One of the screens on the rear climate controls is broken.

Anybody have instructions on how to remove it? If I find a replacement on eBay, is it just a straight plug and play or is it somehow programmed to a specific vehicle?

Thanks in advance!

 

You sir, maam, or nonbinary other, are about to open a can of worms that need not be opened.
Put a small piece of blackout tape over that tiny display window it if it's fugly.
The rear climate settings/temp can individually be controlled from the front console, or synched to match the front console settings, if so desired. You do all that from the front seat. Leave that rear display where it is and leave it alone is my advice.

 

Ok, now I don't have any problems with mine, but this answer has got me saying "Ok Why?" . What is it that makes this something that you want to leave alone?

You would think you could just remover the broken one and replace it with a new one. But saying that I know now a days Car Manufactures don't like people to be able to do that, so exactly what has Audi done to make this such an impossible job for the average home mechanic ? Readers would like to know.

Bruce

 

Audi is pretty good at having CP(content protection) in all of their modules which requires a dealer visit. Its there so your friendly neighborhood crackhead can't break into your car and steal your head units/temp control unit and hawk it on eBay for he/she/other/non binary said person/thing/they/we/us/other to buy and install.
LOL

 

It's bound to be a huge waste of $$.
It's bound to be component protected, requiring a paid visit to Audi to get it recognized by the car.
It's bound to be a bugger to remove cleanly w/o breaking either the vents or power outlets.
It's going to throw major trouble codes in several systems across car once disconnected from car's harness. Do you have a VAG-compatible diagnostic scantool?
There's no guarantee your buying a 'used' HVAC controller is actually going to work upon install...refer to item #1 and #2, as well.
If you have kids back there who like to kick things, why try to make it pretty again; black duct tape, cut to size, and it disappears.
You don't need those little window/readouts; review temp & set them via the front HVAC controls...very easy to set them individually or synch up to front temps.

There's going to be plenty of other wear&tear items (OE battery, HID bulbs, wipers, air suspension pump, mirror control switch, multiple relays, tires, brake pads/rotors/hardware/fluid, alternator, serpentine belt/tensioner/idler pulleys, alternator/alternator pulley, HPFP, drivetrain fluids that have been ignored by Audi, etc., which you actually will need to replace, at some point, whether proactively or reactively, on this car. Choose your proactive projects wisely, and be sure you have a proper VAG-compatible scantool, or you'll be driving blind and throwing $$ at parts you don't need.

 

Doesn't look too bad mechanically, you will need VCDS though to perform the last few steps.

 

So is it just a clearing of a code or something else?

 

That instruction sheet just shows you exactly how it comes apart, and outlines that you will need VCDS to clear errors, etc., resultant from removing the control head, and to run the adaptations outlined. It does not address your query of installing a used control head, which almost certainly will require you to pay a qualified shop or Audi to (security) code it into the car so it can be recognized and function.

A roll of black tape or self-stick velcro to cover that busted display window and make it 'disappear' from view would cost you a few dollars, and you'd be done and drinking a cold one, or doing something better with your time saved, in minutes flat...food for thought.

If you press the front control button in, rather than just turning it, then it brings up the rear controls...you adjust them individually using left/right temp button controls in front console, or you also have the option to 'synch' both rear sides output temp with the front controller...so easy. Also, back in the day, there were no spiffy digital readouts for temps selection, you just slid a lever left or right until you found your 'comfort zone'...don't overthink this. There is no good outcome from pulling out a working temp control unit from your car. I've done all I can to save you from yourself.

Make good decisions; it's a complex, highly integrated, currently working, multi-zoned HVAC system you are messing with.

 

That control may have component protection on it, so putting in a new one will not work till Audi logs in and tells the car it isn't stolen, while stealing at least an hour of shop rate from your wallet.
It may not though and one from a scrap yard will plug in and work fine.... I don't know.

 

It took all of about 2 minutes to pull the old one and put in the new one. Zero issues with it. Plug and play.