BCD436HP/BCD536HP: Headphone jack not working, can it be fixed

[Fearnofish]

I have two BCD436HP scanners. They have both had the same issue. After about a year the headphone jack seems to loose connectivity to the plug in and won't work unless you apply pressure at one angle or another to the plug in. I have tried adding some tinfoil around the male plug in to, in theory, make it larger so it'd connect, but that hasn't worked.
Is that headphone plug in something that can replaced or fixed?

 

[n1chu]

Yes. But first try another known good headset. If the problem continues, the jack has probably seen better days. I regard anything that requires human input as a mechanical switch (as opposed to an electronic switch), where we have to plug in, turn a dial, a “wearable” item. They wear out. There have been attempts to get around constantly plugging a headset in and out by leaving the headset plugged in and controlling the audio line with a simple toggle switch (which have better longevity) and are simple to wire if you are handy with such things. Otherwise, it’s a repair that is costly if you send it into Uniden who has a flat repair fee, regardless of what they repair. At about $100 per repair it’s a bit steep if all you need is a new headphone jack. I would suggest finding a local ham (amateur radio) guy who can do the repair for you for less or nothing. The regional forums may also help in finding someone willing to replace the jack too… generally speaking, it’s only a ten minute job.

 

[iMONITOR]

Typically the jacks contacts are like a leaf spring and they lose their tension from use over time or get damaged by plugs that don't meet dimensional specs. The switch points #2 & 10 are what cuts the speaker out of the circuit when an earphone or external speaker is plugged in.

Replacing it in a 436 is a job I wouldn't want to tackle. Uinden's repair cost as n1chu is not cheap but if it solves your problem and if it helps you can sleep at night it's worth it.

 

[GROL]

Maybe the contacts are dirty or have a bit of corrosion or tarnished. CRC 2-26 is an excellent cleaner lubricant for electrical contacts that does not harm plastics. I have fixed a few things using it on connectors and controls. Home Depot has the smaller 5 oz can. Lowes has the 11oz can. I would not suggest spraying it into the connector of the scanner, but spray some on the speaker/headphone plug and insert it in the radio several times and turn it as well.

Multi-Purpose Lubricant x 5 oz.

 

[Fearnofish]

Thank you. I have a local radio shop who is going to look at it and if he can't do it Uniden says they can for 80 bucks. Hopefully one of them will get it fixed.
Thank you!