Aux Audio Jack Problem

I've run into a really crappy problem with my Aux jack on my '09 Highlander Base. I usually connect a 3.5mm patch cable from the Aux jack to my iPod but yesterday, I found out that the top tip of the patch cable broke off inside the Aux port in the dash.



I have tried to use tweezers but the broken tip is too far into the jack. I'm working on trying to use a micro drill bit to pull it out and putting superglue on the broken cable in the hopes of fishing it back out. If none of this is successful, do I have any options left? Anyone know how expensive it is to have Toyota replace the Aux jack? I certainly hope the worst case doesn't involve them replacing a large chunk of the audio system just to fix the jack.

Reply 1 : Aux Audio Jack Problem

Quote:

Originally Posted by thenebula873 I've run into a really crappy problem with my Aux jack on my '09 Highlander Base. I usually connect a 3.5mm patch cable from the Aux jack to my iPod but yesterday, I found out that the top tip of the patch cable broke off inside the Aux port in the dash. I have tried to use tweezers but the broken tip is too far into the jack. I'm working on trying to use a micro drill bit to pull it out and putting superglue on the broken cable in the hopes of fishing it back out. If none of this is successful, do I have any options left? Anyone know how expensive it is to have Toyota replace the Aux jack? I certainly hope the worst case doesn't involve them replacing a large chunk of the audio system just to fix the jack.

The superglue trick might work, as long as you leave it alone long enough to set. A new one plug is like $100 (according to toyotapartscenter.net) and you have to take the dash apart to replace it so hopefully that wont be necessary. good luck

Reply 2 : Aux Audio Jack Problem

You could always try to pull the trim piece off...there might be a hole that you can get at from the back side with a pin to push it out. Pulling the trim piece off is relatively easy, although yours is a base so it may be different than mine. I posted a detailed HOW TO in the DIY section for replacing the Head unit that has pictures on how to remove. This might help.



http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/sh...hp?t=294263%22

Reply 3 : Aux Audio Jack Problem

The superglue didn't work. Tried Krazy Glue and two-gel epoxy and let it set overnight over the course of the weekend and it wasn't able to bond properly with the broken tip. I'm going to try to use a micro drill bit to see if I can get it out. Doesn't help that Aux jack is placed so close to the shifter knob...going to make this fishing expedition especially difficult.

Reply 4 : Aux Audio Jack Problem

Quote:

Originally Posted by thenebula873 The superglue didn't work. Tried Krazy Glue and two-gel epoxy and let it set overnight over the course of the weekend and it wasn't able to bond properly with the broken tip. I'm going to try to use a micro drill bit to see if I can get it out. Doesn't help that Aux jack is placed so close to the shifter knob...going to make this fishing expedition especially difficult.

Gorilla Glue. But if you use it make sure to use a very small amount as it foams up a bit from its application size and if done incorrectly would fuse that jack assembly together. It's the nuclear option.

Reply 5 : Aux Audio Jack Problem

I would avoid all type of glues/adhesives as they could gum up the AUX jack, then you would have to replace the whole AUX jack. And besides, the glue area is too small to be effective.



Since it's the tip of the plug, the jack has a spring like device to hold the plug in place, so you are trying to remove the broken tip held in by that spring. Your idea of using a small drill bit just might work. Otherwise, the best way is to remove the lower panel and take out the AUX jack, see the 7th to 10th pictures in the link of luck123 posting (#3). This would be the method that I would use as it would not harm the AUX jack and would give me better access without the shifter being in the way. Good luck!!

Reply 6 : Aux Audio Jack Problem

I think if I put the shifter in reverse, I should be able to get enough space to insert the drill. I will have to test it out tomorrow in a dry run until the micro drill bits arrive in the mail. Some have suggested that merely pushing in the drill bit by hand will be enough to get into the broken tip and dislodge it. One person also suggested fracturing the tip with a micro drill bit and then fishing out the pieces...also somewhat feasible if I can drive the drill in at a low enough speed.



As for glue damage, there appears to have been none from my several attempts. I inspected it and the outer contacts were clear with only glue residue on broken tip. If epoxy didn't work, I don't think any adhesive will work.



Hopefully my supplies will be in by the end of the week and I'll be able to fish this thing out. It's driving me crazy that it's taking such a long time to fix this.