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The stereo system is an enjoyable feature of a car, and a malfunctioning AUX port is one of the most irritating things that may happen to you. The aux jack connects an MP3 player or other audio device to a car’s sound system through a 3 mm headphone connection.
The connection is made feasible by using cables. While older vehicle models with factory sound systems may not have aux ports, they’re prevalent in current car models and compatible with most MP3 players and phones. These versatile input ports make it easy to listen to music on the go.
Occasionally, a broken or malfunctioning female port interferes with your connection, making your sound system less convenient. In such situations, there is no cause for alarm. With a bit of planning and care, you can repair, remove, or replace the aux port in your car.
Why Is My Aux Port Not Working in My Car?
Before you can go about fixing your aux port, you have to identify what’s causing it to malfunction in the first place. Sometimes, the problem goes beyond your choice of cable. Here are some reasons why your aux port might not be working.
Destroyed Aux Input Cable
The aux input connects a phone or other listening gadget to the sound system. If it is destroyed, it will not function normally and may cause problems with the music played via your car’s system. An extra aux input cable in your glove box is a brilliant idea if you need it at any time.
Damaged Aux Input Jack
If your aux input jack is destroyed, you will be unable to use that port, even when the rest of the system is still operational. If it becomes damaged, you should consider replacing it immediately.
Missing Auxiliary Input Cable
The issue may be that your aux’s input jack cable is faulty or missing, hindering it from connecting correctly with any plugged-in device. The exciting thing is that it is not as challenging as it appears to replace an aux input jack. Whereas there are several ways to accomplish this, I suggest soldering the replacement cable if you have the requisite tools and expertise.
Aux Input Contains Debris
The jack might become clogged with debris, rendering it inoperable. You may try to remove this dirt with a needle or toothpick. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to have it repaired by an expert.
Sound Quality Is Bad
Your aux cable must be of superior quality. You may compromise sound quality when you use an old or inexpensive aux cable. You can also experiment with different EQ settings on your smartphone or the car’s sound system. Try different setting combinations until you find one you like.
How To Fix Loose Aux Port in Car
If you can feel the female side of the aux port wiggling in the sound system, it’s most likely loose inside the housing. Here is how you might be able to remedy a loose aux port in your vehicle.
Tools and Materials
- Small flathead screwdriver
Car aux ports may loosen up with time for different reasons, such as wear and tear and corrosion. Additionally, the port may have been destroyed during the insertion or removal of a smartphone USB charger or other gadgets. If an aux port becomes loose, you can change it or repair it yourself. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- 1. Switch off the Car – Ensure that nothing powered on the vehicle could generate a fault current.
- 2. Unplug the Sound System – After unplugging the sound system, loosen the bottom cover to examine the port.
- 3. Look for Any Disconnected Springs – Check disconnected springs and then reconnect them. If all the springs are correctly connected, press it to ensure that any loose parts are easy to tighten.
- 4. Plug the Aux Back In – Test the plug to see if it’s functioning normally. If you follow the steps, the aux must be working. If it’s still not functioning, you should visit a mechanic, who will be able to help you repair the aux port.
How To Fix Broken Aux Port in Car
If the aux port is free of debris and doesn’t wiggle in the sound system, the aux cable inside the sound system may be broken. Here is how you might be able to fix a broken aux port in your vehicle.
Tools
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
Three easy steps to follow:
- 1. Find the Aux Input on Your Vehicle’s Sound System – It is typically located on the unit’s front or back. Once located, remove the surrounding paneling to gain access to the wiring.
- 2. Plug Your New Aux Cable Into the Aux Input – Ensure that the new aux cable is tight and sturdy before proceeding. Connecting auxiliary input wires to the sound system’s wires would be best. Various means could be accomplished depending on your vehicle’s make and model. Refer to the owner’s handbook for more detailed instructions.
- 3. Restore the Paneling in Place – You will need to put the paneling surrounding the aux input back to its original position and check whether your replacement is working. If it’s not working, you’ll have to do some further digging to find the source of the problem.
How To Remove a Broken Aux Cord From a Car Stereo
You should be able to tell whether there’s a broken adapter lodged in your aux port. Even if you don’t know how it happened, if you can’t insert your aux adapter into the port at all, or can only insert it a small amount, there’s most likely a broken adapter stuck inside. Here’s how you can fix a broken aux cord in your car.
