Replacing AUX port in Centre Console

[FreelanderKate]

I was just wondering if anyone had any experience in doing this or can confirm if this is a lengthy job.

I use the AUX port to plug in my ipod and unfortunately the pin on the cable broke off in the AUX connector. Subsequently I have tried using a new cable and by doing so have possibly distorted the connector.

My dealership said they have rectified the problem (charging me for it) but haven't as the connection is poor and doesn't come out of all speakers (think they just removed the broken fragment).

They now say it is an extensive job to have another look at it and would charge 2 hours labour but can't sell the AUX port as a separate component.

I was wondering how easy it would be to remove it and look at it myself?

Does this require removing the entire centre console and if so is this easy or can the AUX port be easily extracted.

I am sure if I can get it out it will just be a case of nipping the connector closed with a pair of pliers to make the connection better once replaced?

Any help appreciated.

Its on a Freelander 2 - HSE TD4 on 07 plate.

AUX connector is at the end of the console behind the cigarette lighter terminal.

Either I fix this or spend £350 on an kit that works off the steering wheel!

Pictures for reference attached

Any help appreciated

 

[FreelanderKate]

Any one?

 

[JonFre]

Any one?

Seems we are all too poor to own a 2 so no experience. Sorry.

 

[freebiker]

Not had experience with a freelander 2 myself but i can't see that it would be too difficult to replace if you could get hold of the part yourself even. The centre console is just plastic trim that likely pops off within ten minutes, can't see how it would take a garage two hours to do.

Delearship might not be able to get you the part but have a look on ebay or somewhere. And try taking it to a small, friendly back street garage rather than the dealers. Dealers tend to rip you off for the smallest of things, and you'll benefit by making friends with a small garage, especially when the warranty runs out.

 

[Missing Link]

Without experience of this specific installation I couldn't be certain but it looks about the size of a standard 3.5mm jack socket. Try a car radio fitters and see if they could replace the socket. It wouldn't look the same but should still be neat.

 

[hippolover]

Maplin should be able to sort you out with the socket. Fitting - it went in so it will come out! Looks like access from the rear vents or under the little mat on the console, maybe a couple of screws then lift up the panel or even reach back from the handbrake slot. If you can reach in there and touch the wiring then you're half way there. Ask the main dealer what they would do to replace it, i.e. full strip down or one of the suggestions given and don't be fobbed off with, "we'll need to get it in to check first". Actually on looking again that accessory socket in front of it may well just be a push fit. Pop that up first and if that comes out - bingo - you're in!

 

[Huggyblair]

Fairly simple to replace. Need part LR003821, described as headphone volume control assembly. Relatively cheap £5 It comes in two parts but will be assembled as one. Remove the cubby hole and cover at back of central console. Use a small screwdriver or blunt knife to prise out bottom cubby hole part first then pull out upper cover. Push clip to remove cable from part pull lower section of part from below to separate, remove upper part from above. To replace. Carefully separate part into two. Squeeze black pins on side of upper part and insert into space from above but don't push down into hole just yet. From below insert lower part from below in to hole. Push upper part down to lock two parts together. Attach audio cable. Replace cover and then cubby hole parts. 10 minute job.

 

[Singvogel]

I was just wondering if anyone had any experience in doing this or can confirm if this is a lengthy job.

I use the AUX port to plug in my ipod and unfortunately the pin on the cable broke off in the AUX connector. Subsequently I have tried using a new cable and by doing so have possibly distorted the connector.

My dealership said they have rectified the problem (charging me for it) but haven't as the connection is poor and doesn't come out of all speakers (think they just removed the broken fragment).

They now say it is an extensive job to have another look at it and would charge 2 hours labour but can't sell the AUX port as a separate component.

I was wondering how easy it would be to remove it and look at it myself?

Does this require removing the entire centre console and if so is this easy or can the AUX port be easily extracted.

I am sure if I can get it out it will just be a case of nipping the connector closed with a pair of pliers to make the connection better once replaced?

Any help appreciated.

Its on a Freelander 2 - HSE TD4 on 07 plate.

AUX connector is at the end of the console behind the cigarette lighter terminal.

Either I fix this or spend £350 on an kit that works off the steering wheel!

Pictures for reference attached

Any help appreciated

I would advise returning to the dealership and speak to the service manager - if they say they've fixed it and charged you for that - then it obviously isn't fixed if there is no sound from all speakers.

I think you need to 'kick ass' as our US of A friends say.

Mention that you might be writing to LandRover directly to complain about a repair that was unacceptably carried out.

If they fix it properly for free, you should be able at least to negotiate a lesser charge than 2 hours labour.

Singvogel.

 

[cox325]

have you seen the date this started fellas??

 

[Singvogel]

have you seen the date this started fellas??

Eh........No I hadn't noticed.

Stupid me.

New rule - Let sleeping posts lie.

S.

