Head unit trouble

[SHOslyter485]

I purchased a Kenwood KDC-X717 about 3 years ago, and I'm having some problems with it. It has the D-MASK feature (where it flips around when you turn the car off.. its a security feature). But the other day, I had it freeze during its "flip" cycle from when the car was off, and the entire unit died. I have no power to the unit at all (no lights, nothing)... but the motors to turn the faceplate still work. I've tried the reset button on the deck, disconnecting the battery, taking the unit out of the car and checking all connections, and checked all the fuses in the car and on the deck. Everything looked OK. I took it to Car Toys (where I got it), and they said my flex cable is probably going bad... What do you guys think it might be? TIA!!

 

[93SHO'nOFF]

I have a Kenwood KDC-X817 and went through the same problems.The flex cable cracks at base of D-Mask where it enters the door.It's easy to change, I got the part online from www.pacparts.com. It was $11 for flex cable and $9 for shipping, had it in three days.
Later
http://members.sounddomain.com/taurus2shooff

 

[SHOslyter485]

Ok, I started to take the unit apart tonight, and I believe I located the flex cable that has failed. I didn't see any visible signs of malfunction, but I need instruction on how do disconnect the end of the cable that is attached to the moving part of the faceplate. I see the little chip on the right side of the faceplate, and took the 3 screws off it, but how does it come off the unit? Is it super-glued? Snap in? (I hope I'm talking about the right cable here too.. the FLEX-RIBBON CABLE FROM FACE TO MAIN PCB).

 

[93SHO'nOFF]

Yeah....,that's the cable(orange in color,flat with a bunch of circiuts running through it).Mine had a hairline crack in it about 1/8" long,but not all the way though it.Also the chip that you discribe is the connector for the faceplate,If it has a removeable face plate.The plastic D-mask has two clips at bottom of door and the rest was two sided tape (just pull off carefully),the main unit has 3 screws on top cover,then remove 2 screws under it that hold down CD main unit.Lift CD main unit out(this lets you access where riobbon is on lower board).Pull flex cable out of connector pulling forward(it slides in).
I don't know if the KDC-X717 has a removeable face but my KDC-X817 does.Inside door 2 screws held the connector (the chip)that attaches to faceplate when installed.This I had to solder off old ribbon and solder it on the new ribbon with an soldering iron(worst part of the repair ,but still not difficult).Reassemble all sub components and plug in.
Note:where ribbon goes through reel,make sure you wind it up in the right direction with some tension on spring so the new cable doesn't get pinched,if you look at old ribbon you can tell which direction it was wound up.I don't think you will have any trouble, It's a very simple design, just use your common sense,**** I did it.
Good luck,
Mike

 

[SHOslyter485]

Yeah, I finally figured out how to take the plastic face off to get behind the ribbon, it was just held on with some really sticky double-sided tape. I ordered the part tonight, and I'm going to my other home this weekend to pick up the soldering iron. Hope it gets here soon! I extremely appreciate your help on this matter.. I just hope that is what my problem is

 

[93SHO'nOFF]

I think it is,it's a very common problem, and what have you got to lose?Look at it this way,spend at least $400 on a good new HU, or spend $20 on yours.
Later,
Mike

 

[SHOslyter485]

Mike,
Thanks SO much for your help on this matter. Just got the unit fixed this afternoon, and it works! You just saved me alot of money. Really appreciate the help! Now, I just gotta figure out how to move all those stupid wires so the thing would stick back in the dash. Thanks again for your help!

 

[93SHO'nOFF]

Anytime Steve ,glad to hear it worked out for you.
Later,
Mike