeze, especially with these detailed instructions.

FyI, these fit the C5 A6 Rns-e too (which I have retrofitted in my b5)

One thing I can say is - make sure you keep your screws organized.
I mean sure you could look at the pictures and see which went where but it might just be easier to keep them organized.
Also, work somewhere where they wont disappear forever if they fall. Ie. carpet.

Here are some pics





Also I wasn't convinced the home button was going to work for the amount I use it (no mfsw). SO... I added a bit of rubber cement to the inside and popped it on. Not a whole lot by any means, just a little dab to keep things tight!

[Axis]

Ty for the nice review @Iamshayan

[tylaughter]

Great write up! Very detailed. I just dismantled my RNS-E to send out the faceplate to be retrofitted for my B5. I would be interested in re-assembling with the chrome knobs/buttons if you have a set for sale.

[Axis]

Great write up! Very detailed. I just dismantled my RNS-E to send out the faceplate to be retrofitted for my B5. I would be interested in re-assembling with the chrome knobs/buttons if you have a set for sale.

Check your PM's

[A4InIowa]

You still selling these?

[Axis]

You still selling these?

Yes I have a couple pairs left

[a4udi55]

Hi whats part number Euro RNS-E chrome button ?

[Axis]

Hi whats part number Euro RNS-E chrome button ?

I never found the part number, they always remove the part number prior to shipping.

I used to order from a European supplier but prices went up 33% so I'm not ordering again. Except if I have a few buyer ready to pre-pay to ammortize the purchase.

[a4udi55]

I never found the part number, they always remove the part number prior to shipping.

I used to order from a European supplier but prices went up 33% so I'm not ordering again. Except if I have a few buyer ready to pre-pay to ammortize the purchase.

can you supply it again?
Can you tell me about the current price?
I want to buy 2 pairs. Best regards.

My projects page: www.facebook.com/a4udi

[egovreau]

Dang, I wish I had found this thread sooner.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Axis]

Dang, I wish I had found this thread sooner.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

This power button will glare all over at night. You'll need to make an hybrid with your original power button.

[egovreau]

This power button will glare all over at night. You'll need to make an hybrid with your original power button.

That is the A3/TT knobs, yes?

[thedanplasse]

Still have any of these?

[nikos147]

This power button will glare all over at night. You'll need to make an hybrid with your original power button.

Do you still have these for sale?

[Axis]

Do you still have these for sale?

Unfortunatly I don’t

[nikos147]

Unfortunatly I don’t

Thanks for the immediate response... Do you have the OEM part numbers?? I searched everywhere without success...