drramsey

I could use some help, mainly ideas, on how to remove the CD changer. I am interested in adding an MP3 connection using the CD-out wires. Thanks.

tomstep2

First, welcome to CL!

In order to get the proper assistance from the members here, you need to specify what year or gen your ES is.

There have been so many changes to each gen of ES that a lot of gen 2 fixes will not be the same for a gen 3.

drramsey

Thanks. The specific model is 2000 es300.

Pyroibw

all you have to do is remove the glove box, witch is held in by a few screws, just open it and go around the edge, there only like 4 or 5 screws, and 2 10mm bolts on the lower corners. then you can pop off the plastic bezal around the cd changer. then the changer itself has 4 10mm bolts holding it in, you can't miss them.

drramsey

Thanks... !

5ltrbeater

wait so the back of the disk changer on the 00-01 ES is hooked up via RCA pre-outs? or do i need to splice wires?

drramsey

I spliced, (Red, Green, Black & White all in the corner of the plug) and used a blank cd in bay1. It is working for me.

freestyle

so what exactly did u add? can u post pics of what you now have in your car?

drramsey

I added a 3-Conductor Stereo phone jack (RadioShach 274-0249). The Red and Black wires, spliced from the Cd changer, went to the Left+ & Right+ connections on the jack and the other two wires (Left- & Right-) went to the ground of the jack. I put the jack in the compartment between the two front seats where I can keep the ipod charged using the outlet in that area.

This is a very simple approach. However, when using this method, you need to disconnect/turn off the MP3 player when using the Radio, Tape, or CDs, otherwise, it will continue to play in the backround. (Total cost $3)

If you do not want to make a silent CD, you can put a CD upside-down in bay of your choice. Remember, you need to play that CD when the MP3 player is in use. I have done this a week ago and so far so good.

Hope this helps.

freestyle

haha im so lost, i thought u took out the cd changer completely, so u wired it so when u have a certain cd on u can use ur ipod as aux input? ive never heard of this, sounds awesome tho

drramsey

The cd changer remains intact and it should function normally... just the 4 wires on its back are spliced.

lexus559

sounds easier to swap out the head unit!

mself

drramsey, thanks for the info.

I never use the CD changer any more, so I just want to connect the iPod connector instead. Do you know if it is OK to remove the CD changer, or would that now work? I am not clear why you need to play the blank CD to make your setup work.

Since you say that the iPod must be off when you use the radio, it sounds like all of the inputs are being mixed (not switched) and the system relies on only one audio source being turned on at a time. If that's so, why do you need to play a blank CD?

Do you know if there is a pinout or wiring diagram for the connector for the CS changer? Would be awesome if you could make the track forward/back buttons on the dash perform those functions for the iPod! Other devices are able to do this through the dock connector....