Stock CD changer ('98)

I have a 98 F150 3-door with a stock 6-disc changer.
Last summer, everything was working fine. During the winter, it mostly sat idle. This summer, I notice that the CD changer sounds HORRIBLE! It sounds like there is a ton of static that comes with the music. Every disc I put in sounds this way. The sound doesn't change with different tracks on the same disc. It has been suggested that there may be a problem with the connections or wires. I pulled the head unit and everything is plugged in as one would expect. I even jiggled things while the music was "playing" and there was no change in sound. Here's the question:
Where do I go from here? I refuse to have the dealership look at it. I just don't have money to spend on a luxury item such as this. I have no problem tearing things apart ... it's the putting back together that doesn't go well. ;)

I doubt it is your head unit if the Radio is fine. It may be bad connections from the Player to the head unit.. My recomendation is to replace the connection. Make sure you are use good wiring. Other wise it will pick up other frequencies in the cab and send it through. If that does not work. it could be your CD changer. Good luck