Stereo problems
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From: Ludlow, MA
Stereo problems
I have a '97 Expy EB and am having problems with the stock stereo. It cuts out intermittantly while its on and the CD changer has stopped working (gives me a 'NO DISK' message) altogether.
One dealer has told me its the head unit... another that its the CD Changer... and another that its the speakers.
I can't get a decent answer from any of them and all they will do is replace the part they think is not working properly... if that's not it they want to charge me to replace more parts. Seems like none of them are really qualified to actually diagnose the problem.
Anyone else out there ever run into the same type of problem?
I really didn't want to change to an aftermarket system.
BTW... anyone know how to get the CD Changer out of its compartment?
One dealer has told me its the head unit... another that its the CD Changer... and another that its the speakers.
I can't get a decent answer from any of them and all they will do is replace the part they think is not working properly... if that's not it they want to charge me to replace more parts. Seems like none of them are really qualified to actually diagnose the problem.
Anyone else out there ever run into the same type of problem?
I really didn't want to change to an aftermarket system.
BTW... anyone know how to get the CD Changer out of its compartment?
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: MA
jmrhunter -
Welcome to the forums!
I had the same problems with the head unit in my '97 Expy, and was told, more or less, the same thing. As far as I know, the service folks don't do anything with the stereos - they send them all to regional service centers (3rd party) for repair, and replace the faulty ones with refurbed units. I went through three head units until the "no disk" message went away w/ my in-dash changer. You're right - none of them are qualified to diagnose the problem. As it isn't a warranty item, consider trying to find someone you can swap head units with (most 1/2 ton Fords, as well as Taurus', etc from similar years) to self-diagnose. The upside is that it's an easy fix to swap head units and changers, and they're available on eBay for fairly short money. Good luck!
Welcome to the forums!
I had the same problems with the head unit in my '97 Expy, and was told, more or less, the same thing. As far as I know, the service folks don't do anything with the stereos - they send them all to regional service centers (3rd party) for repair, and replace the faulty ones with refurbed units. I went through three head units until the "no disk" message went away w/ my in-dash changer. You're right - none of them are qualified to diagnose the problem. As it isn't a warranty item, consider trying to find someone you can swap head units with (most 1/2 ton Fords, as well as Taurus', etc from similar years) to self-diagnose. The upside is that it's an easy fix to swap head units and changers, and they're available on eBay for fairly short money. Good luck!
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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the 97's dont have in dash changers though, i would bring it to a stereo shop and have it diagnosed there
without seeing it i would say it could be the changer itself mostlikely anr/or the head unit
you could replace both units for about $250 total these days so dont sweat it
without seeing it i would say it could be the changer itself mostlikely anr/or the head unit
you could replace both units for about $250 total these days so dont sweat it
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From: Ludlow, MA
The dealer wants over $700 to replace the head unit alone. And they aren't guarantying that's what the problem is.
My '97 has a head unit (part #F65F-19B165-BD) with CD Changer Controls and a CD Changer (part #F77F-18C830-AB) in the center armrest compartment.
Worked fine until recently... then the sound just cuts out now & then intermittantly... the subwoofer continues to play just fine and the display is fine too (no flicker).
When I press the CD button I get a message (NO DJ) in the head unit display even though the disc cartridge is in and has all 6 CD's in it.
I tried replacing both units and get the same result.
Was hoping someone out there might know something about it.
My '97 has a head unit (part #F65F-19B165-BD) with CD Changer Controls and a CD Changer (part #F77F-18C830-AB) in the center armrest compartment.
Worked fine until recently... then the sound just cuts out now & then intermittantly... the subwoofer continues to play just fine and the display is fine too (no flicker).
When I press the CD button I get a message (NO DJ) in the head unit display even though the disc cartridge is in and has all 6 CD's in it.
I tried replacing both units and get the same result.
Was hoping someone out there might know something about it.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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what i meant about the prices is replacing theunit with an aftermarket one, i used to be in the stereo business and i can tell you a $250 head unit/cd changer combo will sound better than your OEM unit.....the only thing u may sacrafice is that stock look but everything else will improve
you can replace the changer and keep your stock head unit but then the signal come through a FM modulator and only sounds as good as the radio (no static but less frequency response)
goto your local stereo shops and get some prices
you can replace the changer and keep your stock head unit but then the signal come through a FM modulator and only sounds as good as the radio (no static but less frequency response)
goto your local stereo shops and get some prices
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 61
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From: Atlanta
Originally posted by D2EBMA
jmrhunter -
Welcome to the forums!
I had the same problems with the head unit in my '97 Expy, and was told, more or less, the same thing. As far as I know, the service folks don't do anything with the stereos - they send them all to regional service centers (3rd party) for repair, and replace the faulty ones with refurbed units. I went through three head units until the "no disk" message went away w/ my in-dash changer. You're right - none of them are qualified to diagnose the problem. As it isn't a warranty item, consider trying to find someone you can swap head units with (most 1/2 ton Fords, as well as Taurus', etc from similar years) to self-diagnose. The upside is that it's an easy fix to swap head units and changers, and they're available on eBay for fairly short money. Good luck!
jmrhunter -
Welcome to the forums!
I had the same problems with the head unit in my '97 Expy, and was told, more or less, the same thing. As far as I know, the service folks don't do anything with the stereos - they send them all to regional service centers (3rd party) for repair, and replace the faulty ones with refurbed units. I went through three head units until the "no disk" message went away w/ my in-dash changer. You're right - none of them are qualified to diagnose the problem. As it isn't a warranty item, consider trying to find someone you can swap head units with (most 1/2 ton Fords, as well as Taurus', etc from similar years) to self-diagnose. The upside is that it's an easy fix to swap head units and changers, and they're available on eBay for fairly short money. Good luck!
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Ludlow, MA
Originally posted by msm718
I have a old head unit that I just replace in my 99 Expy. Pay for shipping and the unit is yours!
I have a old head unit that I just replace in my 99 Expy. Pay for shipping and the unit is yours!
E-mail me if you can... I'm new here and don't have privilages to e-mail users.
Thanks
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I wanted to keep the stock head unit so I added a Kenwood 6 disc changer to the center console and bought the wiring harness to plug into the back of the stock head unit. Fow awhile I had a problem with a message saying no disc and not playing cd's. I believe it ended up being a loose harness at the back of the head unit because I played around with all of the harnesses and got it working and it has been fine every since. Although it is not recommended, I found this out by leaving the battery hooked up and disc on while moving the harnesses around to determine that was the problem. A loose connection may be your problem Good Luck !
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Atlanta
Originally posted by jmrhunter
Great... which type of unit is it?... the one with the CD Changer Controls?
E-mail me if you can... I'm new here and don't have privilages to e-mail users.
Thanks
Great... which type of unit is it?... the one with the CD Changer Controls?
E-mail me if you can... I'm new here and don't have privilages to e-mail users.
Thanks
Hey JM did you still need that radio? I will be happy to send it to you. If you click on my profile link you should be able to send me a email from there.
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