Replacing the Head Unit-need suggestions
The time has come to replace my Pioneer 6 CD changer unit on my '02
The stereo plays fine but the CD is giving me difficulties IE tells me "no CD" when one is in there, refuses to eject CD give a "CD error" etc. eventually it give me back the CD but it's annoying.
That said, I want to replace it and I wanted to get suggestions from the forum.

Here is the criteria:

1. Don't care if it has a multiple CD changer (single CD is fine).
2. I'm happy with the OEM unit sound & power so I don't need 300w per channel.
3. I want to keep all the other OEM speakers, amps & sub.
4. I want the LEDs to match the green dash.
5. I would prefer a single DIN with a pocket spacer (I could use the space).

I assume you can get wiring adapters for any system to be plug & play, so what would be the best aftermarket replacement make & model?

I think the OEM unit will self-diagnose. Interested?

Hey if you know how I can make it tell me what I want, I'm all ears!

As much as I would like the space, I'd rather not spend the bucks on something I already have.

Unfortunately, if you have the OEM sub, there is no "plug and Play" for it unless you go with the same HU. You can however hardwire the sub to an aftermarket one. The options are limited as far as HU's go. It's not actually a "Double Din" HU, more like a 1 1/2 Din. If mine ever goes, I'm going to do your last option, single din reciever. :wink:

I do think the OEM HU's will self diagnose. You have to ebter numbers using the "presets" and it should give an error code. Most of the time, it's just time to replace the whole unit. :thumbsdown:

I don't know if this is going to do you any good on the CD problem. You can try it and see what it tells you.

If it gives you a DTC then we can go from there. It's worth a try.

Have a look at the kits these folks offer if you decide on replacing it.

http://www.scosche.com/






SECTION 415-00: Entertainment System — General Information 2002 Explorer Sport/Sport Trac Workshop Manual
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING Procedure revision date: 02/27/2002

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Audio System
Refer to Wiring Diagrams Cell 130 for schematic and connector information.


Special Tool(s) 73III Automotive Meter
105-R0057 or equivalent


Inspection and Verification

Verify the customer concern by operating the electronic audio system with the engine running and the vehicle in and out of motion.
Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical and electrical damage.


Visual Inspection Chart Mechanical Electrical
Audio unit physically damaged, misaligned or any controls inoperative
Antenna or antenna cable physically damaged or misaligned
Radio speakers mounting/speaker cones physically damaged or misaligned
Radio ignition interference capacitor, radio frequency interference suppression bond or radio receiver hood bonding strap misaligned, corroded or loose
Central junction box (CJB) fuses:
4 (15A)
8 (7.5A)
34 (10A)
29 (20A)
Battery junction box (BJB) fuse 2 (50A)
Connectors
Ignition switch
Circuitry
Audio unit



If the fault is not visually evident, proceed to Speaker Walk-Around Test and audio control module (ACM) Self-Diagnostic Mode.

Speaker Walk-Around Test and ACM Self-Diagnostic Mode

NOTE: To enter the speaker walk-around test or ACM self-diagnostic mode, the ACM must be turned on and in radio tuner mode (AM/FM).

The ACM self-diagnostic mode tests can only be entered while in the Speaker Walk-Around Test.

To enter the Speaker Walk-Around Test, press Preset Buttons 3 and 6 simultaneously, hold for approximately three seconds and then release.
The Speaker Walk-Around Test stops at each speaker and applies tone to each speaker for approximately 1-2 seconds. Each speaker is tested and shown on the display in the following sequence: RF, LF, LR, RR, SUBWOOFER I, and SUBWOOFER II.
The speaker walk-around test automatically continues and tests Subwoofer I and Subwoofer II for speaker short and CD/DJ. If a speaker short exists, SPKR SHORT will be displayed. If the vehicle is not equipped with CD/DJ or if the CD/DJ is not responding, NO CDDJ or NO DJ will be displayed.

ACM Self-Diagnostic Mode

NOTE: To enter the speaker walk-around test or ACM self-diagnostic mode, the ACM must be turned on and in radio tuner mode (AM/FM).

The ACM self-diagnostic mode has five tests available:
Preset Button 1 = Audio internal/external SELF TEST. This test is an on-demand self-test. If SELF FAIL is displayed, press TUNE > to scroll view the DTCs stored. Refer to the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index. If the system is OK, SELF PASS will be displayed.
Preset Button 2 = View/Clear continuous DTCs. NO DTCS is displayed if no DTCs are retrieved. If DTCS FOUND is displayed, press TUNE > to view the DTCs retrieved. Refer to the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index. To clear all DTCs, press the EJECT button. DTCS CLEAR will be displayed.
NOTE: Always DOCUMENT, CLEAR and CARRY OUT the CDX6 On-Demand Self-Test again.

Preset Button 3 = SIGNAL TEST. This test measures the average strength at the current tuner setting.
Preset Button 4 = Software configuration level. This test queries each radio system controller for its software configuration level. SOFT LEVELS will be displayed upon completion of the query. Press TUNE > to scroll view the software configuration version level.
Preset Button 5 = DISPLAY TEST. This test will light all the ACM display segments for five seconds. When the test is complete, DISPLAY TEST is displayed on the bezel.
To enter these tests, depress the desired preset button while in the speaker walk-around test or while in the ACM self-diagnostic mode.
To exit the ACM self-diagnostic mode, turn the ignition switch or the audio unit off.
If the concern remains and the fault is not detected, proceed to the Symptom Chart to continue diagnostics.

i kinda want the six disc. want to get a better HU but like the fit and look of the stock ones. dont want something with bright lights and crazy color patterns ya know.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=11062593



That is the website link. It is probably the best thing for you. It has 30,000 color patterns and has the ability to have one color for day and at a specified time switch to another color. In my case it is a light blue almost white during the day and then at 8 it switches to match the color of the gauges and dials. A very similar green. Plus it has a bluetooth connect and a microphone for your phone, just a nice touch. You will dig it.

Check Metraonline.com for harnesses. You may find "plug & play". I know they make all the necessary ones for the 2nd gens: retain OEM sub&amp, and retain input aux. PAC also makes a major harness for the 2nd gens -- to keep all the factory goodies, but it's $129.

It's a little tougher to find the green lighting. Check Pioneer head units. I think they still have some. Check Crutchfield for reference.