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How to Replace a Broken or Damaged Main Wire 16-Pin Clip in the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones (DIY Repair Guide)
Do your Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless Bluetooth headphones have a broken main wire 16-pin clip? The new headband assembly main wire plastic 16-pin connector is commonly damaged when you remove your headband wire assembly incorrectly from the right main sub or left main sub-board.
In this DIY repair guide, we show you how to fix a broken 16-pin connector in the Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless 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 headphones professionally fixed? Send us your Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones using our mail-in repair service, and our repair ninjas will restore your device to peak working condition. Follow the link, select the issues you’re experiencing, click Continue, enter your email ID, and click Get My Estimate to view the repair cost instantly.
Repair Difficulty
Moderate / Requires 30-45 minutes to complete.
This repair requires the careful handling of small screws, delicate internal cables, and connection ports. 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 16-pin clip on the Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones at home.
Replacement Parts You’ll Need
Restore the functionality of your Sony XM5 wireless Bluetooth headphones with original spares. Select the OEM replacement parts from the drop-down menu below to bring your device back to peak working condition.
- Sony Headphones WH-1000XM5 XM5 Headband Assembly 16-Pin Plastic Main Wire Connector (White) - Parts
Get an OEM replacement 16-pin main wire connector for your Sony WH-1000XM5 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-1000XM5 main wire 16-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
- 1.5mm Flathead Screwdriver
- Strong Metal Pry Tool
- Precision Tweezers
- Heat-Proof Anti-Static Rubber Work Mat
- Vice 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 16-pin Connector on the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones Yourself
In this detailed DIY repair guide, we show you how to fix a broken 16-pin connector on the Sony XM5 wireless headphones yourself. Follow each step carefully and use the accompanying images as a visual guide to complete the repair with confidence.
Step 1: Place New 16-pin Connector into the Vice Grip
Place the new 16-pin connector in a vise grip to hold it securely. Tighten the vise just enough to keep the connector in place, but avoid applying excessive pressure that could damage or crack the plastic housing.

Technical Note: The 16-pin connector has a defined top and bottom orientation. Position the new connector beside the old one in the same orientation to ensure each wire is reinstalled in the correct pin location and sequence.
Step 2: Transplant the Wires from the Old to the New 16-pin Clip
2.1. Each wire has a specific top and bottom orientation. Align it correctly with the new connector, then press it firmly until it clicks into place.

2.2. Use tweezers to break off the plastic locking tabs, then pull each wire out of the old connector one at a time.

2.3. Remove the wires from the old connector one at a time and insert each one into the corresponding position on the new 16-pin connector. Repeat the process until all the wires have been transferred to the new connector.

Congratulations! Your Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones are Ready for Reassembly!
You have successfully replaced the damaged 16-pin main wire connector on your Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones. You can now reassemble the earcups to restore your headphones' audio performance and return them to full working condition.

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.