DIY: BMW E39 HVAC Button Panel Replacement
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- čas přidán 6. 11. 2014
- Video tutorial on how to replace the button panel assembly on the HVAC panel from a BMW E39. It is required that you remove the HVAC panel in order to replace the buttons. This tutorial also demonstrates how to split down the entire assembly to gain access to the circuit boards and clean the dust on the inside. I purchased the buttons as a kit from online and I did replace the whole assembly rather than replace the individual buttons. A similar procedure possible applies to other BMW models as well. This particular tutorial was done on a 1997 BMW 540i E39.
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Tools/Supplies Needed:
-standard/flat screwdriver
-electronic contact cleaner
Procedure:
-the hvac panel must be removed first
-first start by removing the outer faceplate which is which is clipped onto the rear portion
-the clips are on the top and bottom, this can be done by hand but a standard/flat screwdriver can be used for assistance
-once remove, the circuit board on the back portion can be slide out if needed to clean dust and the fan
-the fan can be noisy after time, so it is a good idea to clean the dust from it using a tooth brush
-now to remove the circuit board, unclip the metal insert from the outer plastic button housing
-be sure to do this over an area where the inner contacts will not get lost
-a standard screwdriver can be used to assist this
-transfer the contacts from the old button assembly to the new assembly
-transfer the clear insert as well
-elevate the new panel on the sides so it doesn't interfere with the buttons
-be sure the clean the temperature sensor with electronic contact cleaner
-insert the circuit board, make sure it fits evenly all the way around
-before clipped into place, but close, ensure all the buttons work correctly
-clip circuit board into place
-reinstall the other circuit board into the plastic backer housing
-install faceplate
-ensure the unit works before completely reinstalling in vehicle
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Showing how the little springs fall out when opening the panel is invaluable and could save someone a LOT of time. I'm about to do this myself and have 3 extra springs I purchased just in case any are missing.
Happy to help, thank you for the feedback :)
The video is excellent. I tried putting those contact back into the slot(?) they were unstable but worked on this for three hours trying to get it put back together. I regret beginning this odyssey going to try again but already have searched for a replacement. You have to have the patience of an angel in my opinion to do this yourself.
Very instructional video.; the most thorough I could find. Thank you! I watched this three times before I started the replacement. Regarding the small connectors and replacing the circuit board, I held the parts against my body and reinstalled the circuit board, but ended up with two connectors that moved. So, I used the old climate face plate as my base, which allowed me to get the proper fit. Patience is key since this is like a puzzle. Also, taking the old plate out was tough because there wasn't much give with the wiring harnesses. Best to be able to access the plate from driver and passenger sides.
I paid $77 for my replacement climate plate. With the aid of your excellent replacement video, it took me two and half hours to complete the entire repair. I enjoyed your video and the project. Thank you for sharing!
Happy to help, thank you for the feedback and tips too!
Excellent tutorial. I followed these instructions and successfully swapped over my climate control button panel in under an hour. Also gave me access to the auxiliary input cable that I've been wanting to plug my iPhone into for ages. Thanks heaps!
Great video as are your posts. A couple things I may add are, 1. another video I saw was to remove all the buttons so you can get that back plate on without so much frustration. 2. the little clips that have the contacts on them, in my case, the clip that has the spring tab slipped down under the little black plastic and it won't allow the spring to push back up. So the button won't work. I noticed this while watching your video and it helped me diagnose the issue. Thanks again for all you do. God bless you.
Does anyone know if it’s possible to replace just the buttons themselves from the front so as to not have to remove everything?
Thank you! This is so helpful. I wish I watched it before I tried it the first time. So many springs "sprung" out when I removed the plate the first time that I lost five and needed to locate a junker part to replace the lost springs. I'll know where to start next time - right here!
No problem and thank you for the feedback!
Thank you for your video. It is really informative and I was able to replace mine today. The most tricky part, as you have mentioned in your video, is to put the face plate with buttons back to the frame. Thank you.
Glad to help out and thank you for the feedback :)
Thank you very much for sharing this useful information.
Yoooo bruuuh good looks for the vid, very informative, keep it up, looking forward for more on the same vehicle
Thank you and glad to help out! Will definitely have more E39 videos this year :)
What I did was carefully break all the little aluminum tabs off so the button contacts wouldn't pop out when the unit snaps together- or one or more buttons will not work. The outer black plastic housing holds everything together just fine.
Great tip, thank you for sharing! You can also replace the buttons individually too, I just preferred having the new face plate as well.
Very nice video mate. Just wanted to clean my HVAC...
Good video, very helpful, thank you so much!
Thank you, happy to help :)
awesome! thank you
This helps me a lot and I thank you a lot.
Always happy to help :)
Great video. Thank you
Thank you! By the way, I want your headlights lol. Don't forget to subscribe.
Hello, thank you for posting this video, it is very helpful. In my case the wire connectors in my 2003 530 have never been removed, as such the one with two tabs on each side and the one with no tab are stuck shut in there. I have tugged very hard and no budging. I was wondering if you have any solution, may be a spray of some sort that would loosen up the connectors. Thank you in advance
Super amazing video, 💯 awesome took me two hours to complete everything. Thanks for giving little tips between the removing that helped not to broke everything lol. A+++
No problem, happy I could help!
hi thx for video but can you tell me where i can get these small contacts if i wanna buy some
Hey have a question. I’ve got e38 740i. My HVAC control panel still works. Everything still works great. But the indicator lights (green) randomly cycle from visible to super dim. Any ideas? Thanks in advance. Great stuff!
