Autochanger blues

Never been able to get my auto changer to work with my C42 head unit in my 2001 TD4. Both bits are original. CD changer makes all the right noises, checks cartridge when inserted etc but nothing happens when I press the mode button.
I seem to have a spare female socket at the back of the head unit with nothing to plug into it on the loom. Am I missing something? Some would say nothing new there!

is this an original factory fit, or did you retro fit it yourself using the upgrade kit ?

Its an original factory fit I believe

with the ignition and radio on, insert the magazine, obviously with cds in it, then while it's still clicking and checking the cd's press the mode button. The display should come up with "no magazine", which at least shows that the head unit knows there should be a multichanger.

from recollection, and what I can tell in the fitting instructions, there shouldn't be any unpopulated sockets on the back of the head unit.

when i get a mo, I;ll nip down and take a picture of the back of mine, which hopefully won't be further confused by the hands free kit I have fitted.

Thanks for that, I'll give the first bit a go

Just tried it and there is no change in the display, radio just keeps on rockin'

when you put the magazine in, does the display say "CD Check" ?

No, it still says Radio 1 all the time!

looks like the multichanger has power, but no data/audio connection to the head unit.

Reckon its a new changer then! Thanks for the tips though

don't panic into buying one yet, it might just be a cable unplugged missing. will check mine this pm and post you back

reet, ere tis:

seem to remember when I fitted mine, there was a loom with two connectors on it. Some connections went into vacant spaces in the back of the head unit, some connections had to be joined, and some pins had to be pushed out of the back of the existing connector, and the new one from the auto changer pushed in.

I have the instructions for fitting this unit, and the wiring instructions seem to be thus:

remove the connector from the back of the head unit and then:

push the exisiting purple cable and connector out of position 9, and relocate to position 2 of the 3 pin connector. push the exisiting black cable and connector out of position 15, and relocate to position 1 of the 3 pin connector. Plug the 3 pin connector to the exisiting 3 pin connector on the vehicle loom. Push the pink cable into position 7 of the main connector, and then the new loom purple into position 9 on the main connector, followed by the new loom black into position 15 on the main connector. I think these are purely the power connections, but I could be wrong. As you have power to the unit, I don't thinkl these are at fault.

Then, there is another square plug on the multichanger loom, which has to be clipped into the main connector on the back of the head unit. this fits in to one side of all of the pin type connectors and is held in place by a clip. If you look at the connector, you should see all the round pin connectors (17 No.) then to one side a smaller separate connector with 10 square holes, it is this which carries the data and audio signals from the multichanger.

I would check this before spending any money on a new changer.

If you wish, I can send you the fitting instructions, which aren't fantastically clear, but do show all the connection details.

Good Luck.

this may help on fleebay....

there is a picture of the connections on the alpine changer and the assosiated head unit


Landrover Freelander Alpine 6 disk CD changer on eBay, also Alpine, CD Changers Combos, In-Car Entertainment GPS, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 30-Apr-09 12:31:21 BST)

that's only the multichanger end. the connectors at the head unit are different. but worth checking any way.

still think it's an unplugged cable

Thanks for the help, I haven't located the 3 pin connectors in the picture, may have dropped down a bit, looks like a bit of feeling around is needed.