The CD clearly is playing based on the screen, but no audio, tape deck works. I even replaced the CD player itself and it did the same thing. I noticed under the passenger floor it looks like the previous owner spliced in some sort of CB radio. Should I go there first or do you guys have any other ideas? Gateway ECU possibly? TIA.

 

I literally cannot find anyone else whose had this problem. I see lots of no audio at all, or the CD player having a read error, but mine is clearly playing, just no audio. Frustrating! Guess I'll dig into it next weekend.

 

Could be a fault with the CD player connector.
Is it an ML system? If so, then it's the 6 pin connector in the back of the unit.
Check all the pins are seated correctly and check the wiring.
If it's been played with, then all bets are off.