2004 4X4 XLT Explorer

[ssakhmom]

Good Morning,
I found this site while trying to find info on a replacement stereo system for my 04 XLT. My CD won't release from the OEM installed stereo system... EJ ERR noted. The CD player still plays the "held hostage CD" and the rest of the stereo seems to be working fine, it just won't eject. I called Ford to find out if I could upgrade to the new SYNC system and they said no. They did tell me that I could pay almost $500.00 for a factory repaired stereo like I already have and that they would in-turn repair and re-sell mine ~ From what I have seen in the stores I can buy a new one for that... Can anyone shed light on this for me? I am not Auto savvy and my husband is in Afghanistan ~ so I would like to know if Ford is "pullin' my chain" or not. Also, what would be a good reputible replacement for this suv. I would like bluetooth, ipod and voice recognition (to use with my cell phone navigation) options if possible. Thanks so much for any input...
BTW~ My back hatch panel has also been victim to the mysterious crack twice AND my back hatch window brackets have been replaced twice AND I have he rear whine as well.... Sounds like I am oficially in the "Gotta Love It" Explorer Fraternity/ Sorority~~~ Still holding my breath for the recall(s) ~ What makes it so bad is that this is my 3rd Explorer AND most likely my last...... Thanks again,

 

[zerodevil]

lol first of all, dont give up hope on the explorers the gen 4's are everything the explorer should have been from the start...my dads 07 limited still drives like its brand spanking new after 36,000 miles. NOW i asume you have the 6 cd changer? there is a way to get your cd out that i have found, start the player up and tell it to eject the CD, as soon as it starts to eject and before it jams, stick a knife or somthing skinny into the slot and gently push up or down on the cd (up usualy works for me) and it should come popping right out. Your best bet is to go with the dealership ONLY if your going to be getting a new one. Ebay would be a good bet if you found a reputable seller who gauranteed it new...you would of corse risk damage durring shipping..but with shipping insurance the risk would be pretty small. We could guide you through the relacement/removal process if needed as well.

Now in regaurds to an aftermarket head unit...be prepaired to spend well over 400 bucks for a head unit with all of those features..and more for installation. and its likely you will lose your subwoofer and stock amp and thus the quality of your sound...so more $$$ for a whole sound system...or for them to properly wire the existing equipment up.


if i havnt been very clear i apologize, im a little tired after pulling a double shift, feel free to ask us anything else youd like to know.


and p.s tell ur hubby thanks for us ^.^

 

[EasyRhino]

Good Morning,
I found this site while trying to find info on a replacement stereo system for my 04 XLT. My CD won't release from the OEM installed stereo system... EJ ERR noted. The CD player still plays the "held hostage CD" and the rest of the stereo seems to be working fine, it just won't eject. I called Ford to find out if I could upgrade to the new SYNC system and they said no. They did tell me that I could pay almost $500.00 for a factory repaired stereo like I already have and that they would in-turn repair and re-sell mine ~ From what I have seen in the stores I can buy a new one for that... Can anyone shed light on this for me? I am not Auto savvy and my husband is in Afghanistan ~ so I would like to know if Ford is "pullin' my chain" or not. Also, what would be a good reputible replacement for this suv. I would like bluetooth, ipod and voice recognition (to use with my cell phone navigation) options if possible. Thanks so much for any input...
BTW~ My back hatch panel has also been victim to the mysterious crack twice AND my back hatch window brackets have been replaced twice AND I have he rear whine as well.... Sounds like I am oficially in the "Gotta Love It" Explorer Fraternity/ Sorority~~~ Still holding my breath for the recall(s) ~ What makes it so bad is that this is my 3rd Explorer AND most likely my last...... Thanks again,

First, props to you and yours for serving (both of you). {My wife was an active duty spouse (to me) and active duty Mom (to son #1)}.

The stuck CD thing is not uncommon - some 'manage' to get unstuck (mine did), some don't. The Ford dealership is telling the truth, but that is probably not the best option. If you can find where someone is reselling the matching stereo for you truck (like after replacing with an after market stereo) on fleabay or craig's list you can just swap them out. This takes all of 30 minutes, but you will have to give up your stuck CD unless you take a bunch of tools to your old set.

If you are keeping the truck, you could have an aftermarket stereo installed with the features you want. For example, Pioneer makes the AVIC series with built in blue tooth, navigation, and can fitted with back up cameras, etc. Can run upwards of 2K w/ all the toys, though.

As far as the 3rd gen goes, hope it works out for you. In spite of the bad press, my 2002, 100K miles+, bought new has had few, if any, problems of note.

Good Luck and Godspeed to your husband

 

[Curtis]

My fathers had the same problem and I was able to get the CD out with a thing knife as mentioned above.
When I got it out it was a CD that was burned with a paper label stuck on it. It seems any variations in the thickness of the CD and it will get stuck on its way out. Maybe that's the case with the CD stuck in yours?
Sometime a CD can warp if its left in a CD case on the visor. That can also get stuck.

Ether way, try using something thin. Maybe 2 thin items to grab it and give a little pulling assistance. I think you'll be able to get it.