[Indiana627]

I've got a 1997 GL with AM/FM cassette. The radio has the Control Disc 1-6 button, so I think that means there is a plug in somewhere (in the trunk?) to accept a changer. I found this changer USA SPEC SCD-F100-2i on Cruchfields site. I've read some other topics here too about an RCU in the trunk? I just looked and don't see any obvious plug (though I didn't pull all the carpeting away). Can someone explain to me in layman's terms what I need to do so I can play CDs in my car? I found nothing in the manual - it says to see the Audio Guide, which I don't have. I appreciate the help. Thanks.

Mark

 

[Indiana627]

I had time last night to pull the carpeting back in my trunk. On the back side of the driver's rear fenderwell is a silver box, about 3 x 6 x 8 (rough estimate). Coming down the side of the trunk are some cables and one of them stops with a plug on the end of it. There is no markings on the silver box, but I can only assume it is the RCU. As I said before, I do not have the separate Audio Guide that the owner's manual refers to, so I'm in the dark on the full features of my car's stereo and how to add a CD changer. So assuming this silver box is the RCU, how exactly do I go about adding a CD changer? I assume I would plug it into the cable with the plug on the end. How does the silver RCU come into play? And where would I fasten the CD changer? I've read about a sub harness in the trunk, but I'm not sure what this is.

I really appreciate any help/advice offered. Thanks.

Mark

 

[97vulcan]

Hi Mark, I also have a 97 GL. I think you can only use a Factory changer, if you go through the RCU. Otherwise you could get an FM modulated one. What I did is bought a brand new Factory Cd changer from E-bay. It will come with a harness, that you plug into the blank socket in the RCU, then there is a grey plug that hangs near the left rear speaker. This is the power for the changer. As far as mounting it, I just cut four little slits in the carpet, and use a mounting pad they gave me with the changer. If you need any more help, hit me up. AIM: Coppens77.


Good Luck
Adam

 

[mwt]

Several people make a cd changer that will plug and play. I have an audiovox 10 cd changer but I would get a kenwood or some other one if I had it to do over.

B)

Mike

 

[firespirit]

Hey, where in Indiana are you at?

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[Guest]

Originally posted by mwt@May 20 2004, 07:40 PM
Several people make a cd changer that will plug and play. I have an audiovox 10 cd changer but I would get a kenwood or some other one if I had it to do over.

B)

Mike

www.cdchangersonline.com also has a unit which works.

 

[Indiana627]

Originally posted by 97vulcan@May 20 2004, 07:21 PM
Hi Mark, I also have a 97 GL. I think you can only use a Factory changer, if you go through the RCU. Otherwise you could get an FM modulated one. What I did is bought a brand new Factory Cd changer from E-bay. It will come with a harness, that you plug into the blank socket in the RCU, then there is a grey plug that hangs near the left rear speaker. This is the power for the changer. As far as mounting it, I just cut four little slits in the carpet, and use a mounting pad they gave me with the changer. If you need any more help, hit me up. AIM: Coppens77.


Good Luck
Adam

Adam (and everyone), thanks for the responses. I thought for a minute my post was invisible to everyone. You say you cut 4 slits in the carpet - I assume you did this in the trunk right? And then how did you actually fasten it down? Drill 4 holes through the trunk itself?

Also, does anyone have the Audio Guide that the owner's manual refers to? I don't have mine (I'm second owner and never had it since the day I bought the car). I've tried finding it online. I don't even know if it contains any info that would be helpful to me or not.

Thanks again for all the help!

Mark
(By the way, I'm not in Indiana - I'm in Buffalo. I use Indiana as in Indiana Jones. Kind of silly I guess, but that's me.)

 

[firespirit]

LOL, ok now I feel stupid

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[97vulcan]

Hi Mark, glad we could help you out. I have my Audio Guide that came with my Taurus. It just tells you how to use the cd and tape/radio. Nothing to important. As far as fastening it to the trunk, I cut the four slits, then installed the metal bracket that comes with the changer underneath the carpet. Its like a 1" by 4" rectangle with four threaded posts sticking out. You take the nuts and screw them down with the changer in between the carpet. Keep in mind the base is below the carpet, the post are sticking out, then the cd changer fits over the post, then you put the nuts on the post, tighten down, and there you have it.

Good Luck
Adam

 

[Indiana627]

Adam,

I just want to say how much I appreciate your help on this. I guess I'm still a little unclear as to how to fasten the bracket to the trunk. Are there pre-drilled holes in the trunk that the bracket bolts to? Or did you have to drill these holes?

 

[97vulcan]

Mark, I did not have to drill any holes. Once you pull the carpet up, and you find the RCU, you will see next to the wheel well a hole, where you would put stuff in when the carpet is down in the trunk. Anyways with the metal bracket with 4 threaded posts, I just cut 4 little holes for the posts to stick through. Put the bracket down below the carpet, fastened the carpet back the way it belongs, put the changer over the bracket, which is under the carpet, then put the nuts on the posts, and tightend them down. The carpet is what really hold the changer down. Once the metal bracket is under the carpet, with the posts sticking out, its there until u remove it. I don't have a digital camera otherwise I would've taken a picture of the setup. Trust me, its easy once you see the piece. You could also purchase a Chilton manual, which shows how to mount it a couple of different ways. Sorry I couldn't be more informative.

Good Luck
Adam

 

[Indiana627]

Adam,

OK, that clears a lot up for me! I can visualize the installation now. Sorry if I seemed a little thick. I just found it hard to believe the cd changer was bolted to the trunk somehow. But now I understand better. Thanks for all the help (and patience)!

Mark

 

[97vulcan]

Hey Mark, no problem! That's what were all about. Helping each other out. . Just return the favor to someone else if you can.

Take Care

Adam

 

[Indiana627]

Originally posted by XLSuruaT@May 21 2004, 12:27 AM

www.cdchangersonline.com also has a unit which works.

I was looking at their "Ford Type FDR 6 Disc CD/CD-R Changer with Adapter" for $236.00 on their site. Does anyone have this unit? How is it? Skipping frequency/sound quality/ease of installation? Thanks for the help.

Mark

 

[Guest]

Not sure on that model, but I have the Audiovox 10-disc in my 97. Easy to install, just plug in a couple cables. I've been pretty happy with it, and have had it for about two years. I paid about the same amount, I had bought it new through eBay.

I mounted mine on the rear deck shelf where the speakers are mounted. Out of the way, and I just drilled holes and used sheetmetal screws.

 

[White gt]

Mine is from a 99 taurus and bought it from ebay. If you go this way. Be sure to get the cable, the cd changer and the cartridge.

I got the cable at salvage yard from a Gen IV which is longer than from Gen III. I never understood why it was left in the car.

Because often they cut it to get the cd changer.

I tried to install it under the deck shelf but i got too much bad reading. Then i used the vertical installation.

I have the factory 6 disc and if you can find a 10 disc instead. I suggest you.

[url='http://img35.exs.cx/img35/2844/cdchanger-01.th.jpg']

 

[CometGSR]

http://www.fordaspire.com/page3/CDCHANGER.jpg' alt='' width='640' height='480' class='attach' />[/url]

I mounted mine behind one of the fold down seats. It just drilled the screws into the back. It holds the changer securely in place.