disc changer falling apart

surferfletch · 03-21-2005, 05:06 PM

Inside the disc changer is a silver plate which is held to the top with 4 small screws. All 4 screws have fallen out and I can only find one of them. Looks like I'll need a new changer. $669 from the dealer for a new unit which plugs right in and mounts with 4 screws to the bracket. Any other really simple but cheaper fixes? I understand there is a bit of wiring required for most aftermarket installs. Thanks for any suggestions!
Fletch

marcre · 03-21-2005, 05:22 PM

I never had the factory changer. From all the posts I've read on it, it seems to be junk. At almost $700 as you stated is laughable. Never by car audio from the dealer. It is junk. Go to a place that sells this stuff and get an aftermarket unit. It will be much cheaper and will work better. The quality will also be better. For the price you were quoted, you could put a new head unit, a changer and new speakers in your car.

If installing it yourself is not an option pay to have it done, it is not that much.

Marc

amigo-2k · 03-21-2005, 05:23 PM

Super glue?

Maybe find a place that you can take the changer to, to find a screw that fits?

I would buy a used changer if you really want an OEM one from

Ebay

or

www.car-parts.com

surferfletch · 03-21-2005, 08:23 PM

Thanks for the reply.

I disconnected the old unit and it seems as though you could just plug a new one in. Why wouldn't this be the case?

I've installed car stereos before. Is this more involved?

Thanks again!

amigo-2k · 03-21-2005, 09:02 PM

nope it plug and play if you are doing OEM install.

surferfletch · 03-21-2005, 09:43 PM

How about aftermarket? Something about FM modulation and hooking into the antenna? This is from the sales guy at Best Buy. I'm going to check crutchfield.com...

amigo-2k · 03-21-2005, 09:56 PM

I wouldn't recomend FM modulation.

If you have the cash, buy a single disk player with CD changer controls and at some point you can add a changer.

as of the bottom slot you can purchase the pocket from St. Charles to below the radio.

Wiring up an aftermarket radio is pretty easy, as long as you purchase the wireharness that hooks up into OEM plug.

The aftermarket radio will sound a lot better since it has more power then the OEM radio.

surferfletch · 03-21-2005, 10:08 PM

Thanks a lot Ryan. Crutchfield has no option for factory direct connect for the 12 disc changer. I had my doubts about FM modulation. The sales guy did say you'd lose some of the audio quality. I also see needing another controller as a drawback. I'll go with a new in dash receiver with a cd slot and keep the option of installing a multi disc changer in the rear.

marcre · 03-21-2005, 11:25 PM

Also think about getting a CD player that plays MP3 format. That way you can load up one disk with about 170 songs. I've got one in my Rodeo and I love it. Just one CD in my car.

surferfletch · 03-22-2005, 05:30 PM

Good tip. 10 hours of music does negate the need for a changer...

surferfletch · 03-25-2005, 12:04 AM

I ordered a cd receiver with the capability of playing mp3 files from crutchfield.com. More music than I could fit in the changer. I'll be ordering another to replace the cassette receiver in my Jeep, too.

marcre · 03-25-2005, 02:33 PM

I think you made the correct choice. I believe that CD changers are starting to become obsolete in a way. I had one in my Rodeo when I bought it. I took it out and gave it to my friend. I went with the MP3 CD player and haven't looked back.

surferfletch · 03-28-2005, 10:32 PM

I got my package from Crutchfield today. Everything I needed, except some crimp caps, which I had, was included: receiver, harness, all mounting hardware. Dash removal consisted of 7 screws. Too easy. Most time consuming part of the job was getting the harness and adapter together. I connected it to make sure the radio worked. I put it all back together and marveled at how much better it looked and performed than the factory unit. Sweet!

Then I tried to play a CD. It wouldn't go in. I pushed it in. It wouldn't play. It wouldn't come out. AAAHHHHHHGGGGGGG!

Yanked it all out and repackaged it. Crutchfield has free return delivery and they are sending a new unit. They would have let me use the radio until the new one arrives, but I was so disgusted, I took it right out. It'll be easy to get the new one in anyway...

Service is good enough for me to try it again.

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