Hi PJ!
My CD Multi Disk (6) changer on my 2000 Outback, has become jammed. Has
anyone out there any suggestions on how to do this repair at home?
Before you do anything else, try resetting the unit. Most easily done
by disconnecting the negative battery terminal for a minute or so.
Reconnect, and see if that doesn't get it working again.
IIRC, the changer section does not separate from the radio section;
you need to remove both as a unit. I've never had one of these apart,
but typically there is a combination of small screws and
snap-togeather panels. Take it apart on a clean work surface, put all
hardware in a cup or something. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean lint and
dust, Q-tips and alcohol to clean the laser diode lens, and white
Lithium grease sparingly to lubricate sliders, gears, etc.
If you don't find something _obviously_ wrong, you are unlikely to fix
the unit by further disassembly. Do whatever you need to recover your
CDs, and shop ebay for a replacement OEM changer (~$100), or
Crutchfield for an aftermarket head unit. Crutchfield is very
thorough, and will supply everything you need to make it a simple
"bolt-in" swap; probably ~$200 depending on head selection.
Hope this is helpful.
ByeBye! S.
Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101
