Autos Car Blog

Here are ten things that will help you if your CD changer will not play or if they skip.

1) Before installing your CD changer ensure you have removed the transportation screws, (where fitted). These will be highly visible on the exterior of the CD Changer.

2) Ensure the angle mounting adjustment screws found at either side of the CD changer have been set correctly according to the angle at which the CD changer has been mounted. Consult your handbook for details.

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WARNING: Before installing your CD changer and CD lead always ensure that the CD lead connection matches the connection at the rear of your radio. Thereafter test for correct operation. Actually, place them on your passenger seat, connect them together and test them. This will prevent any frustration if there are any incompatibility issues.

You’ve bought your CD changer package, but can ‘You’ install it? Installation seems to be a big mystery with many customers, but understandably if you’ve never fitted a CD Changer before then you won’t know what to expect.

Who can install my CD Package?

1. Install yourself with the aid of some basic tools.
2. Find a local ‘Auto Electrician’ or ‘Car Audio fitter’ to install it.

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The information below will eliminate 97% of Sony NW-HD Adapter/Car Kit errors or “non functioning product” issues.

Quick Diagnostic Procedures:

Reinitialize your Sony NW-HD Adapter/Car Kit

This basically means to reset your Sony NW-HD Car Kit with respect to its communication with your radio. To do this, remove your keys from your ignition and then disconnect your iPod adapter from your radio. Leave it disconnected for 15 minutes then reconnect to the rear of your car radio. Now, switch the ignition on and try for correct operation.

Here’s what to do if your Sony NW-HD Adapter/Car Kit is used in conjunction with a CD interface adapter. Reinitialize your Sony NW-HD Adapter/Car Kit. As in the first case, it basically means you should reset your Sony NW-HD Car Kit with respect to its communication with your radio.

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Steering wheel control adapters, also known as stalk adapters, allow for easy installation and integration of aftermarket head units in cars that have steering wheel controls or stalk controls.

For example, you have an Audi, BMW, Citroen, etc. and you want to install your new Alpine head unit. You also want to retain the full functionality of your steering wheel controls for your volume, radio presets, etc. Steering wheel control adapters are the perfect solution.

Connection of a steering wheel control adapter with your head unit is via a 3.5mm jack socket, fly lead, mini DIN and mini ISO connection. Your head unit must have these in order to ensure compatibility. These connections are found at the rear of the head unit. Sony’s jack socket is called RMX4S. So, look for this in the features list.

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Is your CD changer not playing discs? Does it skip while playing? This should help solve the problem.

If you are using a CD changer and CD changer interface adapter package, please ensure that you have followed the adapter installation instructions (included with your delivery) to the letter. Also check the discs you are playing to ensure they are not the problem. Now, read through and do the following checks.

1) Ensure that your keys are completely removed from your ignition when installing the adapter. This is a common mistake and the result is that your CD changer will not initialize (link-up) with your radio. Basically, this means that the 2 units are not talking to each other.

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Before I explain the removal procedure of the Fiat radios listed below I would recommend that you ask your Fiat dealer to release your radio for you as they have specialist radio keys and they should release it for you for FREE. You do have a Fiat car, right? So they shouldn’t charge you for a 2 minute job.

But if you are happy to attempt this yourself, let’s go. Removing one of the following Fiat radios can literally take either 2 minutes or an hour if you aren’t using the Fiat radio removal keys. Some release very easily but some can be really awkward and you may want to get someone to give you a hand while doing this. However, they all use the same release mechanism.

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The iPod Ice Link Plus adapter comes in 4 available designs:

1) Dock Cable: Ideal for a quick, easy and flexible installation in any car’s glove box. Simply route the cable from the back of your radio to the inside of your glove box. This hides the wire and results in a secure and integrated docking station for your iPod. While connected to the Dock Cable, your iPod keeps charging ensuring you have full battery capacity (ready to play) when you leave your car.

2) Active Cradle: This mounts and integrates with your dash giving you safe and convenient access to your iPod. Furthermore, it can be released in seconds for optimum security. While in the Active Cradle your iPod keeps charging ensuring it remains fully charged.

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The radios in VW cars (1998 model and onwards) use an amplified aerial for improved radio reception. This amplifier is built into the base of the aerial and is powered by a feed from the stereo. This power feed is sent down the center of the aerial cable.

Therefore, if the factory-fitted stereo is replaced with an aftermarket unit, the aerial will no longer get this power feed and the amplifier in the aerial will not be turned on. This will result in poor radio reception.

To solve this problem you will need a VW aerial adapter. This takes the electric aerial output of an aftermarket stereo and combines it with the aerial socket to supply power to the amplifier in the aerial.

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Sony NW-HD 1, 3, 5 & MD Walkman Adapter Installation:

Sony NW-HD adapter installation is generally far easier than you would expect. Average installation time by our customers is between 15 to 60 minutes. Any basic “DIYer” can install this product comfortably.

Sony Radios:

When installing with a Sony car radio, the NW-HD lead simply connects to the CD changer socket found at the rear of your radio by push-fit connection. The NW-HD can mount on your dash using the cradle (if selected) if you use the included plate and screws. You can place it in your glove box using the dock cable.

Factory Installed Radios:

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There are several noise sources in a car audio setup. In this article, I’ll talk about one where your car speakers produce noise that seems to increase when you “rev” the engine. You’ll get to learn how to eliminate that annoying noise and enjoy your music.

First, you must understand that this is simply interference or induced noise. Induced noise can sound like clicking, popping, whirring, buzzing, whistling, or whining. This noise always has a source such as the alternator, car power wiring, amplifier, etc. So this means that the problem can be tackled at the source. Now, you just have to find it.

Power line noise problems (such as those from alternators) can be fixed by adding a capacitor or power line filter to the live source of the suspect component.

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