Craig came round last weekend to help me make a start on removing my CD changer prior to p/x-ing my car against an 04 in a few weeks. After a bit of a game getting a recalcitrant screw out, we were able to get the head unit out and unplug the CD changer cable.

Except I completely forgot that, without power, I wouldn't be able to remove the CD cartridge to retrieve my CDs

I know someone has posted about this in the past - a quick search didn't throw up the thread though. Anyone out there know a more convenient way of getting the cartridge out without having to take head unit out again and plugging the cable back in?

Alternatively, is there anyone within a reasonable distance with a Honda OEM CD changer (not sure whether it has to be 02 specific, or whether any year would do) who would be prepared to meet up with me so I can "borrow" your connection to temporarily power mine up and extract the cartridge - I'd just need to unplug your changer and plug the lead into mine.

 

Mark,

There is normally a clip that holds the changer in. On my Alpine kit slide a long knife underneath the cartridge which pushes the spring loaded clip down and the cartridge pops out. Of course yours might be slightly different put it's worth a try.

Alternatively unscrew the changer's outer case.

Or finally pop down to your local car hifi store which should know how to release it.

 

Mark, if it is Matchbox 20 in the changer I would just leave it

No! there isn't an easy way.

I did this recently when I removed my minidisc head and changer. I connected the Head to the Changer and used a 12v source to power up the head to power up the changer so that I could remove my CDs.

You would also be able to power up the changer from someone that had an Alpine M-Bus changer installed as the connector is the same and they use the same power pins.

If you bring it along to the Herts meet on Thursday I am sure you could find somjeone to help.

 

MT what the hell is a recalcitrant screw ?

 

The bugger refused to come out, notwithstanding da paper lawyer's best efforts - it just span in the socket.

Thanks for the advice, Steven and Neil - I'll try a knife. Failing that, I'll have to get together with someone who has either an OEM or Alpine changer. Can't remember whether Craig has a changer to go with his Alpine HU - if so, that would probably be the easiest option.

 

A hard one to get out!

 

Sort of like a bird with very strong legs!

 

I'd lock Jenny, her screwdriver and the cartridge in the bathroom and tell her she ain't coming out until she's either (a) got the CDs out; or (b) built a cabbage-firing tank capable of blowing you into submission (in true A-team style)


errr, is "blow" the right verb?

 

I found your drill bit, BTW, Craig.

And judging from your sig, no Alpine changer I can get a "jump" off. Ho hum.

 

Afraid not, but I've got the OEM HU - I wonder how easy it would be to get some juice into it....probably easier to take the cassette apart, although I agree with the knife suggestion.