Replacement Aux Jack (07 Elantra)

The aux jack on my 07 Elantra SE has gone wonky, with the left
speakers cutting in and out (speakers work fine with the radio). I
regard my car as my mobile iPod listening system, so this is a crisis!
(Kidding just a little bit, as I couldn't endure my commute without
bopping along to my iPod.) I believe that widgets like the aux jack
aren't covered after the first year. Anybody have a ballpark estimate
what it would run me to have the dealer replace the aux jack unit?
Thanks.

 

This isn't necessarily in the jack. It could be in the jack, the
wiring, the adapter cable, or the radio, presuming the issue isn't
with your iPod.

First, make sure you're using the factory adapter cable. I've heard
that there have been issues with using other cables. Perhaps even
wiggle the cable around a little and see if there's any change. If
so, expect the issue to be with the cable, the jack connection, or the
iPod connection.

If that doesn't sort anything out, take it to the dealer to be
checked. The warranty on the radio is 3/36*, and I believe the
warranty on the wiring and jack is 5/60*. I'd need to run the part
number through Hyundai to be certain on the latter. The warranty on
the cable will depend on whether it came with the vehicle, was
purchased along with the vehicle, or was purchased later. In the
first two cases, it should be covered under the 5/60* new vehicle
warranty, while in the latter, you'd have a 1/12* parts purchase
warranty.

* warranty periods are in the format years/milesx1000

 

Thank you for your very detailed response! I have checked the iPod
and it works fine with headphones. I tried another cable, although I
don't use the "factory" cable (Hyundai sent a cable to me several
months after I bought the car -- is that what you're referring to?),
but one I bought for myself. I've used the cables I bought for close
to 3 years without any problems. The left speakers work fine when I
have the radio on, no static, no cutting in and out. The cables I
bought have right angle connectors, which are supposed to be much
easier on jacks than straight connectors.

When I wiggle the cable in the jack, that causes the left speaker to
cut in and out, which made me think that the problem was the jack
itself. I'll make an appointment with the dealer. Thanks again for
responding so quickly and with such thoroughness!

 

Fantine wrote:

I had the same problem with the headphone jack on my cordless
phone. I was prepared to buy a new phone, but I tried some
contact cleaner, and the problem went away. I was surprised,
because I really thought the jack was totally shot.

 

If Hyundai sent you a cable, then that would be the one I'd recommend
trying. You are probably correct that the issue is in the jack, but
it's possible there's some issue with the way these cables fit into
the jack which has only become a problem over a period of time.

Take the cables you have and be sure to tell the dealer that wiggling
the cable in the jack causes the speaker to cut in and out. This will
make the diagnosis (and your visit) much shorter.

 

If there are any miniature phone plugs in your cabling, these can
make poor contact. Finger oils and other films can interfere with
contact. There are a few different failure points with this type
of connector; can't say that I like them.

Get a can of aerosol contact cleaner/lube from an electronics
parts store. There aren't too many of these places any more.

Give each jack a squirt, quickly put the plug back in; rotate
the plug and push it in and out a few times. This should wipe any
crud off the connecions. Then give the jack/plug another little
squirt for good luck. The residue (you won't see it) will
actually improve contact into the future.

The other thing to check is whether the problem is in the
plug/jack contact or due to intermittent contact failure between
the wires and the plug itself. Incredibly common failure due to
the stupid design of the plugs and inadequate wires. In this
case, just replace the cable; never yank on it.

See if any of this works before doing anything more costly.

Richard

 

Thanks for all the replies. I dug out the cable that Hyundai sent me
and try that tomorrow. I'll update with the results.

 

OK, I removed the old cable and used the cable that Hyundai sent me.
And guess what? No problems! I had thought that since I had reversed
the old cable, that it wasn't the problem, but I guess I was wrong.
I'll keep on using that cable this week, and see what happens. Thanks
again for all the help, folks.

 

Well, just keep my advice for the future (and for all electronics
that use mini phone plugs). Broken leads are the most common
failures in these products due to junk quality. The "strain
relief" on the plugs is just for show: it doesn't work. There
isn't any. Therefore, never yank on the wires. In fact, don't
even pull on them.

Richard