Missing CD Changer

I was just curious, and wondering if anyone else has this problem, but I am wondering, why, In my 1998 Taurus SE, Ford decided to place a tape deck head unit with CD changer controls in my dash, but no CD changer. Whenever I hit the CD button, I get the msg NO DJ flashing across the display screen, so I was just wondering why Ford just didnt place a damn tape deck player in there, instead of the unit that plays both.

My daughter has a '98 Taurus. I wanted to add a CD changer to her car that could be controlled from the radio/tape player like the one you have, but the cost is tremendous--over $400. Of course, any third party in-dash unit would destroy the integrated look of the interior dash. I think the car is set up so you have to pay a premium price for a trunk-mounted changer from Ford. I have not found any third party units that work with the Taurus, though perhaps there is one somewhere. I heard that perhaps Clarion or someone made one, but I have not found it.

I went to crutchfield.com, they have some that will work with my taurus. they have certain guidelines to determine which unit will hook up (with an adapter of course) to the stock head unit and work like the original would. I got a quote from ford, and they want over 600 for the changer unit that would fit in my car..... hell no. the thing that pisses me off though, is even those stupid car adapters wont work in my car, it keeps spitting them out so I cant listen to my CD's that way either.

On this model taurus the faceplate is the control only. the radio is in the trunk. If your unit has the cd controls on the faceplate. all that has to be done is bolt a cd changer in the trunk and connect it in the loop with a wiring harness.

Several brands are available . Audiovox is the least expensive at about $160.00

Any stereo shop can sell and install a 10 cd changer back there for around $225.00

The reason most of them have the cd controls is production cost.

I was talking to a guy at the local audiosound, and he said that you have to connect it to the back of the faceplate as well. is this true? I am not well up to date on stereo installations, is this something that would be very easy for myself to do? how would I do it?

I am no expert on these. From what I can tell your head unit is already hooked up and ready to go. You just have to have the cd changer and the correct harness.
I do not want to mess with my head unit either. I wanted to put better speakers and hook up an aftermarket amp to my factory setup. Two different installers said it could not be done. I found a guy with a good reputation and am having the work done tomorrow. It can be done.

It seems to me that not a lot of people are familiar with the Taurus and they do not really know.

btw this advice is worth what you paid for it :screwy:

I have a 2002 ford taurus and a cd changer and i know i need to hook the cd changer up in the trunk does anyone know where my reciver is found in the trunk not real good with a taurus yet please help
Nathan

It is on the drivers side wheel well. Pull the lining and you will see it.

Do not lay any of the wiring down low in the drain or you will be sorry :smokin:

Ok i know where that is will putting my amp in the trunk hurt anything because of that drain just wondering

i have a 96 sho with a 6 disk changer and jbl premium sound
i cant get an indash unit because i was told buy the guy at tweeter they dont make a kit that has the electric climate control functions
you can install an amp and subs using the speakers as your input

I want to install a cd changer too, but don't you need a special cord to connect the changer to your stereo? if so, where can i find the cheapest one?

I have a 98 Taurus SE that came with the CD controls in the dash, but no CD changer, just like yours. You don't have to pay $400 dollars for a good 6 disc changer. Audiovox makes a 6 disc changer that can be controlled by those controlls for about $160 i think. Or, you can get an FM modulated 6 disc changer. I just installed a 6 disc poineer changer (FM modulated, $180) in my taurus, and it works great. You do have a seperate set of controls on a little wired remote control that you use, but I just place it in my ash tray and it doesnt get in the way. Don't go for the $400 changer, someone told me the same thing, but i went to a premium car stereo store, and they said that isnt the way to go.

I have a 98 Taurus SE that came with the CD controls in the dash, but no CD changer, just like yours. You don't have to pay $400 dollars for a good 6 disc changer. Audiovox makes a 6 disc changer that can be controlled by those controlls for about $160 i think. Or, you can get an FM modulated 6 disc changer. I just installed a 6 disc poineer changer (FM modulated, $180) in my taurus, and it works great. You do have a seperate set of controls on a little wired remote control that you use, but I just place it in my ash tray and it doesnt get in the way. Don't go for the $400 changer, someone told me the same thing, but i went to a premium car stereo store, and they said that isnt the way to go.
sure the premium shop said it was the way to go because they probably didnt have a direct to the headunit conncting cd changer. fm changers do not turn on the amplifier to full fidelity because the headunit thinks thefm radio is playing. only when you push the cd button does the internal equailizer turn on the radio to full fidelity. so a direct connecting cd changer like the audiovox with adapter cable that is conmtrolled by the headunit is the cheapest and best option. your stereo shop is putting one over on you telling you fm changer is the best option.