Parts for Fixing Slide/Tilt Problems, AVIC-N1/2/3 - Tip

I wanted to post this to help everyone out who's having (or will have) issues with their AVIC-N1/2/3 not sliding out or getting stuck or not flipping up. I just recently ran into these problems and from reading several different forums, this is a VERY common problem with these units. After a lot of research and different contacts, I was able to get the correct part numbers to order from Pioneer (and avoid spending $200+ to have Pioneer repair it for me). Screen Slide In/Out Problem This is the most common problem. Your screen may be retracting and gets stuck with about an inch or so sticking out. You can then force it to come out by hitting the open button and physically pulling it out. This problem is due to the "flex" ribbon cable becoming cracked on the portions that it bends everytime the screen goes in and out. Order part number GXX1257 from Pioneer ($38.60): http://parts.pioneerelectronics.com/part.asp?productNum=GXX1257 It comes with a new flex cable with is more flexible than the original and has thinner contacts (which I guess is one of the reasons that it is able to bend easier without cracking). It also comes with a replacement metal shield that the cable sticks to, plastic slide piece to keep the cable from rubbing against one of the PC boards and a small adhesive piece to reinforce a portion of the cable to keep it from cracking within the LCD housing. You can follow amp3d's tutorial for taking the unit apart (to an extent... http://www.eatmorepork.ca/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=5). You can probably figure out how to take apart the rest of the unit on your own if you're a little electronically inclined. If you have any specific questions, just message me and I'll do what I can to help. Screen slides out, but doesn't flip up... Now, this problem is typically due to ignorance (I'm very guilty of this...that's why now I know...and knowing is half the battle!). When I first took the unit apart, I thought the reason the screen was stuck was because of a bad motor or something stuck on the gears or tracks. So once I had the unit apart I pulled the screen completely off the tracks. BIG mistake! This caused a tiny spring switch to break off without me even knowing. Here's a pic: This switch is what tells the unit if the screen is completely out so that it can then flip the screen up. With the switch broken, it thinks that the screen is completely retracted the whole time and will never engage the second motor to make it flip up. If you made this mistake, go ahead and order part number CSN1052 from Pioneer ($3.03): http://parts.pioneerelectronics.com/part.asp?productNum=CSN1052 You'll have to have a little soldering skills to replace this part. Once you have the unit taken apart, you can access the PC board that the switch sits on. You'll see it near the screen tracks. Just compare to the photo above and you'll find it. Just remove the single screw to release the PCB and pull the wires all the way out until you get to the plug that's holding the wires down. Be careful with this plug because it's in there really tight. What I did to get it out was take a tiny flat-head screwdriver and carefully pry the plug up from the bottom. It'll eventually pop out. Use a low wattage soldering iron (I used 15W...I think you can still use 30W and be safe). Heat up the 4 points to release the old switch. Then just line up the new switch to the 4 points and heat each one to solder it in. Reassemble everything and test it out. Again, if you have any specific questions, just message me and I'll do what I can to help you out. I really hope this write-up helps people out, because I know the hassle that I went through to find what I needed and I would've loved to have all of this information right from the start. MODs: It would be cool to have this as a sticky to help others out...especially those who *forget* to use the search features!