89 Carrera - Stereo Removal and DIN Cable

[Calnan]

I finally got around to pulling my Reno SQR46 out of my 89 Carrera to send out for repair. It was a little more of a struggle than I thought - one of the side clips was off center - but I finally got it. In removing the wires, I noticed that the DIN cable connector was slightly separated - the black plastic 'sheath' had come apart from the metal connector into the unit, but the wire inside seemed to still be connected. I'm an electronics novice, but I understand that the DIN cable connects to the preamp under the passenger seat in my particular car.

It seemed to push back together fine, but I'm wondering if I should replace it since I'm going through the effort to get the stereo fixed.

Apologies if already covered elsewhere, but how big a deal is it to replace the (Blaupunkt-specific, I'm guessing) DIN cable that connects from the stereo unit to the preamp?

Thanks as always!

- Mike

[blucille]

take a photo for us, likely it is either just the plastic housing over the din connector, easily solved with a dab of glue or wrap of electrical tape, or the sheath over the cable has shrunk, the DIN cable is covered in a metallic weave that is crimped to the connector, so you could se the braided shield, but that's fine.

[Calnan]

Thanks Sonett -

Here is a picture - perhaps a dab of glue or electrical tape will do the trick, as you state. When I look inside the connector, I see a red sheath, and it does look like 1 or 2 of the metal prongs on the connector (sorry for likely using all the wrong terms) do not have a corresponding wire to the cable. Wondering if this is normal, or if the cable may be damaged internally.

If it looks ok, I'd be happy to just go with the glue or tape approach!

Thanks again!

- Mike

[G50911]

as long as it still works the connections are fine. just push it back together. just make sure the plug doesn't get smashed when you put the HU back in and you'll be fine.

[Calnan]

Thanks G50 - I really appreciate it! Another dumb question, but while we're here...

Not all the metal "pins" on the metal part of the connector (visible in picture) are connected to small wires inside the cable. I can't quite tell if some have become separated, or if this is normal for this type of connector - I don't want to open up the cable any more than it already is. Any thoughts or info?

Thanks all -

- Mike

[blucille]

often there are unused pins, as g50 says, if it worked and continues to work after you plug it in, you are good.

[Calnan]

Thanks Sonett and G50 -

It does (did) work - I was just wondering if I may have done some damage when removing it. I have another radio and will test it out. I'll put a dab of glue on for good measure as well.

Thanks again for the help - have a great weekend!!

- Mike