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.
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
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2008 Black Highlander Limited FWD
Nav (with override), Rear DVD | 900+ Watt Sound System | Headlight & Fog HID Projector Retrofit | LED Interior/Puddle Lights | Rattletrap Sound Deadener | Dueler HL Alenzas 255/55R19's |Updated Modification List
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.
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.
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.
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2008 Highlander Base 4WD
2002 Avalon XL
1987 Suzuki Samurai 4X4 - Treading where no Jeep can follow....
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!!
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2008 Highlander AWD, Blizzard Pearl & Ash interior, loaded but no rear entertainment
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.
Well my weekend update on this problem is not good. The drill method failed and probably ended up damaging the port as well. At this point, looks like my only option is to replace the Aux jack entirely with a new one.
Should I contact the dealer service directly for this or do you think a third-party shop would be able to fix this? I'm not even who I should call for quotes besides the dealer. Stereo outfitters? Auto body shops?
I'm hoping a replacement won't be more than $300 parts and labor. I guess this is what I get for using a $2 audio patch cable.
Never hurts to try car audio shops, but I would go to dealer for replacement and swap out myself. Could also try auto wreckers in your area and see if you can find a used panel with aux jack from a wrecked HL.
__________________ 09 Black HL Sport, loaded Cdn version: AWD, bk leather int.
Mods: tinted windows; upgraded headlight and fog bulbs; bug deflector; Ichiba 15mm bolt on wheel spacers, Pioneer FH-P8000BT head unit; Blaupunkt underseat sub, Viper 5901 security/auto start, stainless dual exhaust tip, upgraded horns.
Well my weekend update on this problem is not good. The drill method failed and probably ended up damaging the port as well. At this point, looks like my only option is to replace the Aux jack entirely with a new one.
Should I contact the dealer service directly for this or do you think a third-party shop would be able to fix this? I'm not even who I should call for quotes besides the dealer. Stereo outfitters? Auto body shops?
I'm hoping a replacement won't be more than $300 parts and labor. I guess this is what I get for using a $2 audio patch cable.
There's a bunch of auto wreckers by Willets Point/Shea Stadium so I'll give them a call to see if they have anything. I doubt they have any late model Highlanders...might be a longshot (not to mention they're pretty shady too).
The dealer quoted the price at $89 for the part and up to $100 for the labor, depending on how fast the mechanic can swap it out. I'm thinking of possibly buying the part only from them and having another shop swap the part in to bring down the labor costs.
Service guy made this sound like he normally gets people with audio jack problems. I never liked its placement so close to the shifter.
A final update on this. I was able to get the replacement part (officially called the Adapter) from Toyota, even though they charge the rip-off price of $120 for it. Couple pics of it below for reference:
Was able to swap out the old one today and put this new one in. Just a few clips on the bottom center console trim panel to get through and it was mostly just plug and play from there. Special thanks to azonicdh for helping me out on this.
Now I have learned my lesson with the Aux jack. I'm going to use a thinner gauge audio cable that doesn't butt up against the shifter knob and leave the cable plugged in to minimize chances of it breaking inside the Aux jack again. Hope no one else has to run into this costly problem!
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