Rezal

After hitting a large bump on the road, my CD changer has decided to go on the fritz. During the event, the head unit showed a Err display that according to the manual, indicated a disconnected CD changer.

I've checked the wiring to the trunk and it is secure. There is power to the changer (the magazine ejects and reloads). I've done a hard reset (disconnected wire) but no dice. Also disconnected the battery when I was installing my HIDs which should've also resetted the head unit. I'm not sure if I have the radio puller tool so I haven't checked the head unit connection but I doubt that a road bump could have caused the wire to disconnect.

Btw, the unit I have is the CR-1 that looks like the one shown in the thread below (scroll to the top):
<a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=006583#000004" target="_blank">http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=006583#000004</a>

Anyone encountered this problem?

The other option is to find a '95 in my area with a similar changer and do a quick CD changer swap to isolate the problem.

As much as I would like to replace the head unit for an in-dash changer, it's just not a high priority right now. I'd rather spend the money elsewhere.

grouchy

Carefully pop the plastic cover trim off, there are clips on the two sides. The cr1 has a piece on each side that needs to be centered to allow the head to be slid out of the brackets.

I used a pair of forceps and a small screwdriver to align the pins on both sides and made a puller out of a pair of bicycle spokes that I filed down to fit in the pulling slots, then pulled evenly to slide my unit out.

<img src="http://www.grouchy.us/cr1_removal_fine.jpg" alt=" - " />

Could be that your bump dislodged the connector at the rear.

STLPCA

You should be able to access the back of the head unit from under the dash to check connections. No need to pull the unit.

Rezal

Dan:
I tried to reach from under the dash but Porsche did such a good job in covering everything up from underneath. I'll try again but I think I need Elfin fingers with ten joints to reach back there.

Grouchy:
Thanks for the pics. Can the rear connection be that sensitive? I know that the connection at the changer end is rock solid (I had to use a screwdriver to pry it off the back).

Btw, I take it that you're a physician? I don't know too many people with forceps lying around.

Will try to give both suggestions a shot this weekend.

At the rate that my questions get responded, I'm going to have to start contributing to Rennlist financially (yes, I know, I've been slumming for free)! Thanks again guys.

STLPCA

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by Rezal:
<strong>I tried to reach from under the dash but Porsche did such a good job in covering everything up from underneath. I'll try again but I think I need Elfin fingers with ten joints to reach back there.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Don't know about your CR-1, but the connectors into my Becker CR-210 were certainly visible & removable from under the dash, albeit w/a little skin abrasion.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by Rezal:
<strong>I don't know too many people with forceps lying around.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">I'm no physician, but I have forceps - which could tell many stories <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> Very useful item.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by Rezal:
<strong>At the rate that my questions get responded, I'm going to have to start contributing to Rennlist financially (yes, I know, I've been slumming for free)!</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Amen.

grouchy

Not a physician either, software engineer with some home electronics that really make having forceps handy.

I usually use mine for soldering circuit boards, but am willing to improvise uses.

Does your response mean that reseating the connectors did not get the CD player going? If not, it may be time to try disconnecting the cable from both ends and run a continuity test with a meter. That might be able to tell you if it is a bad cable.

Rezal

I only disconnected the cable to the changer. I could not reach behind the head unit and test the connection.

Is it possible that the CD changer is dead? I would be surprised though since I expect those made for autos would be pretty durable, even with 1994/5 CD changer technology.

STLPCA

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by Rezal:
<strong>Is it possible that the CD changer is dead? I would be surprised though since I expect those made for autos would be pretty durable, even with 1994/5 CD changer technology.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">That's certainly a possibility. FWIW, the Sony 10 CD player that was dealer installed in my 993 in 1996 recently started to misread discs, although it otherwise functioned. Cleaning, etc. did nothing. The cost of repair vs. replacement made it a throwaway. It was a good excuse for me to replace the head unit & trunk changer for MP3 capable units from Alpine.