Excellent!
Thank you!
Thank you for this video. Every time I try to replace the panel non of the button come back into the original position. They are just flat against the panel. What am I doing wrong.. Very frustrated!!
I'm doing this very soon and thought about applying an acrylic conformal coat on the circuit board(not the fan) for protection. either a silicone or acrylic should be ok
Great video.
Do you have any idea how to return panel with display to panel with buttons, so that the small copper contact parts, not pops out of their socket?
+dragoslav ristic Thank you! Just put the button panel on it's face with sometime to hold up the outer edges so it doesn't put pressure on the buttons.
Hi. I would like to know if you can help me to change the temperature unit from farehenhait to Celcius on the display of the automatic climate control of a E39, as the one you have on this video? Thanks.
ok thank u!
Thank You.
No problem!
How you get the little crystal
On the buttons on the up and down on the temperature button to fit
Hello
When I turn the key to posit II/engin off and heating off I can hear the auxilliary pum is working!
I think something is wrong, that pump under this 2 valves should turn on when heating is on, should be off when heating is off, right?
What are the contacts behind the buttons called I can’t seem to find them anywhere?
Perfect Video, Told me all I needed to know. After watching your video I was able to replace mine in minutes. Thank You for taking the time to make and upload the video. You Rock!!
+Irene Silvernail Excellent to hear and thank you so much!
I replaced the button panel assembly using your instructions (car is a '98 528i) and initially most of the functions were working. A few days later I have no control whatsoever on anything. Is there an AC module that may have faulted?
Check the fuse or give it a battery nap as it may need to be reset.
can you replace a button without taking the assembly out? my plate is fine just one but is cracked.
where can i get panel replacement cover for my 04 bmw e53 x5.
Good morning my name is walter and I love your video! I followed all the steps, and when I put everything back together! I plugged everything in, and only the auto buttons and ac buttons worked. All the other buttons when I press them nothing happens no light nothing. I can’t turn ac up or down, or off. Please help if you can. Walter george
can you go from mx ac to rest?
I have a BMW X5 3.0 05 when I turn in on the ac comes on and my three buttons are missing help
Hi, I have a problem with the ac control the fan keeps running when the car is off ..any idea??
I wonder what is that clear white plastic for... Im sure it transmits light true like on game consoles, but what for....
Hi,
Did you had any problems once is back in to the car?
My one just stuck on AUTO 23C+ both sides none of the other buttons working
Is the car has to be reset to after reconnecting the unit??
4 years later. Me with the same problem that you had.
How are the buttons on the front panel actually lit? Are there light bulbs somewhere?
Small non-replaceable leds on the circuit board.
my lil fan inside of the button assembly. ..?? goes for up to an hour or l I longer sometimes. and my down temp button is stuck in the down position. . do u think it should be pretty easy to just clean the lil fan and push that stuck button back into place??
The fan speed is controlled by the climate control. Once the cabin hits a certain temperature, it will turn down the fan automatically. The procedure is fairly straight forward.
BMW x5 02 heater panel dont lite up
This is a lot, there has to be an easier way to replace the buttons on this e39???
ok this was an absolute nightmare to assemble back... had to slide 2 bars under the panel so the buttons are facing down and are not pushed at all by the table... also if your buttons get stuck for no apparent reason, check the gold metal bracket in that button contact... it's probably not reclining against black plastic pin anymore, so shove it back
Where do you get the little metal clips that allow the buttons to be clicked in and out
They can't be bought separately unfortunately.
4DIYers thanks for the response. Time to look for a part out e39.
I got it installed and the buttons feel like they work, they bounce back and everything, but they don't seem to do anything.. I have power to the unit because It lights up and reads, but no result when pushing buttons... Any suggestions?
I've got this same problem unfortunately
Just did this but now my panel is not working. Does it reset by itself and work after ? Is it a fuse ? If it is why and how can I fix it ? I have no buttons working and my AC is on and there’s no way to turn it down, up or off.
Start with checking the fuses. If that passes, try to disconnect and reconnect it again.
Where did you purchase the HVAC panel?
otrdr80 Bavauto.com
my temp button up or down. The down temp button is stuck behind the button and im not gett good contact
You'll have to remove the panel in order to get that back into place.
I did this process....but now the panel is no longer turning on. anything I can do? not sure what I did
+Oscar Ali Have you checked the fuses and are all the electrical connectors plugged in?
How do you replace an individual button?
+Ed Zuk Using a small screwdriver, pry from the bottom side of the button and pop outward.
this is very hard to do
Patience is the key. Be methodical. I placed my new face plate on top of the old one to ensure I kept all of my contacts from moving under the face plate buttons.
I wonder, why didnt you just replace whole front section with intact buttons, or you just wanted to show how buttons are replaced?
i can, and i just did, works fine 😊
Why not just swap the buttons?
Max Mertens You can do that as well, but some of your existing buttons my break down the road as they are still the older plastic.