Question about CD Buttons on my Radio/Cassette

[Lefty2053]

I have a CD button and another button that says Tune Discs. I don't have a CD player so why are these on the dash with the radio/Cassette player? Is there another place a CD player is supposed to be and how does it hook up?

 

[dustybumpers]

There is a factory cd changer in the console under the arm rest between the seats. It is tied into the radio.

 

[Lefty2053]

I am sure I don't have one unless there is a trick to opening it and putting in Discs. All I see is the console. So would there be a wire hanging loose that plugs into it? And does it mount to the arm rest? I would like to get one if possible. When I push the CD button it says NO . As in no CD.

 

[dustybumpers]

Just open the console. It takes up most of it. If it's not there, and no wires or holes in there, someone may have used the head unit from another explorer.

 

[Texas97x]

Ford did put this radio in without the CD changer in some vehicles. I have one that is factory and it has the console cassette holder insert not the CD.

 

[Lefty2053]

OK I have the console that will hold some CD's and there is a blank space behind the console that could possibly hold a CD changer. Or it is for Rear A/C not sure. It is about 5 inches deep and there is an oval plug on each side of the back of the console. THis could either be for wire to the CD or A/C.

The next question is: Can I just buy the Changer and put it in myself?

Thanks for the replies.

 

[dustybumpers]

I would imagine so, the same radio, and cd changer is in my Town Car,so I'm sure it was put in a lot of Ford products. Check ebay, junk yards, etc, I'm sure you can find something

 

[Texas97x]

The CD chagner will take up most of the space in the console. it is about 3in by 8 in.

 

[Lefty2053]

I will call some Junk yards tomorrow. Checked E-bay, nothing.

 

[Joe Dirt]

You're missing the controls for your rear climate control if you have no buttons back there. The changer fits inside the armrest compartment, you see it when you lift up the padded armrest. The ovals you're talking about are missing trim covers that cover bolts that hold the console together, unless (I think) you have one of these consoles (like Maniak):

...in which case you never had a console mounted changer


Need this one:

Changer:

HVAC controls:

 

[drdoom]

None of my business, but I wouldn't dump too much into that stock changer...eh, maybe I'm just sore still from back in '01 I replaced the missing CD magazine ($$$$), only to have the whole thing give out on me soon after.

 

[Lefty2053]

Joe Dirt, I do have the console in the first picture. I think this is because the truck was a Police car the first part of it's life. My back doors only open from the outside and there are holes in the roof,the back of the front seats and the floor from the cage they had in it. There are also holes for the roof mounted lights,spot light and there is also some of the molding notched out on each side behind the front seats at the top near the roof. I guess Policemen never needed music. Also PO put in a push button light in between the sun visors to cover some other holes. I think that would have been for the Scanner.

Oh well I am good with it.

 

[Joe Dirt]

If you're going to hit the junkyard anyhow, grab a full console and the bracket underneath- you can swap it in. Whether or not you swap in a changer is not the reason, the full console is MUCH better for both storage and durability/comfort.