2003-2004 CD Changer option

[TALLM45]

Hi,

I did a search and many people's CD changer are failing. I have the same problem.
Put the CD in the Magazine and it will not play. CD mode Freezes.
CD Cleaner did not work.

Who makes the internals? Clarion?
I want to replace the unit without buying a replacement.

[Larz]

I'm not familiar with the 03/04 models but I reckon whatever OEM sound system you have (later models use Bose) is the same brand CD changer. After you figure out the brand, you may be able to pick up a used unit on Ebay.
Sorry I can't be of more help.

[szh]

It is a Clarion unit I am pretty sure. An expensive replacement ... mine is jammed too (wife stuck two CD's into the same slot on the stack and inserted into the player).

Sometime this summer, I will dismantle it and remove my CD's from it ... and then try to see if I can find a replacement cheaply. The dealer wants too much money for this unit.

Z

[seldomseen]

At one point Clarion offered a good will waranty on their cd changers due to the known jamming/failure, and offered free replacements through the dealership. However, I had this done in '08 whereas, the free replacement program may now be obsolete. The CD changer isn't broken. You'll simply need to remove the cd changer, and fix the jam, so the cd changer will operate normally again. Despite being a CD changer, the Clarion units work best using one CD at a time.

[TALLM45]

Thanks
Has anyone played with other clarion changers not specific to the 03-04 M45 to see if they will work?
Same plug possibly or can we make an adapter?

[seldomseen]

Yes, you can swap out the oem CD changer for an aftermarket unit. People have done it before, but I don't recall if they said it was a simple plug/play install or if minor wiring modications were needed. The good news is it's doable and been done before.

[Double E]

Great topic!!!!
When the changer fails, does it fail so that you can select the CD player from the function buttons and the screen does not change?

Was there ever a dealer installation of an MP3 input cable and iphone connector that removed the connection to the CD player? (I ask because I have what appears to be a dealer installed MPE input cable and iphone connector neatly installed in the center console ...but the CD changer does not work.

The changer loads CDs and unloads fine but if I use voice commands or buttons, it's like the actual changer connection to send audio to the head unit is not present.

[seldomseen]

The '02-'06 Q45/'03-'04 M45 did not have a dealer equipped MP3 connector. However, some folks figured out how to install a custom MP3 connectors in there cars via the OEM cassette player and/or cd changer.

The MP3 connector you describe your car to have appears to be a custom connector. The custom MP3 connectors would cause the cassette/cd changer to be disabled due to the signal bypass.

[marosari00]

Seeing this is somewhat a few months old...if you need to repair your CD player:
http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/five-r ... arket.html

Short Circuit Car Audio Repair repaired my '03 cd player and it plays like a charm...sounds great!