C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

12 disc CD Changer not working

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 3, 2021 | 07:31 PM
  #1  
bjones7131's Avatar
bjones7131
Thread Starter
Safety Car
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 4,496
Likes: 856
From: Walhalla South Carolina
Default 12 disc CD Changer not working

My friend's 12 disc CD changer isn't working, he said it had a cd hung up. He doesn't want to deal with it so do you guys know of a company that repairs them. From my research not many guys work on them and they aren't very reliable and pricey. Any suggestions, thanks!
Reply
Old Nov 3, 2021 | 08:46 PM
  #2  
vette4fl's Avatar
vette4fl
Le Mans Master
Community Influencer
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 6,503
Likes: 4,351
From: Florida
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner- Unmodified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Default

Originally Posted by bjones7131
My friend's 12 disc CD changer isn't working, he said it had a cd hung up. He doesn't want to deal with it so do you guys know of a company that repairs them. From my research not many guys work on them and they aren't very reliable and pricey. Any suggestions, thanks!
Sounds like most of them, mine included. It’s in a box in a garage cabinet.

There is an outfit that will work on them, but name escapes me. Surely someone will post it soon.
Reply
Old Nov 4, 2021 | 11:08 AM
  #3  
jackthelad's Avatar
jackthelad
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,473
Likes: 691
From: West Virginia
Default

If it's any help, they are Pioneer units.
Reply
Old Nov 4, 2021 | 12:37 PM
  #4  
rrwirsi's Avatar
rrwirsi
Melting Slicks
Veteran: Army
10 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
Default

If the cartridge is stuck and your friend has not already done this, lightly tap the sides of the unit while pushing the eject button.
Reply
Old Nov 4, 2021 | 04:16 PM
  #5  
bjones7131's Avatar
bjones7131
Thread Starter
Safety Car
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 4,496
Likes: 856
From: Walhalla South Carolina
Default

Originally Posted by rrwirsi
If the cartridge is stuck and your friend has not already done this, lightly tap the sides of the unit while pushing the eject button.
Yea I suggested that from my research. Thanks
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2021 | 04:08 PM
  #6  
strand rider's Avatar
strand rider
Safety Car
10 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,704
Likes: 239
From: Redondo Beach CA
Default

go to an authorized pioneer electronic repair shop if you need electronic repairs, but this seems to be a mechanical problem , someone just needs to manipulate the stuck disks out of the jam. You might have to take the cover off , but hopefully the carrier tray can be removed without that. I would think the tray has attempted to double load the player somehow, and that could be cleared if you can get the tray out.

Reply
Old Nov 5, 2021 | 11:26 PM
  #7  
vette4fl's Avatar
vette4fl
Le Mans Master
Community Influencer
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 6,503
Likes: 4,351
From: Florida
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner- Unmodified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Default

These CD players make excellent parking stops.
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2021 | 11:30 PM
  #8  
twostepdon's Avatar
twostepdon
Instructor
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 167
Likes: 58
From: Willis TX
Default

There is a guy in Huntsville Texas that repairs them. He modifies the unit and it must be mounted horizontal. doctordons.com
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Feb 22, 2022 | 05:35 PM
  #9  
Coyote11's Avatar
Coyote11
1st Gear
 
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Tifton, Georgia
Default

I have a 50th Anniversary (2003) edition and the cd player jammed. I found a thread that showed removing it and turning it sideways to get it to eject the cd cartridge. When I did, it came out but 3 cd's were stuck in the unit. I took off the cover and was able to get them out. I put it back together and put 12 cd's back in the changer. I loaded it and it loaded them and played them, sounded really great. Then I pushed a couple buttons on the radio and oh crap. It jammed again and presented an ERR code. My car is all original and I want to keep it that way with only 25,000 miles. If anyone can suggest either a repair shop or maybe after all these years maybe a unit still exist at a GM dealer or another dealer????

