I picked up my new (to me) MINI a few days ago, and noticed that a number of the climate control buttons were stuck or hard to push. The more I cleaned up, I could tell that there must have been a large soda in the cup holder (on the downtube) that spilled onto the center dash.

Everything works, but the air controls on the left side are difficult to push, as are some of the radio buttons on the left. I've done my best to get at what I can with Q-tips and Windex, but it's just not 'doing the job'. This isn't really a warranty issue, so I don't see the dealer being much help.

Any and all input would be most appreciated!
thanks.

 

steam vac?

im not very fond of spraying things on my electronics but if you dont
plan on using your car for a couple of days you can probably fine mist
some diluted soap water and just do a wipe down, let it dry a few days.

 

I would say that if it appears that it was that way when you purchased it, the dealer should be forced to clean it up.

 

...agreed, but it was purchased from an individual. It was obviously an accident, and I flew into TN to drive it back to NE - so I didn't have time or the option of trying to fix it right then.

 

Ahhh, gotcha.

I had this issue in a previous car, and I really just had to keep going at it to break the stickiness down. Like I'd take a q-tip soaked in cleaning solution and really go at all the crevices around the buttons, let it sit a few days, and do it again. It took maybe 4 or 5 rounds but eventually it was fine.

 

I wonder if you could find a product for cleaning keyboards, cellphones or electronics in general at Best Buy, Circuit City or Radio Shack. Anyone remember "The Pepsi Syndrome" SNL skit?

 

Taking the center stack apart isn't that difficult. It won't help with the radio or climate control buttons but you could make sure to get the rest clean.

As far as the buttons, you could use an electronics cleaner and use either a shop vac to suck up the moisture/residue or some compressed air to clean it out.

 

but it isn't. Take Scott's suggestion and pull out the down tubes. Then take out each componet from the stack (only 4 screws, one is held in by the tangs on the other). The toggle switch panal comes appart (no fasteners, just clicks together) then you can clean everything. I'm not sure about the climate thinggy, as I've never taken one apart, but I'd guess it's not that hard. The head unit will be a biatch to clean, other than the que-tip and patience method.

With the tubes off, you'll be able to get to all the stuff that went behind stuff and really get it clean. Depending on the HVAC unit, you're looking at less than two hours complete.

Matt

 

Thanks for everyone's input.....I love this place.

 

check on Mini2.com or motoringfile.com. They both have very good how to sections.....

Matt