6 cd changer won't eject or play (2003 Windstar)

I have a 2003 Ford Windstar with the 6 CD changer, which up until now (5 years of use) has worked fine.

Last week I tried to load a CD (a purchased, non homemade CD, no paper label) into an empty slot of my 6 CD changer and it made a bad "click" sound when the CD went in. Now none of the CDs loaded will play and none of the CDs will eject. When I try to eject, it grinds through all the CDs and then says "Eject Error". If you try to play, it grinds and then says "CD error".

I've read I can pull out the radio and remove them somehow, but that sounds like a big project. Any other ideas? Any magic button sequence I can press to make it eject them? I am going to try to pull the fuse to the radio to see if that resets it as soon as I can find the fuse panel. I read it is under the steering wheel, but I took a quick look and didn't see what I would recognize as a fuse panel anywhere.

Hi
I don't have specific experience with an '03 W'star changer. However, I have had two. I had an aftermarket add-on (JVC) that had a similar failure. In that system I had a removable magazine for the CD's and the transport for the "spinner" that moved up and down the magazine to align with a given cd failed - a plastic part broke making it unable to move normally. I had not been that happy so I did not repair it, but I had it apart to note the problem.

I also now have an '05 Pacifica with an in dash changer. While checking the car out at the dealer pre-purchase, the changer ate a DVD we had brought along to test the video system. The dealer pulled the changer and took it apart to return the DVD, and then put a different player in.

This is all to say that I think pulling it apart may be your best bet. Most single disc home and computer changers have the small pin hole that you can use to release a jammed/unpowered sliding cd tray. I doubt your changer has a similar type feature. Do consult the owners manual for guidance, but it sounds to my non-professional ears like a jam or the failure of a simple but essential part - I hope not.

If you do get it out and decide it is a loss, I did notice a changer on
Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-TRUCK-6-CD-Changer-in-dash-player-Radio_W0QQitemZ120201345388QQihZ002QQcategoryZ3864 0QQcmdZViewItem

Good luck

Hi Again,

I just looked at some of the '03's on Ebay motors to see your setup. I have done stereo work on a few Fords and it looks to my amateur eye like you changer should come out pretty easily. The four holes located two each side of your radio control take a U shaped tool that will release the latches and allow your unit to slide right out. I do not believe you would even have to remove any trim. You might check a local stereo/alarm/remote starter dealer who would sell you the tools or release it for you (you do not need the tool to put it back as it snaps into place).

If you do take it out and fix the problem, test it before you slide it back into place to make sure everything - radio, individual speakers etc. are working. I have had to re-pull the radio many times for forgetting to hook up the antenna or missing a small connector for steering wheel controls etc.

Again, best of luck