How to Replace a Broken or Damaged 14-pin Headband Main Wire Connector on the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones (DIY Repair Tutorial)

Do your Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless Bluetooth headphones intermittently lose audio in one earcup? Do the buttons become unresponsive, noise cancellation cuts in and out, Bluetooth disconnects randomly, or the headphones refuse to recharge or power on? The headband wire connector may need to be replaced.

The main wire plastic 14-pin connector is commonly damaged when the headband wire assembly is removed incorrectly from the right main sub or left main sub-board. In this DIY repair guide, we show you how to fix a broken or damaged 14-pin main wire connector on the Sony XM4 headphones using new OEM spares without technical skills or experience. You will find all the tools required for this repair and original replacement parts below.

Prefer to get your earbuds professionally fixed? Send us your Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones using our mail-in repair service, and our repair ninjas will restore your device to peak working condition. You don’t need to pay upfront. We only charge you after your device has been successfully repaired.

Fill out our repair form to receive your free prepaid shipping label, then send your device. We’ll take care of the rest.

Repair Difficulty

Moderate / Requires 30-45 minutes to complete.

This repair involves carefully disassembling the Sony XM4 headphones to reveal the main wire connector. You don’t need technical skills or prior experience to complete this repair. With a bit of patience and attention to detail, you can replace the 14-pin socket in the Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones at home.

Replacement Parts You’ll Need

Restore the functionality of your Sony XM4 wireless Bluetooth headphones with genuine spares. Select the OEM replacement parts from the drop-down menu below to bring your device back to peak working condition.

• Sony Headphones WH-1000XM4 XM4 Headband Assembly 14-Pin Plastic Main Wire Connector (White) - Parts

• Sony WH-1000 XM3 XM4 XM5 XM6 Headphones Repair Screwdriver + Pry Tool Repair Kit

Get an OEM replacement 14-pin main wire connector for your Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones today. Click the link to visit our store, then scroll down to the Customers Also Add section to purchase the original spare part and the tools you’ll need for this repair, all in one click.

Tools You’ll Need

Before starting the Sony WH-1000XM4 main wire 14-pin clip replacement, gather the following tools. Using the correct instruments will help you complete the repair successfully. We used the following tools and recommend them for a safe, professional-quality DIY fix at home.

• 2.0mm Phillips Screwdriver
• Strong Metal Pry Tool
• Precision Tweezers
• Heat-Proof Anti-Static Rubber Work Mat
• Vise Grip

Don’t want to DIY? Let our certified techs handle the repair for you. Book your repair now.

Step-by-Step DIY Guide to Replacing the Main Wire 14-pin Connector on the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones Yourself

In this detailed DIY repair guide, we show you how to fix a broken 14-pin connector on the Sony XM4 headphones yourself. Follow each step carefully and use the accompanying images as a visual guide to complete the repair with confidence.

Step 1: Extract the Right Earpad Cushion

1.1. Insert a strong metal pry tool into the seam between the earpad cushion and the earcup, then work your way around the perimeter till the two parts separate.

1.2. Remove the foam pad and set it aside.

Step 2: Extract the Main Wire from the Earcup Housing

2.1. Unfasten 4 silver screws from the earcup housing with a 2.0mm Phillips screwdriver.

2.2. Insert a strong metal pry tool into the seam between the touch panel and earcup and gently work the tool till the panel separates. Don’t yank or pull the panel, or you will tear the underlying touch ribbon cable.

2.3. Disconnect the touch ribbon cable and set the panel aside.

2.4. Unclip the main wire connector from the power board with precision tweezers.

2.5. Disconnect all the ribbon cables for better access to the main wire.

2.6. Unfasten the 2 small silver screws securing the power board to the earcup housing with a 2.0mm Phillips screwdriver, then move it out of the way with precision tweezers.

2.7. Unfasten the 2 silver screws securing the earcup to the hinge swivel with the 2.0mm Phillips screwdriver.

2.8. Pull the main wire out from under the power board, then separate the earcup from the rest of the headphone.

Step 3: Transplant the Wires from the Old to the New 14-pin Connector

3.1. Place the new 14-pin connector into the vise grip and tighten it just so that it’s securely held in place. Avoid applying excessive pressure, as that could damage or crack the plastic housing.

3.2. Break the plastic locks one at a time with tweezers to release the wires, then install them in the new connector. Go from left to right to ensure that the wires are installed in the correct order.

Technical Tip: Each wire has a top and bottom orientation. Align it correctly with the new connector, then press it firmly until it clicks into place. Repeat the process until all the wires have been transferred to the new connector.

3.3. Gently tug each wire with precision tweezers to ensure it is fully seated and securely locked into the connector.

Step 4: Reassemble the Sony XM4 Headphones

4.1. Push the main wire connector back under the power board.

4.2. Align the earcup with the headband hinge swivel, then secure it in place by fastening the two 2.0mm Phillips screws.

4.3. Push the main wire into the groove on the earcup with precision tweezers.

4.4. Align the power board with the earcup housing, then fasten the two 2.0mm screws.

4.5. Tuck all the internal wires into the slots provided on the earcup housing, then plug them back in.

4.6. Slide the hinge arm back into the assembly.

4.7. Reconnect the touch panel ribbon cable.

4.8. Install the touch panel into the earcup, then flip it and fasten the 4 silver screws.

Step 5: Install the Earpad Cushion

5.1. Install the foam cushion in the earcup.

5.2. Align the tabs on the earpad cushion with the grooves on the earcup, then press them together till you hear the retaining clips click into place.

Congratulations! Your Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones are Ready to Use!

You have successfully replaced the 14-pin headband main wire connector on the Sony XM4 headphones. Test the audio quality, button response, charging stability, and fit to ensure the repair has been completed successfully.

If you found this guide helpful and would like to try your hand at DIY gadget repair, visit our store for essential tools and spare parts. You can also check out our at-home DIY headphones repair guides for other popular brands, including Apple, Beats, Bose, and Sony.

Have questions or suggestions about this repair? Text a repair ninja or email us, and we’ll reply shortly.