My changer quit working in my 97 coupe. It wouldn't even eject the cartridge. I figured the changer had gone bad so I bought another one. Guess what! It won't work either. The cartridge won't eject in this one either and the little disc icon doesn't come on in the radio display. What could be wrong? Head unit bad? Is the head unit a C5 only or would one work out of say a Chevy pickup? They look alike but may not be since the BCM works with the radio system.

Larry

 

The harness for the changer connects at the changer, at the head unit, and also near the BCM under the passenger footwell. Check that other connection and be sure it's plugged in. The changer does get power from the head unit, so if the harness is plugged in - the HU may be the culprit.

Yes, I believe the Delco radios used throughout GM cars will all control the changer. Shoot for the latest model you can find though if you're gonna try one out.

 

I looked under the floor mat in the passenger side and found the 4 wire plug that appears to be the one for the changer. It is coming from under the dash (presumably from the HU) and plugs into a harness that goes toward the rear.

The wires were:
black/white
bare wire with clear sleeve
green/white
purple/white

This 4 wire harness was taped into a larger bundle of wires going to the rear of the car. Was this the right harness? I unplugged it and the pins look ok with no corrosion etc. Plugged it back in and put everything back. Now what? Is the HU bad?

 

There's still the connector on the back of the head unit. But it's unlikely it came unplugged. Also check fuse #5 in the passenger footwell fuse box. If that's all OK and you've tried another changer already, it seems to me the only thing left is the HU.


[Modified by lotzahp, 4:48 PM 12/24/2001]

 

The magazine won't eject and that is the only problem?

If this is the case, problem is probably with the CD mag door. There is a small plastic tab on the CD door that trips a switch to eject (when open). This tab is do damn flimsy a toothpick can break it off. Check to be sure this tab is securely in place AND that it trips a switch to eject. If you need to, remove the changer from the car and take the front plate off. Can't miss the tab...and you can check to see if the switch is being pressed when you open the door to eject.

In case you're wondering, this is the #1 problem with changers, per my trusted repair shop contact. They replace doors all the time at $85 parts and labor. Save the money and do it yourself. I broke mine and glue'd with a piece of duct tape (for xtra strength) and it works great. Much better than $85 for repair that will easily break again. Always slide the door open slowly and with no force.

P.S. Until you get a disc in the changer, the head unit will not see the changer. So you have to get the mag out and get a CD in.

-GR


[Modified by 2k NMB in NC, 8:26 PM 1/2/2002]