Well I've decided to rip out another potentially expensive car part and bodge it

The problem: radio head unit buttons sticking in when pushed

The solution: Hot water and prayer

Tools required: TX6, TX8, TX10 drivers, Radio removal tools.

Here's a pic of the head unit in my Sharan
Attachment 22764

Every time I push a button it would stick in and the knobs were very gummy to turn.

Using radio removal tools (2 Euro from Ebay) pull the radio out but DON'T unplug it.

Remove the top cover (4 TX 8 screws) and your left with the CD player exposed.

Remove the 4 Tx6 screws and lift off the CD player to expose the red ribbon connector underneath
Attachment 22765
Unplug the ribbon cable and put the CD player aside. You might want to check the CD player for dust while you have it out.

Remove the 4 TX 10 countersunk screws from the side of the headunit to release the front portion of the radio
Attachment 22766

Take the front section to a bench and remove the 4 TX6 screws to release the metal back plate then remove the remaining TX6 screws to release the PCB from the front facia. Take care not to damage the rubber sheet between the two. This may be sticky as well so give it a wipe. You will have to pull off the two knobs but they're only held on with splines so they shouldn't break.
Attachment 22768

Now take the front facia and knobs and put them in a bucket of hot (not boiling) water and leave to soak for a while to loosen off the sticky stuff.
Start to press the buttons in order to speed up the process. I cleaned the lcd screen on the PCB while I was waiting.
Some of the buttons can be removed so take them out and clean these individually.

Attachment 22769

Dry the unit thoroughly (I used an air gun) paying special attention to the CD slot due to the fabric cover which will hold moisture.

Reassembly is reverse of removal.

The matt finish on the head unit is a paint job which was peeling badly on mine so I pulled off any loose bits.

I wasn't asked for a code on refitting so I assume the code is stored on the main motherboard in the unit which was left plugged in.

Enjoy having non-stick buttons

MS.