Hey all -

I can't help anybody with mechanical issues, but I'm fairly good at troubleshooting electrical/electronic problems. Thought I'd throw this out there in the event it'* happened to anyone here.

I have a Kenwood KDC XXXX (don't remember the exact model) head unit, which has a display that folds backwards when powered off to conceal the unit.

The display went blank, and so I went out to googleland in search of the problem. Turns out there is a mylar ribbon cable that cracks after x number of retractions. Apparently about every 1.5 years for the average user, and it'* a very common problem for Kenwood, and potentially other mfrs as well.

So I got the part number, found a local Kenwood repair shop, and picked up the ribbon cable for $10. I had the new ribbon installed in about 30 minutes, and it'* good as new.

Anyway if anyone has this problem, I'd be happy to help out with the repair in any way.

Thanks
Matt

interesting.

I've never heard of that happening but I also have only looked into headunits with a detachable face plate.

I had an older Excelon deck that went with the exact same failure. Before I really had a lot of tools or was really experienced with electronics, I attempted but backed out after I had the deck apart.

I've read it'* very common as well.

Here'* a pic of my unit (well, not actually mine, but the same model). You can see where the face folds up, and where the cable wears out over time.




And a pic of the cable:


It'* an easy repair, basically you desolder the receptacle from the old cable, resolder it to the new one, and then fish it through the front of the unit and plug it in. About 45 minutes total. Kenwood will charge you $60 just to look at it, and probably $100 or more to do the repair.