DIY: Audi factory stereo faceplate replacement
 

Hey folks,

Since I bought my A4 I have had a problem with the LED display on the factory Audi radio/head unit. It started with 1 line missing and slowly turned into more than half the display gone. Very annoying.

I didn't really want to purchase a whole new Audi head unit ($$$$), so you can imagine how happy I was when I found a replacement FACEPLATE only on eBay. Now, eBay has let me down before and I am always VERY wary of purchasing anything more than $30. This one was a success! Only a few days later, it showed up in the mail. Well packaged and in mint condition, just as described.

The replacement faceplate was $50 USD and $30 USD shipping, here:
Audi Symphony II NEW panel and LCD display 8E0 035 195F:eBay Motors (item 350290695693 end time Jan-07-10 10:15:54 PST)

https://i.ebayimg.com/15/!BhFgcLg!Wk...T4H1Q~~_35.JPG

Following these few steps I replaced it.

1. Remove the factory stereo. Use the VAG stereo removal tools, which can also be purchased (for only a couple $) off eBay. Get four, not two. It's possible to use only 2, but a pain the butt for the $3 it would save you. (picture #1)
Put the removal keys into the small slots on all four corners of the deck. The longer side of the removal keys go to the outside of the deck on each side. They go about 3/4 of the way in, until you hear a click. Then press them towards the outside of the deck (towards the flat side of the finger holder) and pull towards you.

2. Unplug the stereo from it's various wiring harnesses. Don't worry about anti-theft screwing it up, because the Audi stereo communicates directly with one of the car controllers (central conv. system I believe) so as long as the same Audi stereo is used, it won't lock itself or ask for codes.

3. There are four small phillips screws holding the faceplate on the deck. Unscrew them. (picture #3) Pull the faceplate directly off the deck. You can see the wiring plugs that connect the faceplate to the deck (picture #2)

4. Switch out the new faceplate for the old one (reverse the order above). You're finished! That easy. Goodbye missing LED lines ;) You also get all new buttons, so any worn down ones are replaced. Bonus!