i own a 1996 explorer with the 6 cd changer located in the console between the driver and passenger seats. it seems that the cds that are in the changer will not come out of the unit. i can hear the unit trying to raise up the cartridge.. but apparently the mechanism is faulty.. i need to remove these cds. so do i need to remove the whole unit to get to the cds.? any info would be great thanks polarisman

 

I have the same truck, and same problem - I ended up pulling the unit, and just replacing it - I would love to know too, if others found a manual release for the magazine, or If I am going to have to dissasemble the whole thing....

I think they were mostly CD-R's, so maybe that is why I didn't care, but if anyone has the trick, please let us both know :-)

For me? the unit was starting to skip anyways, replacement was 2 fold for me - I can drive it over a cliff now, and it would not skip at all!

one thing I would say too - if you do get the magazine out, I would get a new magazine for either the unit you have or a new one....

It's actually pretty easy to pull out of the console... there are a couple of small hex head bolts, and then if you reach into the front middle of the e-brake cut out, you can pull the square plug, without having to remove all the trim, but you will have to hold down a retaining clip before you yank on it... easier to do it than explain it....

 

mediaman.. thanks for the info,, i will try to get to it a.s.a.p.,, i may end up destroying the existing unit.. but i have replaced the explorer with a 2001 explorer sport with the pioneer premium sound sys. very nice.. so maybe once i get the cds out of the unit.. the new owner can replace the changer with whatever he wants.. thanks polarisman

 

Yeah, I have a rockin system in my aerostar, but I find that as I get older, I like to drive with it lower anyways... :-) I only really drive the explorer around town, and in the snow of course, but it's nice to have the changer right there, and not in the trunk like it would have to be in most cars...

They are cheap on ebay - I got my replacement for like $40, and that is less money and time than it would be if you changed out the head, and put in like an alpine system, etc... then you still have to re-wire it, etc...

I would think you'd get more for it with a good factory working CD changer - esp if it's a kid or a woman that buys it (not being a pig here, just going by the first things my wife looks at in a car... :-))

Good luck...
Bob