An AUX cord is a type of audio cable that allows you to connect an audio source device, such as a smartphone or MP3 player, to a sound system or speaker. The purpose of an AUX cord is to transmit audio signals from the source device to the sound system or speaker, allowing you to play music or other audio content through larger and better-quality speakers of the sound system.
Many cars also have an AUX input, which allows you to connect your audio device to the car’s stereo system and play music or other audio content through the car’s speakers. However, it is not uncommon for the AUX cord to break inside the car stereo. AUX cords can become worn over time, and repeated use can cause the wires inside the cable to become damaged, making the cord break inside the port.
In this article, we’ll show you how to get broken AUX out of port safely as well as some preventive measures. Keep reading!
How to Remove a Broken AUX Cord From Your Car
If the breakage occurs close to the end of the cable that is inserted into the car stereo, the broken part of the cable can remain inside the stereo, making it difficult or impossible to remove the cord. In some cases, attempting to remove the broken cord forcefully can cause further damage to the stereo or the cord itself, so it’s important to be careful when trying to remove a broken AUX cord.
If your AUX broke off in port and is stuck inside the stereo, it may be necessary to seek professional assistance to safely remove it without causing damage to the stereo or other components. Removing a broken AUX cord from a car stereo can be a bit tricky, but here are a few steps you can follow to try to remove it safely;
Turn off the car stereo and remove the key from the ignition.
Turning off the car stereo and removing the ignition key help ensures there is no risk of electric shock or damage to the car’s electrical system. Removing the key also ensures that the car cannot accidentally start while you are working on the stereo while making it easier to remove the broken AUX cord. And with the power off, there is no current flowing through the car stereo, which reduces the risk of damaging the internal components of the stereo.
Inspect the broken end of the cord
Inspecting the AUX port before attempting to remove a broken cord is important because it can help you determine the best method for removing the cord and prevent further damage to your port or car’s audio system.
By inspecting the AUX port, you can determine the extent of the damage caused by the broken cord. This will help you decide whether you can attempt to remove the cord yourself or if you need to take your car to a professional mechanic or audio technician.
Inspecting the port can also help you determine the cause of the broken cord. For example, if the cord broke because of a manufacturing defect, you may be able to get a replacement cord from the manufacturer. On the other hand, if the cord broke because of a problem with the AUX port, you’ll need to take your car to a professional for repairs.
Removing a broken AUX cord using a pair of pliers
The easiest way to remove a broken AUX cord from your car stereo is by using a pair of appropriate pliers. If the AUX cord is broken inside the port in your car, here are the steps you can follow to remove it using pliers;
- Locate the broken AUX cord that is stuck in the port of your car.
- Choose the right pliers, preferably a pair of needle-nose pliers with a long and thin nose. Ideally, this type of pliers will help you grip the broken cord more easily.
- Use the pliers to grip the broken cord as close to the base as possible
- Gently pull the cord out of the port with a steady and firm force. Avoid using too much force, as this can damage the port.
- Once you have removed the broken cord, check the port to make sure there are no broken pieces left inside. If you find any broken traces, use the pliers to remove them carefully.
- After removing the broken AUX cord and any remaining pieces, test the port and confirm it is working as expected.
How to remove a broken AUX cord from the car stereo using tweezers
The second method you can use to try and remove a broken AUX cord from your car is getting a pair of tweezers. Removing a broken AUX cord from a car stereo using tweezers can be a bit tricky, and you require patience to get the job done. That said, here are the general steps you can follow;
- Check closely at the broken end of the AUX cord to see if there’s any part of it sticking out of the port. If there is, use your tweezers to grip and pull it out gently.
- If the broken end of the AUX cord is completely stuck inside the car stereo, use your tweezers to carefully grip the exposed end of the cord and try to wiggle it back and forth to loosen it.
- Once the cord is loosened, gently pull it out of the port. Be careful not to use too much force, as this could damage the port.
- If the cord still won’t budge, you may need to use another tool to grip it more securely.
- Once you have successfully removed the broken AUX cord, you can test the car stereo to ensure it will work properly.
