DEAD OEM CD changer

[thaxman]

So I have a full CD changer and the car was in the wife's hands and by the time I got it back, she had switched it to FM and when I switched it back to CD, I got a CHECK CD message, followed by a CD OUT message and nothing. I tried to switch discs, but got nowhere. More CD OUT messages. Tried to eject and just CD OUT messages. Any clue what happened to the changer? Should I repair or rip it out?

 

[j3nsmz5]

Got a similar problem. Mine makes winding noises like it's about to eject the CD but I just get an error message. I've just eventually ignored since I don't listen much to CDs anyway..I'm thinking about replacing my CD player and connecting one of these clicky click

 

[thaxman]

Yeah, that describes my problem as well. I think either the changer got hung up or else one of the changer motors died entirely. Lucky I only had CD-Rs in there, but still...now I'm out anything but FM or talk.

 

[Silentnoise713]

Not worth the repair b/c the OE HU is such garbage. For a cheap (<$50) solution that also boost SQ, look into a half DIN equalizers on Amazon. Some come with Aux in while others come with SD memory card support (playback buttons are on the equalizer). The challenge is there really isn't any real-estate on the dash to mount one.

 

[thaxman]

Prob is I have never had any intention to tear into the dash...not for a new HU nor to pull the stock unit out and add another part to the SAT input. But I'm guessing this is where I may be going down the road....

 

[Silentnoise713]

Since you don't have Aux in, unless AM/FM is good enough for you needs you don't have a choice but to tear into the dash and do 'something' with the radio. Question then becomes another slippery slop of what or how much ($) you want to do but you have to tear into the dash no matter what.

The cheapest would prob be adding the Aux-in mod but this requires some wiring/soldering work.
The plug and play bluetooth kits cost significantly more than the price justifies.
The equalizer (w/ Aux-in or SD playback) is cheap but requires some wiring.
The solution with the best long-term payoff is probably a single DIN HU but you need a dash kit, wiring, and steering wheel control adapter -it adds up cost and more work. Crutchfield provides some parts but not always the best price.

Since it is alredy broken, mind as well replace it now instead of later so you get the benefits of it sooner.
Here's a head start.
View attachment Mazda5_OEMStereo_Master_Sheet.pdf
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VGwBQPywHO8

 

[thaxman]

Looks like I have to disassemble half the cabin to get to the head unit!! My wife is right...beginning to miss the Subaru. Mebbe I can figure out how to add a 3rd row to an old Forester..hahahaha.

 

[Davicho]

Looks like I have to disassemble half the cabin to get to the head unit!! My wife is right...beginning to miss the Subaru. Mebbe I can figure out how to add a 3rd row to an old Forester..hahahaha.

Looks harder then it is. You don't even have to completely remove "everything". A simple loosening and removal of screws and clips will suffice to get access to removing the radio. The only two things that absolutely need to be removed is the shift knob and shifter indicator plate.

 

[Secondtyme]

What he said^^ I can get my radio in and out in less than thirty minutes, mind you this is my second 5 and I'm no stranger to doing my own installs. If you would like I will offer you my very recently removed OE radio/cd changer at a fair price. It was working perfectly right up until I removed it about ten days ago...