 

[Dave Whitlock]

Fairly simple to replace. Need part LR003821, described as headphone volume control assembly. Relatively cheap £5 It comes in two parts but will be assembled as one. Remove the cubby hole and cover at back of central console. Use a small screwdriver or blunt knife to prise out bottom cubby hole part first then pull out upper cover. Push clip to remove cable from part pull lower section of part from below to separate, remove upper part from above. To replace. Carefully separate part into two. Squeeze black pins on side of upper part and insert into space from above but don't push down into hole just yet. From below insert lower part from below in to hole. Push upper part down to lock two parts together. Attach audio cable. Replace cover and then cubby hole parts. 10 minute job.

Ello Chaps,

I came across this forum whilst searching for a tutorial on how to replace the aux port, part LR003821, on my 2008 Land Rover LR2 HSE. I realize that this is a nearly 6 year-old thread and that it primarily applies to UK-based owners, but I still want to make my quick contribution in hopes that it'll help someone in my position later on.

If you just want the quick and dirty, skip to the end of this post with the comprehensive step-by-step. The content in between is just the story of how I came to my findings.

Firstly, thank you, @Huggyblair, for pointing out the part required and the access point in the console; definitely accurate and very helpful. However, you severely understated the difficulty in removing the existing aux port, and separating the new part into two pieces. It sounds easy enough, unfortunately that's not at all the case. Assuming the UK part is the exact same OEM part that I received in the US, engineered by Ford, it's a very tricky little piece of equipment. It's a classic case of overengineering; the part doesn't simply pull apart, in fact, it doesn't even forcefully pull apart either. To begin with, the cavity of the vehicle in which you gain access to the part is extremely tight and difficult to work within, and impossible to see what you're working with. By examining the new, uninstalled part, I was able to see how to separate the unit into two parts, and thus remove the existing, defective, part from my vehicle. The part has two small holes on opposite sides of the interior of the female port where you plug in the wires from the head unit. You need to find - or make - two small rods that you can insert inside these holes in order to dislodge the top piece from the bottom piece of part LR003821. I used two wood kitchen matches, whittled them each down a little, then slid them both into their slots at the sides of the female port. This allowed me to pry the pieces of the part apart and complete the installation pretty quickly from there.

Step-by-step for replacing the aux port at the rear of the center console on a 2008 LR2 HSE:
1. At the back of the center console, pry off the bottom piece of the cubby hole with a flat head screw driver.
2. With your hand, remove the upper part of the cubby at the back of the center console.
3. Remove the wire that is attached to the aux port by depressing the catch that is aimed toward the front of the vehicle and pulling downward.
4. Get your replacement LR003821 part and find two small objects to push into the holes at the opposite sides of the interior of the female port.
5. With something in each of the holes, you should be able to pry the part into two pieces.
6. Use this same technique to remove your existing aux port; put the objects in, then pull from the female port.
7. You'll need to squeeze the two sides of the top piece of the existing part to remove it from your console.
8. With the old port removed you can begin installing the replacement. Squeeze the top piece of the part at either side and insert it from above the console.
9. Then put the bottom piece of the part in from the underside of the console and reattach it to the top piece of the part. Press the pieces together firmly to securely attach them.
10. Reattach the wires from the head unit.
11. Close up the console.

Fin.

More like a 15 to 20 minute jobber.

Sorry for the long read. Hope it helps someone.

 

[GrumpyGel]

WOW, that's some first post! Give the boy a Blue Peter Badge - you may need to use Google to find out what that is - but its a fitting post for a BPB

We look forward to a post worthy of a Jim'll Fix It Badge (what was the pinnacle of supreme Badges until, well, Google it!).

 

[AthieR]

I just signed up to thank you Dave Whitlock. I was hoping to find some instructions to change the part and I happily found this post.
Great job! Thanks again

 

[Jamie Hardy]

Ello Chaps,

I came across this forum whilst searching for a tutorial on how to replace the aux port, part LR003821, on my 2008 Land Rover LR2 HSE. I realize that this is a nearly 6 year-old thread and that it primarily applies to UK-based owners, but I still want to make my quick contribution in hopes that it'll help someone in my position later on.

If you just want the quick and dirty, skip to the end of this post with the comprehensive step-by-step. The content in between is just the story of how I came to my findings.

Firstly, thank you, @Huggyblair, for pointing out the part required and the access point in the console; definitely accurate and very helpful. However, you severely understated the difficulty in removing the existing aux port, and separating the new part into two pieces. It sounds easy enough, unfortunately that's not at all the case. Assuming the UK part is the exact same OEM part that I received in the US, engineered by Ford, it's a very tricky little piece of equipment. It's a classic case of overengineering; the part doesn't simply pull apart, in fact, it doesn't even forcefully pull apart either. To begin with, the cavity of the vehicle in which you gain access to the part is extremely tight and difficult to work within, and impossible to see what you're working with. By examining the new, uninstalled part, I was able to see how to separate the unit into two parts, and thus remove the existing, defective, part from my vehicle. The part has two small holes on opposite sides of the interior of the female port where you plug in the wires from the head unit. You need to find - or make - two small rods that you can insert inside these holes in order to dislodge the top piece from the bottom piece of part LR003821. I used two wood kitchen matches, whittled them each down a little, then slid them both into their slots at the sides of the female port. This allowed me to pry the pieces of the part apart and complete the installation pretty quickly from there.

