Hi,
My disc changer is broken, completely. I thikn optical is bad, it gives error and I did try to clean the lence - no use.
The new one on ebay (used, the same model) cost around 100$. I decided to try something esle:
I bought an older Alpine 6 disc changer with radio for 45$. And I think I'll be able to install it instead of the oem unit.

Here is the wiring diagram for the oem:



The R41 is cd changer.
There are 11 cables going to it:
1 - right channel
2 - ground
3 - left channel
4 - ground
5 - data
6 - ground
7 - clock?
8 - ACC
9 - BATT
10 - another data
11 - ground for loud speaker, I think.

And here is the connector I have with the Alpine changer:



Here is 8 contacts:

1 - bus
2 - audio ground
3 - bus ground
4 - right channel
5 - left channel
6 - ACC or BATT
7 - ACC or BATT
8 - ground

So, I if I connect:

Original: Alpine:
1 to 4
2 to 2
3 to 5
4 to 2
5 to 1
6 to 3
7 to ?
8 to 6 or 7
9 to 6 or 7
10 to ?
11 to 8

Is this going to work? I'm a little lost =)
Did anyone tried to use aftermarket changer that doesnot plugs right in?


And another quick question:
Under the shift lever panel (auto) where there are illuminated gear letters/numbers, there is a microscheme. Mine is all corroded, someone spilled coke on it or something, what does the scheme do? It shifts fine and letters/numbers are illuminated when the lights are on, seems to work fine, but it can not be, it's all rusty... Does it do anything else I don't know about?
Thanks.

 

I think you pretty much have it all worked out. I would plug it in and give it a try. I am not sure what the worst thing you can do to your oem head unit is. If you have the power and grounds worked out(at it appears you do) then I see no reason for damage to occure. The good new is your oem unit is a single din, and not double like mine. So if you need to put in that Alpine headunit, it would be cheap and easy.

After re-reading your post I think I might be confused. Are you installing the Alpine head unit, and changer but using the OEM changer cable? If so, I would just run a bunch of new wires under the trim/carpet and not take any risks with damaging the head unit or changer.

 

No... I don't want the Alpine unit... I'm installing Alpine Changer to use with OEM unit =) It seems compatible, only OEM changer has two extra wires, well it's newer maybe it has more functions. Less wires it better then more wires, right? OEM unit has That Clock thing, what ever it is, and two Bus connections in and out - no idea what it is for. Alpine does not have clock, and only one Bus connection.
Technically it should work,.. the worst damage I might do is to blow a fuse %)
I need to get a magazine for the changer before I can do anything. I tested begore I bought it, but the seller did not have en extra magazine to go with it.

 

I woundn't worry about the clock wire. If the bus of a cd changer is the same as the bus inside you computer, then it is very important. I agree that the worst thing that could happen (assuming the power and grounds are good) is blow a fuse. I don't even think that would happen, I think it just woundn't work right. I know years ago I had to get a new changer for my Saab when the factory one got crushed by a suitcase in the trunk. I bought one from best buy and they sold me an adapter to make the new changer plug into the saab oem connector in the trunk. I would give best buy install staff a call in Edina and see what they have tosay. If they don't sell one, someone has to since you have two name brand devices your working with.

 

True... Oem got two Bus wires instead of just one- that's for disc change controll I assume? I might not be able to change CD's then...
I'll never call bestbuy... I used to work for that place, I'm telling you - worst job I ever had. Never buy anything in there... I used to work for the service center, if you've only seen what's going on inside there...

If there is an adapter exists- I should be able to wire it myself. It might take a little time for the trial/error proccess =)
I might have to use that alpine head unit after all if it does not work otherwise.

 

I too used to work for best buy in high school in their computer department. I lasted two weeks, I felt terrible pusing the psp plans. I will go there occasionally, but only if they have the best deal. My favorite store to browse CompUSA is leaving MN. Now I only have Best Buy and Circuit City left.

 

I worked there for 1.5 years...
I've been repairing ipods under warranty at the service center. We did sooo many rediculous things there... Like intentionally sending unrepaired units back to customers - because we needed better turn time - who cares it will come in again within a week but now it's out =) We broke units so they are not covered under warranty or gave a sky/roketing estimates prices so we don't have to fix stuff... I've never seen more complete morans together working at the same place - like there. We tricked and BS'd customers like crazy... It's a crap hole. Employyes are beeing abused there like hell as well (I expect the same goes on in any large corporation) After they made us work 14-16 hours a day I gave two week notice. But they had to push it even worse, so I started to complain and they let me go early in the most disgusting way possible =) Bastards still paid the two week period salary %)
That was a good experience, after that, I went back to college, where I curently am. Planning to get an associates in Criminal Justice and transfer to the U of M to get bachelors or masters in the same field. Then - possibly a law school, or I can work in low enforcement.