12 disk CD Changer will not eject cartridge
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
12 disk CD Changer will not eject cartridge
Hello all, know there is much discussion as these trunk mounted CD changers break a lot. In my new to me '99 Coupe, I tried to open the changer and it would not eject the cartridge, some click sounds but nothing after that. I took it out and took all the covers off, but could not see any obvious problem. I read an old post that said there is a small white lever that will manually release the cartridge. I did work, however the cartridge only popped up a a bit more flush with the eject door, but not enough to be able to pull it out at all. I pushed on it on is some but still will not eject. Any other ideas?
Also, has anyone hocked up anything else to the exiting wiring for the CD player? Thanks for any ideas.
Also, has anyone hocked up anything else to the exiting wiring for the CD player? Thanks for any ideas.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 1,213
Same thing happened with mine. I ended up dismantling the entire unit to get the cds out and threw the pieces in the garbage.
The car audio section of the forum has lots of good solutions for replacement radios and speaker upgrades.
The car audio section of the forum has lots of good solutions for replacement radios and speaker upgrades.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,568
Likes: 1,183
From: Conyers Georgia
Lone voice of dissent here. I'm a believer in originality so I'd fix the changer. This is from digital corvettes website.
Look very closely, there is a small hole. Get something to push into that hole at the same time you open the door. It should try to eject the cartridge. Mine had cd holders that were all misaligned and had to be taken apart to save all 12 cd's. I eventually bought a almost new one off ebay for 100.00 bux. Works perfectly after just plugging it in. The head unit seen it right away.
Look very closely, there is a small hole. Get something to push into that hole at the same time you open the door. It should try to eject the cartridge. Mine had cd holders that were all misaligned and had to be taken apart to save all 12 cd's. I eventually bought a almost new one off ebay for 100.00 bux. Works perfectly after just plugging it in. The head unit seen it right away.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,864
Likes: 4,667
The Pioneer changer, like everything, had some really good ones, and some not so good. I never had any problems with mine in 24 years,136,000 miles. Went with a new HU last spring that plays a single CD, and has Sirius/XM and Android Auto. But I actually miss it. I agree with having it fixed. Can't remember the place in Texas that services them.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 471
From: S.E. Pennsylvania
I took mine out of the '98 and sent it down to Dr. Don's in Huntsville, Texas. He replaced the innards and sent it back in about 2 weeks. I can't remember the exact amount he charged but it was around $350.00. I wanted the factory unit so went ahead and paid it. I reinstalled it and now 2 years later it's still working fine. BTW he does warranty it for life after the repair. Whose life I don't know... LOL.
If you can find a unit in good condition from another car for less that's an alternative. GOOD LUCK!
If you can find a unit in good condition from another car for less that's an alternative. GOOD LUCK!
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski