CD Changer for Nissan Almera

[Val]

I have a 2001 (X) Nissan Almera Sport which has the standard Clarion 6
CD Changer installed.

The CD Changer no longer works and there is a red light showing
underneath the select button for number 6.

I have a feeling there might be a disc stuck inside, as everything was
fine until the car had some bodywork done. We had already removed all
of the disc's prior to the work being done and I suspected that CD-R
may have been inserted whilst in the bodyshop.

I thought that rather than pay the cost for repair, I would upgrade to
a one that plays MP3's as well, but i am finding it difficult to find
one which is compatible with the Nissan Almera.

Can anyone suggest a replacement?

[Simon Dean]

Post by Val
I have a 2001 (X) Nissan Almera Sport which has the standard Clarion 6
CD Changer installed.
The CD Changer no longer works and there is a red light showing
underneath the select button for number 6.
I have a feeling there might be a disc stuck inside, as everything was
fine until the car had some bodywork done. We had already removed all
of the disc's prior to the work being done and I suspected that CD-R
may have been inserted whilst in the bodyshop.
I thought that rather than pay the cost for repair, I would upgrade to
a one that plays MP3's as well, but i am finding it difficult to find
one which is compatible with the Nissan Almera.
Can anyone suggest a replacement?

How about a Clarion? Or is that too stupid?

Now, when you say "Compatible" in what context do you mean Compatible?

Is it the CD Changer you want to be compatible with the head unit? In
which case, Clarion don't make any MP3 playing CD Changers, unless you
went with a DVD Changer.

Or are you after a replacement head unit that's compatible with the CD
Changer? You could get a replacement Clarion Head unit to play MP3's....
Then upgrade the CD Changer to one that works... say off eBay... I got
mine for about £50... Head Unit about £200... Just waiting for the long
awaited iPod interface.

Cya
Simon

[Val]

Thanks for your response. I had already contacted Clarion who told me
that I would have to purchase a replacement CD changer for the broken
one from a Nissan dealer. They didn't do any after market CD Changers
compatible with my head unit.

I need one which is compatible with the head unit in my car and which
will work with my steering wheel remote control.

I can buy a fascia unit which will allow me to use a standard
aftermarket CD/radio. But I want to keep my car as original as possible
for when I come to change the car. I also think that having the radio
and changer built into the dashboard with make it less vulnerable to
getting broken into.

A replacement CD Changer from a Nissan dealer is £373.00 + VAT. so I
am tempted to do without, as I think that is extortionate.

If I had any other Nissan, it wouldn't be a problem I could buy an MP3
one for less than £200.00 even less for a standard CD Changer.

How annoying is that!

[Simon Dean]

That's annoying. But I guess Nissan are renowned for heavy prices. I
find it strange though that you can't get a compatible replacement. If
you can find the connector to the CD Changer, see if it's round (C-Bus),
or square (CeNet), maybe post a picture with a link here just to be
certain. It could be that it does have its own wiring harness which
would be even more annoying. But if it does have a standard Clarion
connector, you can easily get a C-Bus or CeNet changer from eBay for
about £50.

The other alternative is to get yourself an iPod and either plug it into
the head unit tape deck, or if the head unit has an aux port round the
back or on the front... (or an external MP3 CD Player).

If you looked on eBay actually, you might find a compatible replacement...
Hrm...

Do you have a part number from the CD Changer?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=108806&item=5784149466&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=75296&item=5784671331&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10402&item=4558983166&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

Here's three. Don't know if they're suitable. Another alternative is to
find a scrap yard, or take the changer along to a local electrician who
might just be able to repair it... Or you could send it to Clarion for
repair, though get a quote first.

I know that doesn't exactly help with regard to MP3 playback, but I
think the only choice with that is to get a new head unit. I share your
sentiments about keeping the car as original as possible. That's why I
choose all the same size speakers when upgrading rather than cutting
nasty holes in the parcel shelf.

Cya
Simon

Post by Val
Thanks for your response. I had already contacted Clarion who told me
that I would have to purchase a replacement CD changer for the broken
one from a Nissan dealer. They didn't do any after market CD Changers
compatible with my head unit.
I need one which is compatible with the head unit in my car and which
will work with my steering wheel remote control.
I can buy a fascia unit which will allow me to use a standard
aftermarket CD/radio. But I want to keep my car as original as possible
for when I come to change the car. I also think that having the radio
and changer built into the dashboard with make it less vulnerable to
getting broken into.
A replacement CD Changer from a Nissan dealer is £373.00 + VAT. so I
am tempted to do without, as I think that is extortionate.
If I had any other Nissan, it wouldn't be a problem I could buy an MP3
one for less than £200.00 even less for a standard CD Changer.
How annoying is that!

[Val]

Hi, The part number of the CD changer installed is PN 2302M. I have
checked and there isn't a compatable connecter for the headunit.

I am not prepared to pay nearly £450 for the CD changer to be
replaced, as I intend to trade it in next year for a new model. I have
therefore, on your advice, bought a cassette adapter from Argos to use
it with my Rio Karma, which sounds great.

I will continue to lookout on ebay for an exact replacement for the CD
Changer which comes as standard.

Thank you very much for your help.

Val