[156Harry]

I had an idea of how to resolve my fading infocenter in my 2003 156 and thought Id Share it with you.
I dont want to fit the newer style one because I personally dont like the slimer design.
I noticed when the screen fades, if you turn the cold air on the screen will go back to normal after a while. This gave me the idea of adding a little 12v fan behind the infocenter to keep air circulating through and prevent the fading.

I managed to find a 60mm fan in an old computer at work that would do the job.

Removing the infocenter is very handy. 2 allen screws at the back of it. Remove the glove box by undoing some screws. Then there is 3 plugs that need undoing that go to the info center.
Remove then without damaging any of the wires.
Once its out open the casing by some small philips head screws.
The fan I used wouldnt fit straight in. I had to cut away some plastic, its very easy to do.
Remove the info center screen, 4 screws.
At the back there is a piece of plastic webbing. I broke it of with a pliars then smoothed it off with a blade.
The arm that controls the air flap also needs sanding back to make room. Along with another piece of plastic webbing on the housing. Its very self explanitry once you see it.

Next was to drill holes to allow air to pass through easy. I did this by hand not to damage any of the circuit board. There are holes on top of the info center already to let heat out.

 

[156Harry]

Next was to fit the fan. First I made sure to put it all in position in the housing so it would fit properly then I marked where to put it.
I screwed it on with short screws that wouldnt hit the circuit board in the infocenter.

Next was to wire it in.
There are 2 lives in the infocenter, a constant live and an ignition live. There is also about 4 earths.
You need to wire it to the ignition otherwise the fan will contantly run even when the car is off.
The ignition wire is orange with a white stripe.
The earth I used was black with a red stripe, but any of the earths can be used.
Joined them up and it works perfect. The fan comes on with the key just as I wanted. The fan I used has a 3rd wire, I just cut it away, I think its a speed control.
Next is to put it all back together. The only difference going back together is the positioning of the wiring for the infocenter. It normally goes from the plug and straight under the screen. Because the fan is in the way I had to route it under the side of the screen.
After that its all just a reverse process of how it came apart.
I then went on a 12mile drive to test it out with the heat on full. Good results so far, it doesnt fade. I wont call it perfect because the fan eventually will recerculate warm air because its sealed from getting cool air. Im going to take it apart again and try get a cool air feed and vent the hot air but so far so good. Also, the fan I used was old and noisey. I went onto ebay and bougth a new silent one for £2 so when it comes Ill make the venting and report back agian.
I hope this helps people.

 

[mirlock]

nice1 matey

its always nice to solve something yaself

:thumbup::thumbup: