 Unlock knobs by 

gently pulling them out before turning them. We replace many knobs
because Soldiers forget this simple rule. They repeatedly force the knobs to turn and
eventually the knobs stop working. 
 

Pull knob out before turning

 
 Don’t force the P1 cable connector when installing it in the vehicle amplifier adapter (VAA).
You must align the P1 before you lock it in place. If it won’t lock in easily, it’s not aligned.
If you force it on, you break the P1 pins. That means no commo.  We usually replace way
too many P1 connectors. At $220 a shot, it adds up to real money.

Forcing P1 connector ruins pins

 
 Trouble transmitting? Clean the connector pins. Just spending a few seconds cleaning
connector pins with isopropyl alcohol, NSN 6810-00-753-4993, and a foam swab will often
erase communication problems.
 Clean connector pins with swab and isopropyl alcohol
 
 
 When installing the battery, don’t jerk on the battery cable. That puts the radio out of
business. 
 
 Don’t pry the battery connector cover off the battery. That damages the connector. The
cover has a wire loop that lets you easily pull off the cover. If it’s missing, tell your
repairman. He can replace it with NSN 5995-01-461-8616. Of course, when you install the
battery, don’t make the mistake of getting the loop caught under the battery. That keeps
you out of the loop.
 

Use loop to remove battery connector cover and replace if missing