MACH audio problems on 99EB ... PLEASE HELP

[ksaldibar]

Hello all. I have a 99 Eddie Bauer with the MAch audio system and the 6 disc changer in the center console. For some reason a CD will start to skip badly and go silient or just be silient the whole time even though the elasped time counter on the head unit for the song keeps ticking away. This happens when the CD when I'm playing a CD in the head unit or one from the changer. I have cleaned the lens several times with a cleaning CD i have and the problem still persists. It happens whether I'm playing burnt CDs or ones I bought from a store. Do you guys have any idea what could be the cause. The local ford dealership quoted me $400 for a refurbished one. There aren't any new ones available. If the head unit is the problem do you guys know of any place I could possibly find one for cheaper? Any input is appreciated. Thanks alot people.

big KEN

 

[celly]

Go with an aftermarket head unit. Ford really dropped the ball with the crap they've got installed. My '99 Eddie came with a premium unit/6 disc changer etc. I yanked it all out and got an aftermarket setup. I don't listen to CDs anyhow so I pulled the changer. I had the infamous "display problem" as well with the head unit. Get a decent head unit that plays MP3s and you won't have a need for a changer. I actually have XM too. Haven't played a CD in a LONG time. I also freed up a ton of storage space in the console by getting rid of the changer. I've also got the ability to use my iPod. I have hundreds of CDs at my disposal now, not just 6.

It's dead easy to install your own head unit. You'll need an install kit (around $10-$15), one of those DIN removal tools ($3) and a wiring harness ($10).

You will lose the steering wheel controls with this option, but you can buy an adapter for about $75 (Crutchfield) that will allow most major head units to work with the controls. I didn't bother as my Pioneer head unit had a steering wheel control that has more functionality anyhow. You also have many more options down the road re: speakers, amps etc. Sound quality is way better as well. I really was unimpressed with the OEM unit, premium or not. It sounded flat no matter how I tweaked it before I put in my Pioneer.

Just my $0.02. Been there, done that.

 

[ksaldibar]

i have an FM transmitter for my mp3 player for now. i'm a senior in college and work 8 hours week for gas money so my budget is tight. then comes grad school which delays a fulltime job yet another year, lol. i appreciate your input. thanks again.

ken