D.I.Y Servicing of my Kia's car audio

[spectra]

My CD player was giving some problems after 3 years of use. It used to fail in reading data at times and related problems. I thought of opening it up for a service.

To start with. Front Dash panel had to be removed. Here are the two screws to get out first.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]481744[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]481745[/ATTACH]

Gear Knob Removal

[ATTACH=CONFIG]481746[/ATTACH]

This whole panel gets lifted but u start from ths pont with the help of a screwdriver

[ATTACH=CONFIG]481747[/ATTACH]

Befor removing the panel, dont forget to unscrew this bolt underneath the ashtray

[ATTACH=CONFIG]481748[/ATTACH]

[spectra]

This is what u will see after removal of that panel

After this, u need to start removing the main panel by gently pulling it from underneath to release the locks.

After unlocking it from underneath, this part will get unlocked relatively easily.

Get track of the grips. These are colour coded but can be placed wrong especialy the fog light and clock can get mixed easily. Keep track of these properly

Here is the sequence from Extreme left:

1. Clock
2. Hazard Light
3. Rear Defogger
   4 Rear Fog light

There are three more grips on the other side. Those are not in pics but here is the sequence

CNG switch (If any)
Outside Mirrors Controls
Rear Wipers Switches

This is what the panel looks like once removed

[Storm]

@spectra
Saqib bhai have you considered getting the panel painted silver or something? I did it in my sportage and it made a HUGE difference to the look of the interior.

[spectra]

Here is the back view of the other side of switches

Do ensure that all the metal locks are complete and in place. u might end up losing one of thnose in the place where it fits on the dash board do make a check on that.

This is how the metal lock and the panel Fitting lines make a union.

[spectra]

@Storm

I thought of it for sure.
But i am not sure if it will look good on this one. Dominant colour of interior is grey. Black goes fine as well.
I thought of getting another panel and getting it painted. So i can interchange the two when i want

What say?

[spectra]

After removing the panel. These are the 4 screws u have to open to make the music system free.

slide the deck forward

Two grips to disconnect

1. Antenna
2. Main connector of all wires
   
   

This unit has Pre out, Aux in and some other stuff i dont know i likled it a lot when i saw these rubber covers on the female connectors

[spectra]

After that i ripped it apart to get the dust out of the lens and tape heads and rollers. i cannot describe the steps for this one. It was a mess for sure and not an easy thing to do yourself

Finaly it was assembled and everything woprked out wel. No missing. no data loss or error in reading even on worst possible CD's

Mission Accomplished

[testdriver]

(y)....very nice! One important thing, always switch off such accessories before doing such operation!

[spectra]

@testdriver

U know, i am always careless. Your motorised car always used to work when mine used to be just a Motor, some wires and batteries

[autophile]

@Spectra, you can connect Ipod or any other MP3 player with your music system as it has aux inputs.

[spectra]

@autophile

Yes u r right. I also discovered the fact when i opened it up :0

Please do let me know my options because i am a real tankana when it comes to audio systems. i can open them up and fix them but these advancements are beyond me.

[autophile]

Thanks Saqib bhai for your call. Just for the information of other members. It is simple to attach an MP3 player or a Hard disc player to your car music deck as it has aux input or Line-In. You will have to make a cable two mail av type jacks on one end a stereo male pin on another end. Just hook this to IPod or any other device with headphone jack. Select aux input on your system and you can hear it there.

MP3 Players or IPods are getting cheaper and affordable.

[kiani1]

@ Spectra

You can get this cable ready made from College Road Pindi or any Car Stereo shop. Its called a Mini Jack - RC lead.

And the cheapest MP3 Player with an SD Slot is only 1500rs..so its not a costly option..

If someone has a casette player and a Portable Mp3, he can make a DIY adapter for it himself. I will post the DIY today.

[Ghuncha]

good job(y)....
i will recommend a brandd mp3 player as the sound quality of cheap players is quiet bad.....

[Sarkaar]

hmmm..Nicely done @spectra...B/w i really like this mp3 player adjustment thing...doest it create any diff in sound quality or it is just dependent on ur speakers???

[HanifBhatti]

@Spectra
(y)
Did you try the vacuum cleaner with the flat attachment, insert it on the CD bay
It worked with me.

[spectra]

@libra
i will try that next time for sure.

[RedBull_ar]

apple ipod nano 2-4gb for 10-12K should solve ur hunt for a new head unit

[aridsoul]

Good going Saqib Bhai...this has to be the most difficult DIY to date.

[Tango]

Job well done saqib bhai,
but honestly tell us how many screws were left after the complete assembly of the deck ?