Hi,

Sorry, I have put this in the wrong place and I don't know how to correct it now.

I have an Audi A3  convertible.

I would like to add or repurpose one of the switches in the small row of switches in the centre of the dashboard (nine push button switches only a few of which are used).

The whole set are surrounded by a silver metal strip. Is this strip just clipped into place or are there screws/nuts on the inside that need removing?

I have tried pushing a flat screwdriver under the surround and trying to lever it off but without using too much force. Does it come off without removing the whole of the dashboard?

Removing the cover plate around the display screen just reveals a metal housing that I can't get past and I assume removing the air ducts just above the switch plate will mean disconnecting the air pipes so I am hoping someone can help before I damage something on the dashboard.

Thanks,

Bob.

 

Edited May 15, 20251 yr by Bob1954
thread in wrong place

Hello Bob,

I’m sorry I can’t help you with this, but I would think seriously about DIYing this - it is likely to end up the sort of job you wish you hadn’t started, and has a great potential for resulting in broken bits of plastic.

If it were mine, I would be seeking assistance at a trusted local independent. 
Kind regards,

Gareth.

Im intrigued, what switch are you adding Bob? 

17 hours ago, Magnet said:

I would think seriously about DIYing this - it is likely to end up the sort of job you wish you hadn’t started, and has a great potential for resulting in broken bits of plastic.

If it were mine, I would be seeking assistance at a trusted local independent. 
Kind regards,

Gareth.

I totally agree with Gareth on this, unless you have access to a very good workshop manual. If you get it wrong broken trim can be surprisingly expensive to replace, and very ugly if you don't.

Any comments so far Bob? 

I wasn't going to comment at this point as I see nothing good to comment on but as you have specifically pushed for a reply I will give you one.

I am a fully qualified radio electronic maintainer, now retired, with many years experience maintaining, repairing and altering equipment both mechanical and electronic. I virtually built my first vehicle from scrap and in the early days spent many hours under the bonnet or the whole vehicle servicing, repairing and altering to keep it on the road.

No-one asked me for my credentials and I saw no reason in supplying them.

I have a garage with an electric door that opens from a fob just throwing about in the drink wells of the car, it would be so much neater to have a dedicated button on the dashboard to do this. I have already dismantled the fob and added two wires into the switch that could be plugged into a hidden socket under the dashboard connected to one of the switches and have absolutely no qualms about adding a pair of wires on a socket to do this.

You and your co-commenters didn't ask about my ability before criticising my efforts.

I looked at the question again and couldn't find the part that says "don't help me just criticise my efforts".

I do feel that had you been around in the early days of man we would still be hunter gatherers without even the use of the wheel and that is a world I don't wish to return to so If you don't mind I will not get involved in criticisms of people who are trying to improve the world and there own part in it.

Please don't bother commenting unless it is to offer assistance with my original question as I am sure this answer will be criticised just as much, remember you called for a reply.

But I will respond Bob. 
I take your comments on board, and in my book, it’s very, very rare the anyone’s background or abilities to be enquired about, or indeed needed to be qualified in any way. 
 

In your case, I’m left unsure as to why your competence led you to enquire in the first place, and it’s equally confusing to see what has been said that represents a personal criticism, but if your logic points it to be, then so be it, in your mind.
 

Good luck with it.

Regards,

Gareth. 
 

I

Slightly miffed my question was deemed “criticism” and was not considered “worth commenting on” i was genuinely interested in the purpose of the switch as it maybe have been something I could incorporate into my own A3 dashboard.  Never mind , I’ll move on 

I am sorry enc, you are quite welcome to ask the question and I hope my last rant included an answer to you question. 

Please accept my apology.

Hi Bob

Great idea. Have you tried asking google? I find lots of useful info there. On the panel on lower section on each side are narrow slots to fit a radio removal tool. I've just looked at my A3 and they are there. Found this link on google which may help