Will anyone work, (CD changer)
Will anyone work, (CD changer) I'm wanting to hook up a cd changer to the stock monsoon system, currently i just have the headunit w/cd, will any cd changer work or do i need an OEM one? correct me if i'm wrong, but the wires should aready be in the trunk correct?
also will i be able to switch cd's from my headunit or do i require something else, i searched with little success, thanks for the info
also will i be able to switch cd's from my headunit or do i require something else, i searched with little success, thanks for the info
Launching!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
From: H-Town
Unfortunately, the Monsoon system uses a proprietery communications protocol that I haven't seen in anything else. AFAIK, it's a digital signal from the head unit to the changer, and back to the head unit with D/A conversion happening inside the head unit itself. There's always the option of using an FM modulated unit, but that doesn't afford the functionality thru the head unit that you're looking for, adds an extra controller and is a compromise on sound quality. Some years ago, there were adaptors available that would allow you to plug aftermarket brand X changer into factory brand Y head unit, but with the Monsoon's unique setup, I wouldn't expect to find anything that would do this. The only good news I can offer is that the wires are indeed already there.
As for getting an OEM changer, I wouldn't expect to find one at a boneyard, as the guys that dismantle the cars know what those things are worth, so they tend to grab 'em right away. Ebay *might* have something for you, but again you'll pay dearly for it.
Weigh the cost of an OEM changer against an aftermarket system including deck, changer and the adaptor to integrate the steering-wheel controls. I haven't done so, but you might be surprised. Then again, you might be the type that just likes the factory stuff anyway, in which case aftermarket wouldn't be of interest.
Good luck, and let us know what you find.
As for getting an OEM changer, I wouldn't expect to find one at a boneyard, as the guys that dismantle the cars know what those things are worth, so they tend to grab 'em right away. Ebay *might* have something for you, but again you'll pay dearly for it.
Weigh the cost of an OEM changer against an aftermarket system including deck, changer and the adaptor to integrate the steering-wheel controls. I haven't done so, but you might be surprised. Then again, you might be the type that just likes the factory stuff anyway, in which case aftermarket wouldn't be of interest.
Good luck, and let us know what you find.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 347
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
There's another problem... your 98 single CD head unit isn't capable of controlling the factory changer. GM only added that capability in the middle of the 99 model year. In 98 only the cassette head unit could control the changer. And yes, the wiring is still there even though that combination won't work in your car.
Later model head units go pretty cheap because there isn't much demand for them, so you might consider updating the head unit if you want to stick with a stock system.
You can find the changers on ebay and several other places on the 'net but they are expensive compared to aftermarket changers. Expect to pay around $300 (give or take) depending on whether you get the 6-disc or 12-disc version. Don't forget to check the for sale section here - a lot of people sell their head units and changers for reasonable prices when they install aftermarket systems.
Later model head units go pretty cheap because there isn't much demand for them, so you might consider updating the head unit if you want to stick with a stock system.
You can find the changers on ebay and several other places on the 'net but they are expensive compared to aftermarket changers. Expect to pay around $300 (give or take) depending on whether you get the 6-disc or 12-disc version. Don't forget to check the for sale section here - a lot of people sell their head units and changers for reasonable prices when they install aftermarket systems.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 347
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
That will work except that you have to use the control head that comes with the changer rather than being able to control the changer from the head unit or the steering wheel controls. You also have to find a place to put the control head. Not to mention that the sound quality through an FM modulator is not as good as a direct connection.
Launching!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 280
Likes: 0
From: Brighton, MI
I found my 12disc on Ebay for less than $100.
The wire was definitely there on my 2002, taped to the wires for my power top.
It is definitely nice to use the OEM head unit controls and the steering wheel controls.
A single warning: The cars that came with the factory changer also came with the mounting brackets. The bracket(s) were apparently welded to the trunk floor. It looks like all the brackets are still available from GM, but you might have to be creative to screw the changer down. Here's a picture of the mystery bracket http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48...etP1000121.jpg
and an exploded view http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48...lodedview2.jpg
The wire was definitely there on my 2002, taped to the wires for my power top.
It is definitely nice to use the OEM head unit controls and the steering wheel controls.
A single warning: The cars that came with the factory changer also came with the mounting brackets. The bracket(s) were apparently welded to the trunk floor. It looks like all the brackets are still available from GM, but you might have to be creative to screw the changer down. Here's a picture of the mystery bracket http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48...etP1000121.jpg
and an exploded view http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48...lodedview2.jpg
