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A small bulge on dashboard top panel... need help to fix it.

5.3K views 23 replies 14 participants last post by  pete1  
#1 ·
I have a problem with top part of my dasboard panel - a small bulge, when you press it down it stays in evenly with dash surface but after 2-3 minutes it's back in the previous position. It's like in the middle of the dashboard, right above center vents... it's nothing dramatic but it's very annoying. I need to take a rid of it. Have you ever had to deal with something like that? Thanks for all posts.
(I'll try to take a picture & post it)
 
#2 ·
I think i know what you're talking about...and believe it or not if you are still within warranty, they'll replace your dash for it. I had the dealer tell me they did one because it was bubbling etc. and there was an imperfection in it.
 
#3 ·
cbx said:
I think i know what you're talking about...and believe it or not if you are still within warranty, they'll replace your dash for it. I had the dealer tell me they did one because it was bubbling etc. and there was an imperfection in it.
WOW. But you know, every dealership is different, they may replace it or not and I don't believe they will because there is just 1 "bubble". Anyway, it is really annoying (right above center vents) and I'm trying to find out if there is any chance to deal with it on my own (even that I'm still under warranty).
 
#4 ·
Counter weigh having a new dash without the bubble versus having the dealer remove the dash and have more opportunity to screw up your car, either by scratching other things, inducing more rattles, etc. Think it through is all I'm sayin'.
 
#6 ·
I have the exact same problem....
I had my dash pulled by the dealer for another issue and never thought they'd replace it as the bubble is so small but in the sunlight it is very noticable. The only possible way I thought of to fix it would be to use a needle with a crazy glue in it. You'd have to pierce the bubble ever so slightly get some glue under the bubble and then press it down. Sounds tricky but I think it might work. I am only afraid if the needle prick is noticable after the fact then you're screwed....so why don't you try it and let me know ;)

Replacing the dash is huge and for one or two small imperfections I would leave it alone. I have had my car 3 1/2 years and they have been there since day one. My luck I'd get them repaired and the car would be totalled in an accident the following day!

If you look under fuse side panel you'll see that the dash is merely wrapped with a leatherette type product and it is easy to see why there may be a bubble under it as the dash isn't all moulded and finished in one step.
 
#10 ·
^
Maybe use a small piece of aluminum, whatever you may have lying around. Check the bubble again before you try this, as this may suck the bubble down below the plane of the dash, creating a divot. Then we'll probably see another thread asking how to create some putty the color of your dash in order to fill the pit. :whistle:
 
#12 ·
MarkySparky said:
I have the same bubble above the two center air vents, but mine is barely noticable. Replacing the dash? I don't think so - that would be asking for trouble.
Yep - I have it, too. I'm not messin' with it and I'm not letting the dealer mess with it, either.
 
#18 ·
Another vote for the "ignore it because the dealerships suck and will make the car worse"
 
#19 ·
put a sticker or little bobblehead doll over it. having the dealership replacing the dash would mean you'll drive away from the lot with problems you didnt think were related to a dash replacement, like perhaps sludge problems for a v6 or all seat memory reprogrammed to fit everyone but you. if you have an aftermarket HU they wont do this for you as they refuse to VAG a car with it since (k-wire issues). i am sure they'll bring that up- "we'll need to scan your car for dash faults like little bumps etc."
 
#20 ·
ycharlies said:
if you have an aftermarket HU they wont do this for you as they refuse to VAG a car with it since (k-wire issues).
This is also known as VAG-Interference Node Anomaly, or the dealer being a "VAG-INA"
 
#22 ·
I've got a bubble in my black 02 dash, but not my grey 04.5 dash. I would not let the dealers mess with it - just live with it. I watched them working on fixing my Homelink visor problem, and it was like watching a bunch of monkeys trying to fuck a football. You'll trade a small cosmetic flaw for a major electrical one.