Installing a disc changer.
 

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:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...mw/diagram.gif

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:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...mw/alpine4.gif

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.

RE: Installing a disc changer.
 

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.

RE: Installing a disc 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.

RE: Installing a disc changer.
 

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.

RE: Installing a disc changer.
 

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.

RE: Installing a disc changer.
 

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.

RE: Installing a disc changer.
 

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.