Folks:
I have a 1996 Volvo 850 GLT with the factory radio (AM/FM Cassette).
We also got an Alpine CD CHanger model CHM-S601 installed in the trunk.
Everything worked fine until recently. Now it seems the radio does not recognize the CD Changer. Pressing the "CD" button on the radio used to activate the CD changer and allow a disc to be played. Pressing the "CD" button now does not do anything (as if no changer is there).
In the trunk, the eject button and the mechanism to accept the magazine of CDs works just fine so at least power is getting to the unit. I also unplugged and checked the connecting cable (8 pin DIN connector) and all looks to be clean.
Anything else I can check without taking the car apart?
Thanks
Rich H.
The aftermarket adapter could have gone bad or something in the changer went out. You could try resetting the changer by pushing the small little black button inside of the door next to the eject button. Also you can pull the radio and double check the connection back there, all you should need is a set of ford keys to pull it out.
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Hi again. Thanks for the speedy reply.
I looked near the eject button on the changer but I could not see any black reset button.
The only thing I see are two black screws - one on either side of the blue eject button.
I suppose I don't have the necessary tools to take the radio out of the dash. Would it involve taking the side trim pieces off first?
Thanks again
RicH H.
For the radio removal there will be two small holes on both sides of the radio. You would stick ford radio removal keys into these holes and pull the radio out. The keys are about 6 bucks at a checker or autozone. If there are no holes then there should be two pop out handles they are about 1/8 inch wide by 1 inch long. If it has these then just push them in and then they will pop out, then pull the radio out. The reset button is really small and should be recessed into the plastic behind the changers door. You will need a pick or maybe you can use a pen and push it. Also is this a fm modulated changer or does it play directly through the factory radio?
-------------
Certified Security Specialist
Always check info with a digital multimeter.
I promise to be good.
Tell Darwin I sent you.
I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.
I took some pictures of the Alpine CD changer. They are here:
https://cisnet.baruch.cuny.edu/holowczak/alpine/
I still can not see any reset button on the changer.
The changer connects directly to the factory stereo (e.g., not via FM modulation). I believe that this
model or a similar model Alpine CD changer was a factory option on Volvo 850's at the time.
The factory radio has a "CD" button on it and you can control which disc is played using the
6 radio preset buttons on the factory stereo.
I found some other tips here describing the installation process in an 850
https://au.geocities.com/ozbrick850/cdchangerinstall.html
I will attempt to pull the radio now and check the connections there.
Thanks again
Rich H.
Howdy:
Seems problem is solved. I looked at the back of the radio and all connections were fine.
However I did notice that power to the unit and the control and audio wires were bundled in separate cables until the very last connector in the trunk. After pulling off some interior trim in the trunk I found the culprit: the audio cable had become detached. Seems the installer tied up the cables with almost no slack so I assume we hit a bump and things came de-coupled.
Thanks again for all the tips and assistance - never did find that reset button though... :)
Cheers,
Rich H.