Tools and Materials
- A rigid wire
- Needles
- Juice straw
You have numerous options for removing a broken aux cord based on the situation’s intensity and the available tools.
- Method 1. Use Needles – To begin, you’ll need two narrower but longer needles. Hold one needle between the fingers of your right hand and the other using your left hand. Insert the needles’ pointed ends into the jack and exert pressure on the broken piece while tilting outward.
- Method 2. Look For a Juice Straw – Get a juice straw and insert it into the jack; it should hold that small piece and pull it out. If the broken piece does not come out, repeat the process 2 to 3 times till it comes out.
- Method 3. Use a Rigid Wire – You will need to dismantle the system to gain access to the jack back. You can then use the rigid wire to prod the broken piece.
- Method 4. Glue – Use glue that is quick drying and brittle once dry. Put some on the top of a cut q tip or a tooth pick. Push it inside the jack slowly don’t touch the sides. Let it dry and pull it out as straight as you can.
How to Replace Aux Port in Car
Tools and Materials
- Soldering iron
- A rosin core solder
- Screwdriver
- Wire strippers
- Heat shrink tubing or electrical tape
- Small needle-nose pliers
Follow the steps below to replace the aux port in your vehicle.
- 1. Check the Aux Input of Your Car’s System – Check to see if the jack on your sound system is compatible with the input. The information will help determine the appropriate jack size for your system. After choosing the size of the male jack, you may proceed to the next stage.
- 2. Search for Suitable Replacement for the Female Input – You can search for a female input at an electrical store or online, whichever is more convenient. If possible, remove the car system and bring it to the store. Having it on hand will allow you to avoid making any blunders regarding the male jack’s size.
- 3. Remove a Broken Aux Port From Your Car – You have already acquired the optimal size for your system. Wire cutters are an excellent tool to have on hand for this task. Remove a quarter-inch or so of the rubber casing. It will assist in uncovering the inner wiring. You can then trim the rubber on the male aux jack connectors.
- 4. Deal With the Connections – Before connecting the uncovered wire to the cable, first, place the cable inside a shrinkable tube. It is essential that the length fitted be sufficient to cover the connection between the uncovered wire and the aux jack connector.
- 5. Seal the Joint Between the Wire and the Aux Jack Connector – To ensure the connection functions properly, you need to seal the aux jack connector joints using a soldering iron and a rosin core solder. The drying time varies as per the instructions on the package.
How To Make My Aux Louder
Occasionally, you plug in your phone while driving and get surprised when the music doesn’t work as expected. You don’t receive as much volume as you’d wish. You may end up unsatisfied for those who enjoy music, but there are a few ways to make your aux louder.
Reduce the Connected Device’s Volume
When the volume is low, the first thing that comes to mind is to turn up your smartphone’s volume. There are situations when this isn’t the problem. Consequently, your sound system’s volume will be distorted and therefore lowered. It’s, therefore, a good idea to turn the volume down from time to time and see what happens.
Reboot the Connected Device
If a device runs for a long time, it may start misbehaving and stop working. In this instance, I propose you restart your device and see what happens.
Reset Your Car’s Speakers
In some instances, the issue could be your speakers. You should check your speakers if you’ve tried everything else without success. Restore the vehicle’s radio and speakers’ defaults. Check to see if they’re having any issues. In some cases, this fixes the problem instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are car owners’ most common questions about fixing an aux port.
How do you clean an aux port?
You need to prepare cotton swabs, preferably those with thin tips. Next, use the swabs to get the dust out of your aux port. Alternatively, you can use compressed air.
How much does it cost to repair the aux port in a car?
If you need to repair your car’s aux port and aren’t confident enough in your DIY skills, you will need to take your vehicle to a garage. Depending on your vehicle’s type and model, the repair can cost anywhere from $100 to $200.
The fix should be completed within a few hours. If you have trouble locating somebody to fix your aux connection, you may always search on internet communities or talk to your friends for referrals.
How do I get something out of my aux port?
You can readily remove something from your aux port using needles, juice straws, gel, wire, and paper clips.
Fixing A Aux Port
You should always check the wires to see if they are damaged to ensure that your aux is working correctly. Whenever you’re uncertain about the correct procedures, seek assistance from a trained mechanic. Otherwise, you risk causing more harm than good and incurring more expenses. If necessary, replace your aux cables, and consider putting any of the reviewed products on your bucket list.