15 yo Virgin Hook Up Problem-CD Changer Cable?

[jehu]

My new to me 540 has the CD Changer cables in the Trunk to the head unit but no Changer was optioned.

Head Unit is an Alpine 3 which does work with my PIO Cd changer.

MY car came with an Alpine 5 but croaked and I have used an Alpine 3 since.

I hooked up the changer and while the HU Recognizes the changer,operates it and you can hear something, after an hour and a half driving it never got clear. Sounded crackly.. could it possibly just be the cable is corroded/oxidized from the Pins in the Trunk end of the cable being exposed for 15 years? It seemed to improve some after running a while.

At first you heard current but the signal from the CD was almost imperceptible at full volume..

The Radio and Tape both work fine so It would seem the problem is confined to the CD Changer Cable delivering signal to the HU. HU to Amp seems fine

Could it be that even though or perhaps because it was never used the cable is no good or maybe some Caig DeOxit contact cleaner on the pins might help?

[quick93]

Is it a known working CD changer? I just pulled the one out of my car and gave it to my neighbor who never had one installed in his car, it worked perfect. You could check the connection though to make sure there wasn't some crap in it from being open so long.

[jehu]

Yes it worked. Yes I checked the connector. I even tried cleaning it with a Q-Tip and Alcohol..

[chadthestampede]

I read "15 yo virgin hook up problem" and thought this thread was going to be about something completely different.

[jehu]

I'll be Blown away if I have to swap this cable...

[quick93]

Maybe its got a bad connection behind the HU? If you have another cable just string it through the car, into the trunk though the ski pass and connect it direct. That way you can eliminate or confirm the cable being the problem before you fully replace it. Those are the only suggestions I can think of off the top of my head.

[jehu]

I already pulled the HU and checked the cable, moving it around, seeing if there was a break or loose connection.. nothing there was no sign there was an issue with the cable plug at the HU. The connection was solid and it appeared never to have been removed or at least never disconnected because I was unable to get it off.

I already did what you describe in my other 540.. both those cables are now junk due to the plug at the HU end coming apart.. If you see a CD Changer Cable with the SQUARE (technically its rectangular) Plug on the Head Unit end let me know,,

[quick93]

I'm out at the wrecking yard at least once a week, if i come across one I'll see if I can get it out for you. Now that I think about it I'll be pulling my whole system out for a full upgrade here soon. If I have the correct cable I'll let you know, I'm sure its in good shape because the changer I had worked fine.

[jehu]

I'm out at the wrecking yard at least once a week, if i come across one I'll see if I can get it out for you. Now that I think about it I'll be pulling my whole system out for a full upgrade here soon. If I have the correct cable I'll let you know, I'm sure its in good shape because the changer I had worked fine.


That would be awesome. I'll check with you in a bit if you forget, Thanks...

[ross1]

I'm out at the wrecking yard at least once a week, if i come across one I'll see if I can get it out for you. Now that I think about it I'll be pulling my whole system out for a full upgrade here soon. If I have the correct cable I'll let you know, I'm sure its in good shape because the changer I had worked fine.
The cable runs across the bottom of the dashpad to the driver's side, down the cowl and back along the rocker inside a plastic covering to the rear seat area and into the trunk.
A car with at least the cluster and driver's seat removed will make life a bunch easier. It's bundled with everyhting else but removeable intact with patience. Lots of wire ties to contend with.