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Speaker - Capacitor Replacement

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Introduction
Each of the NSX's active speakers contain an amplifier module. Similar to most of the Electronic Control Units (ECUs) in the car, the capacitors in these modules tend to fail by leaking electrolyte. Especially the first generation of amplifiers (they can be identified by at least one small green capacitor) are known to leak early (sometimes after less then ten years) and resulting in most NSX having their amplifiers replaced at least once.
Modules with heavy leakage may cause shorts at the power transistors, charring and burning the PCB beyond repair. Precautionary replacement of the capacitors is advised even if no damage was observed yet.

Diagnostic
Speakers with failing capacitors typically show symptoms as popping, siren or static noise, sudden change in volume or drop-outs. As mentioned above, the leakage can destroy transistors on the module. Cleaning, repairing and replacement of the capacitors obviously won't be sufficient in such cases.

Preparation
To remove the speakers from the car, please refer to the service manual or the instructions provided on nsxe-repair.com. The amplifier modules can be unscrewed and removed from the case for all upcoming steps. To get access to the PCB, simply pull-off the cover.

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Opened Foot Well Speaker

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Opened Door Speaker

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Door Amplifier Module

Before removal of any capacitors create a drawing with location, capacitance, diameter, height and solder point distance (RM). Replacement types should be regular electrolytic capacitors for the small diameter ones as these are potentially carrying audio signals and should therefore not be replaced with dry Polymer-Aluminium capacitors . The large ones are used for voltage smoothing and can be safely replaced with Polymer-Aluminium ones.

Specification Suggested Replacement
820 μF, 16 V, ↥ 15 mm, ⌀ 13 mm, RM 5 mm Nichicon RNE1C821MDN1PH, 2000 h @ 105 °C, 14 mm, 10 mm, RM 5 mm
47 μF, 16 V, ↥ <15 mm, ⌀ 6 mm, RM 5 mm Nichicon UPW1C470MDD, 2000 h @ 105 °C, 11 mm, 5 mm, RM 2 mm
22 μF, 16 V, ↥ <15 mm, ⌀ 6 mm, RM 5 mm Nichicon UPW1C220MDD, 2000 h @ 105 °C, 11 mm, 5 mm, RM 2 mm
10 μF, 16 V, ↥ <15 mm, ⌀ 6 mm, RM 5 mm Nichicon UPW1C100MDD, 2000 h @ 105 °C, 11 mm, 5 mm, RM 2 mm
4.7 μF, 35 V, ↥ <15 mm, ⌀ 6 mm, RM 5 mm Nichicon ‎UPW1H4R7MDD‎, 2000 h @ 105 °C, 11 mm, 5 mm, RM 2 mm
1 μF, 50 V, ↥ <15 mm, ⌀ 5 mm, RM 5 mm Nichicon UPW1H010MDD, 2000 h @ 105 °C, 11 mm, 5 mm, RM 2 mm

Above list of specifications might not be complete, please check your board before ordering. Any missing specification can be safely replaced by capacitors from Nichicon's UPW Series if enough space (height and diameter) is given at the corresponding location. Note that the maximum height (↥) of all capacitors on this board is 15 mm.

Repair
To be able to remove the large voltage supply smoothing capacitors, use a hair dryer and a pair of pliers to carefully pry away the hot-melt glue. It's sufficient to remove just enough to free the capacitors.

After removal of all capacitors, please refer to Climate Control Unit (CCU) - Capacitor Replacement, section "Repair" on how to detect damage to the PCB and properly repair it.

Replacing the capacitors on these PCBs is a relatively easy task as they do not contain large copper areas. A simple, fixed power electronics soldering iron (~30 W) should be sufficient. It's suggested to fully remove all of the old solder using de-soldering wick or a comparable tool before installing the replacements.

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Door Amplifier Module with removed Capacitors
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Door Amplifier Module with new Capacitors
Before re-installation into the car, the modules can be put back into their speaker housing and bench-tested by supplying 12 V to the correct pins and using a mobile phone, MP3 player or similar device's headphone output to drive the speakers.

Updated 16-07-2021 at 07:53 PM by Heineken

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