Other Methods of Removing Broken AUX Out of Port
If none of these techniques work, you may need to use trial and error methods to try and loosen anything that may be blocking your cord. For starters, you can use a thin, stiff piece of wire like a paperclip or a toothpick to gently loosen any debris or dirt that may be holding the cord. Here are simple steps for removing a broken AUX cord using a paper clip or toothpick;
- Straighten out the paperclip and insert it into the broken end of the AUX cord. Ensure to be careful not to push it too far.
- Next, try to hook the paperclip onto the broken end of the cord and gently pull it out.
- If the paperclip doesn’t work, use a toothpick to try and loosen the broken end of the cord. Gently insert the toothpick into the broken end of the cord and try to wiggle it back and forth to loosen it.
- Once the cord is detached, try using the paperclip again to grip the exposed end of the cord and pull it out. Equally important, avoid using too much force to avoid damaging the port.
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Disassembling the Car Stereo
If you have a broken AUX cord stuck in your car stereo port, disassembling the stereo can be a way to remove it, but we don’t recommend this unless you have experience with car electronics and are comfortable working with delicate components.
Before attempting to disassemble the car stereo, you can try the above methods to try to remove the broken AUX cord. You can also try using compressed air to blow out any debris that might be obstructing the connection.
However, if these methods don’t work and you feel confident in your ability to disassemble the stereo, here are some simple steps you can follow;
Remove the Trim Around the Stereo
Depending on your car model, this could involve removing screws, clips, or other fasteners. That said, you may need to consult your car manual or look for online resources to determine the proper method for your specific car model.
Remove the Stereo Unit
This may require special tools, such as a stereo removal key, that you can purchase from an auto parts store or online. You may also need to disconnect any wiring harnesses or antenna cable attached to the stereo.
Locate the AUX Port
Once you have the stereo unit removed, you’ll need to locate the AUX port where the broken cord is stuck. Depending on the design of your stereo, this could involve opening the casing of the stereo or removing a separate cover.
Remove the Broken Cord
Once you have access to the AUX port, you can now use an appropriate tool, such as a pair of pliers to pull out the broken cord gently. Be careful not to damage any of the delicate components inside the stereo.
Reassemble the Stereo Unit
After you’ve removed the broken cord, you can now reassemble the stereo unit by following the reverse order of the steps you took to disassemble it. Finally, reconnect the car battery and test the AUX port to check if it is functioning.
How to Prevent AUX Cord from Breaking in Port
The likelihood of an AUX cord breaking inside the port depends on the quality of the cord, the quality of the port, how often the cord is plugged and unplugged, and the amount of stress placed on the cord while in use.
Having said that, there are several things you can do to prevent your AUX cord from breaking inside your car port. These include;
Avoid using Excessive Force
One of the most common reasons AUX cords break is because people yank them out of the port with too much force. To avoid this, make sure to pull the cord out of the port gently, and don’t put any unnecessary pressure on it.
Keep your AUX cord Straight
Avoid bending your AUX cord too much, as this can weaken the internal wires and cause them to break over time. Try to keep your cord as straight as possible when using it.
Use a strain relief tool
A strain relief tool is a small device that attaches to your AUX cord and provides additional support where the cord meets the port. This measure can help prevent the cord from breaking due to repeated use.
Use a high-quality cord
Finally, invest in a high-quality AUX cord that is designed to last. While cheaper cords may be more affordable, they are often made from low-quality materials that are more likely to break over time. Look for cords that are made from durable materials and have good reviews from other users.
The Bottom Line
Removing a broken AUX cord from a car stereo port can be a bit challenging, but it is not necessarily hard. The level of difficulty will depend on how deep the broken end of the cord is lodged in the port and the specific tools you have on hand to remove it.
In some cases, if the broken end of the cord is sticking out of the port, you may be able to simply grab it with your fingers or a pair of pliers and pull it out gently. However, if the cord is stuck deeper in the port, you may need to use specialized tools such as needle-nose pliers, tweezers, or a paperclip to remove it.
That said, it is always a good idea to exercise caution when attempting to remove a broken AUX cord from a car stereo port. Applying too much force or using the wrong tools can cause damage to the port or the stereo itself. If you are not confident in your ability to remove the cord or encounter any resistance, it is recommended to seek the assistance of a professional car audio technician.
