CD changer repair

[pgm]

I had a problem with my cd changer the other day. It stopped loading or ejecting the discs. I removed the changer unit and took it apart to retrieve my cd's and discovered that a small gear had broken a tooth :-( as the radios are coded to the cars its a volvo dealer job.
I decided to investigate a bit further and found a ebay shop in the US that sell new delphi cd units as fitted to fords ect. these units are just the cd changer and dont have the amp boards on them so I figured the "code" will be imbedded in the amp?
The cd changer arrived and I took the unit out of the car again and put the two side by side where I noticed two things!
1st the new unit was damaged as the corner was bent and
2nd the wire that conected the cd unit to the amp board didnt fit
I had a little think and decided that as the cost of shipping and import was more than the unit was worth I would attempt to make it work.
as the plug on the cd changer was beyond my ability (and eyesight) to change I desoldered the compete board and fitted the old board to the new unit. I then gingerly straightened the corner out on the new changer and reassembled the amp board ect. fitted it all back into the car and hey presto it all works as it should!
If anyone else needs to go down this route be aware you will need to be able to use a soldering iron competently.

Paul

Ps I did mean to take some pictures but in all the excitment completely forgot! sorry

[SonyVaio]

Nice fix.

What was the cost of the replacement unit you bought (with any taxes if applicable) just out of interest?

[pgm]

Originally Posted by SonyVaio

Nice fix.

What was the cost of the replacement unit you bought (with any taxes if applicable) just out of interest?

$50 us plus $18 tax and $18 shipping works out to about £55 all in

Paul

[BenB]

Hi PGM,
I need to do this I think, as I have stuck CDs in mine - is this the item? :http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/28000024-O...item4d0ad1881a

It's encouraging that it's new, and not a used part being stuck in there (so cheap too, compared to a second hand cd player that the car won't even play!)

Just how tricky is 'desoldering the complete board and fitting the old board to the new unit'? How many connections are there??

[pgm]

That is the correct unit. I believe if you get the correct lead you won't have to desolder the circuit board. From memory there are a couple of wires to desolder and about 6 metal tab. The tabs just hold the circuit board in place and Mau provide an earth. It took me about 20 minutes in total but I am ok with a soldering iron. An expert could probably do it quicker and a novice would be advised to take a little time. Hope that helps.

Paul