Step-by-step for replacing the aux port at the rear of the center console on a 2008 LR2 HSE:
1. At the back of the center console, pry off the bottom piece of the cubby hole with a flat head screw driver.
2. With your hand, remove the upper part of the cubby at the back of the center console.
3. Remove the wire that is attached to the aux port by depressing the catch that is aimed toward the front of the vehicle and pulling downward.
4. Get your replacement LR003821 part and find two small objects to push into the holes at the opposite sides of the interior of the female port.
5. With something in each of the holes, you should be able to pry the part into two pieces.
6. Use this same technique to remove your existing aux port; put the objects in, then pull from the female port.
7. You'll need to squeeze the two sides of the top piece of the existing part to remove it from your console.
8. With the old port removed you can begin installing the replacement. Squeeze the top piece of the part at either side and insert it from above the console.
9. Then put the bottom piece of the part in from the underside of the console and reattach it to the top piece of the part. Press the pieces together firmly to securely attach them.
10. Reattach the wires from the head unit.
11. Close up the console.

Fin.

More like a 15 to 20 minute jobber.

Sorry for the long read. Hope it helps someone.

Hi Dave,

Thanks for your post on this. I have the part and need to do the work to replace the old aux port for the new.

I wondered if you took any pics when you did it? I have the cubby part off the console and taken the wire part off the aux port. Now i am struggling with the next part. Everything seem so tight and hard to move.

Hoping you or someone else can help! Need my iPod in the car again!

Thanks in advance

Jamie

 

[Dave Whitlock]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for your post on this. I have the part and need to do the work to replace the old aux port for the new.

I wondered if you took any pics when you did it? I have the cubby part off the console and taken the wire part off the aux port. Now i am struggling with the next part. Everything seem so tight and hard to move.

Hoping you or someone else can help! Need my iPod in the car again!

Thanks in advance

Jamie

Hey Jamie,

I didn't have the foresight to take pictures while I was replacing the aux port myself, so I'll do my best to explain using this poor-quality stock photo. Sorry about the watermark across the image, but it was the only photo I could find of the bottom-side of part LR003821.



From what I can tell, you're having trouble separating the part into two pieces, so please refer to the two red arrows on the image. The arrow on the left points toward a rectangular hole inside the female port. The arrow on the right is pointing to an identical hole on the opposite side, but it's not very clear in the image. These are the two holes I referenced in my first post. Here's an excerpt from that: "The part has two small holes on opposite sides of the interior of the female port where you plug in the wires from the head unit. You need to find - or make - two small rods that you can insert inside these holes in order to dislodge the top piece from the bottom piece of part LR003821. I used two wood kitchen matches, whittled them each down a little, then slid them both into their slots at the sides of the female port. This allowed me to pry the pieces of the part apart and complete the installation pretty quickly from there."

I suggest that before you try separating the already-installed part, use the technique I provided above on the new part to get a better understanding of what's going on, and to be sure that whatever you're inserting into those holes actually fits/works to separate the pieces.

If I misinterpreted and you're having trouble with something else entirely, just let me know.

Good luck!
Dave

 

[Jamie Hardy]

Hi Dave, really appreciate this. It is exactly the problem I am having. I have the replacement and have just tried the matches into the holes. Unfortunately they snap pretty easily. Will be on the hunt for something plastic to give it a whirl though. I have those small metal screwdrivers but they will just damage the surrounding plastic. Argh why so damn fiddly!!

 

[Jamie Hardy]

Hi Dave, quick update....i had another go! And progress....I am absolutely delighted with myself ha ha!
I made some good sticks out of a bamboo skewer nice and strong even though they were very shaved down.....and after a few minutes of perseverance..... i managed it. Easily fitted the new one and it works as it should, clear sound again! Me and my iPod are delighted again!

Thank you so much for your help! Hope these posts help others out in the future too!

Just for the record, I got my spare part for about £5, will try remember where from because they were brilliant.

Cheers again....

Jamie

 

[pmansour]

Thanks Dave and Jamie. You are lifesavers. I wouldn't have had a clue how to install the replacement part. Brute force certainly wasn't working! Why the hell they send the part as one piece I'll never know. Would be much easier if it was just sent in two parts.

cheers

Paul

 

[Rich in Vancouver]

Makes me glad I have Bluetooth!

I suppose that wasn't as available when this thread was started.

 

[BrettH]

This is terrific and just what I needed to find out, although I can't seem to locate an online source for the LR003821 part. Can anyone point me in the right direction?