If you find an answer, let me know.
Reply
Old Feb 22, 2022 | 07:22 PM
  #10  
Jack 2003's Avatar
Jack 2003
Advanced
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 52
Likes: 5
From: W. Chester Pa.
Default

I had the same issue. Removed unit from the bracket, turned sideways and cartridge came out….removed all the CDs and washed the plastic holders and cartridge with dawn dish soap & water..dried everything and put unit back on bracket. Reloaded the CDs the proper way…installed cartridge and has worked fine for 5 months now…home made CDs with labels might cause issues for some reason…good luck with it..Jack
Reply
Old Feb 23, 2022 | 09:57 AM
  #11  
bc6152's Avatar
bc6152
Drifting
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 471
From: S.E. Pennsylvania
Default

I just yesterday packed mine up and sent it to Doctor Don's in Huntsville Texas. There's not many repair facilities available. I spoke to Don and he seems extremely knowledgeable regarding the repair of these units. According to him a modification to the changer must be made for it to function properly. After repair and modification the unit must be remounted horizontally vs. vertically from the factory. Not cheap, could be as much as $450.00 if certain parts are required. I know it's a lot of money but if you want it, use it, and want to keep your car intact, go for it.
I did...
Reply
Old Feb 23, 2022 | 10:27 AM
  #12  
JMG2's Avatar
JMG2
Moderator
Supporting Lifetime Gold
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 11,773
Likes: 1,374
From: US
Default

people still use CDs????
Reply
Old Feb 23, 2022 | 10:32 AM
  #13  
bc6152's Avatar
bc6152
Drifting
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 471
From: S.E. Pennsylvania
Default

Yes, apparently from posts on the forum a number of us do...
Reply
Old Feb 23, 2022 | 05:47 PM
  #14  
JMG2's Avatar
JMG2
Moderator
Supporting Lifetime Gold
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 11,773
Likes: 1,374
From: US
Default

wow, wonders never cease.
Go figure, I didn't even realize they still sold CDs.
Then again, I thought minidiscs were going to be the future before I jumped to streaming.
Reply
Old Feb 23, 2022 | 09:39 PM
  #15  
rrwirsi's Avatar
rrwirsi
Melting Slicks
Veteran: Army
10 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
Default

I wish they made 8 track tape units for sale as replacements.
Reply
Old Feb 24, 2022 | 09:20 AM
  #16  
JMG2's Avatar
JMG2
Moderator
Supporting Lifetime Gold
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 11,773
Likes: 1,374
From: US
Default

now you're talking.
Reply
Old Feb 24, 2022 | 03:56 PM
  #17  
strand rider's Avatar
strand rider
Safety Car
10 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,704
Likes: 239
From: Redondo Beach CA
Default

I suppose this "doctor Don " knows his stuff, but can't really see the design as defective and needing modification when so many pioneer disk changers were around ,with most not in automotive applications. I think I would just use a regular authorized pioneer repair shop, there is no top secret specialized knowledge needed to repair the item. Mine still works normally, but I prefer to avoid the slight sonic degradation caused by the long wires from the trunk.

I would assume the unit uses belts to move things around , and worn belts would probably be the first wear item to effect function. I know my dash player is getting worn, and doesn't load properly until the dash heats up and swells the rubber loading wheels. Replacement players for inside the radios are available, according to an old post from here.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To 12 disc CD Changer not working

Old Feb 24, 2022 | 04:21 PM
  #18  
bc6152's Avatar
bc6152
Drifting
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 471
From: S.E. Pennsylvania
Default

Rather than take a shot in the dark with a repair facility that works on a CD changer maybe every two years, I thought going to someone who enjoys a good reputation within the Corvette Forum for fixing/modifying these things was the smart thing to do. Only time will tell if it was a good decision. I'll report back for those who have issues with their unit...
Reply
Old Feb 24, 2022 | 07:36 PM
  #19  
GeorgieMporgie's Avatar
GeorgieMporgie
Pro
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 631
Likes: 61
From: Amherstburg Ontario
Default

I bought one of these bluetooth FM transmitter, but haven't tried it yet. The review are good though?

Amazon Amazon



Reply
Old Feb 24, 2022 | 10:51 PM
  #20  
ztheusa's Avatar
ztheusa
Safety Car
Veteran: National Guard
25 Year Member
Liked
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,572
Likes: 420
From: Taildragers rule! USA1
Default

Lately, I've been having a hard time just spelling CD.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:14 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE