2003 Convertible, trunk CD changer
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 739
From: Miami FL
Let me know how the test goes.
Gilbert
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 85
Likes: 27
From: Smithtown New York/Naples Florida/Flint Twp. Michigan
Low voltage will cause problems with the changer but there are inherent problems with these changers. The design was very poor but you can get them to function well with a bit of persistence. First make sure that they are mounted horizontally. All I did was add a couple of new holes in the current brackets and use one or two of the old holes so that the player is horizontal and the front faces the driver. It's a gravity issue. Then call Don @ 936-435-1811 and he will help you get the update and save the unit. Otherwise you are going to be dealing with an outdated unit for a long time. And keep in mind that pioneer does not make any more lasers for this unit. Most vette owners get rid of them so you should be able to find a spare parts unit out there. Good luck!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 739
From: Miami FL
When the changer gets energized, or a magazine is inserted, it goes through an initialization process that includes scanning all the magazine trays. If power is interrupted, or falls below the acceptable threshold, while going through this routine, it's possible that a tray can be caught midway between the magazine and the playing area. Sometimes, when power is restored, the mechanism is not able to recover from that.
Using a battery tender and removing the magazine when the car is not going to be regularly driven will help prevent this problem.
Last edited by GCG; Feb 20, 2020 at 12:06 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 214
Likes: 14
From: Alameda CA and Brick NJ
Gilbert,
Success! All 12 discs etc initialized, and play back is excellent! Thanks again for instilling confidence in me! Now to get those 6 tiny bolts in............
Jerry
Success! All 12 discs etc initialized, and play back is excellent! Thanks again for instilling confidence in me! Now to get those 6 tiny bolts in............
Jerry
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 739
From: Miami FL
I'm glad everything is fine and nothing got damaged in the "battle"
. Without a doubt, you're an expert now! 
As I mentioned above, please consider, if possible, using a battery tender when you're not going to be driving your car on a regular basis. In addition to that, and as an extra precaution, remove the magazine if you're going to travel and leave your car behind. When you're back, don't reinsert the magazine
until you know things are fine with your battery (if you want to be extra careful, do it with the engine running 
).I'Il be grateful to take your beer offer if someday you pass by Miami, FL. Cheers, my friend!
Take care,
Gilbert
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 203
Likes: 100
From: DFW
USAF
Low voltage will cause problems with the changer but there are inherent problems with these changers. The design was very poor but you can get them to function well with a bit of persistence. First make sure that they are mounted horizontally. All I did was add a couple of new holes in the current brackets and use one or two of the old holes so that the player is horizontal and the front faces the driver. It's a gravity issue. Then call Don @ 936-435-1811 and he will help you get the update and save the unit. Otherwise you are going to be dealing with an outdated unit for a long time. And keep in mind that pioneer does not make any more lasers for this unit. Most vette owners get rid of them so you should be able to find a spare parts unit out there. Good luck!
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Brett Foote
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Low voltage will cause problems with the changer but there are inherent problems with these changers. The design was very poor but you can get them to function well with a bit of persistence. First make sure that they are mounted horizontally. All I did was add a couple of new holes in the current brackets and use one or two of the old holes so that the player is horizontal and the front faces the driver. It's a gravity issue. Then call Don @ 936-435-1811 and he will help you get the update and save the unit. Otherwise you are going to be dealing with an outdated unit for a long time. And keep in mind that pioneer does not make any more lasers for this unit. Most vette owners get rid of them so you should be able to find a spare parts unit out there. Good luck!
. My changer is 20 years old, has 85K miles on it, has been playing continuously for the last 30K miles and has worked perfect. It is in it's original vertical position. I have three magazines that I rotate in. That may keep the original from wearing out.
Last edited by JR-01; Feb 21, 2020 at 07:52 AM.
