[haumana]

I'm a totally newbie to the world of Jeep, but I have to say that I love it!

I just bought a used '96 GC Limited. I wanted to know if anyone out there knows if the factory stereo has after market CD Changer capabilities?

I have the AM/FM/Cass/CD w/3-band equalizer. The CD player barely works, and I can't say that I've owned any cassette tapes in over a decade.

I went to a car stereo place, and was told the only means for "total" compatability was to use a CD changer that would transmit the signal via an FM frequency then set my radio to that particular frequency. To say that least, I'm not interested in listening to my CD with the sound quality being sacrificed to the restriction of the FM range.

I asked about changing the head unit, but then was told that since my ZJ had the Infinity system, that it would require more labor - in an effort for the installers to circumvent the amp so that it wouldn't blow-up the new head unit.

Is there anyone out there that can point me in the right direction? I'm still in the 'honeymoon' stage with my ZJ, but if I can't get the stereo issue worked out soon, then the honeymoon will be over!

I did check with Crutchfield, they said the CD changers they sold would only work if my stereo has buttons that say, "Disc Up" and "Disc Down", which it does not. Is there a ZJ stereo out there that have those buttons??

I would appreciate any input!

[Meerkat]

The head unit you have does not support the remote CD changer. However, there is a factory head unit available that does. If you look on Fleabay you should be able to find one. I don't remember the part number off-hand, but IIRC it has a 5 band EQ. NOTE: there is a head unit with 5 band EQ that does not support the steering wheel controls or remote CD changer. Be sure to ask before bidding/buying.

HTH

[SJZ]

Originally Posted by haumana

I'm a totally newbie to the world of Jeep, but I have to say that I love it!

I just bought a used '96 GC Limited. I wanted to know if anyone out there knows if the factory stereo has after market CD Changer capabilities?

I have the AM/FM/Cass/CD w/3-band equalizer. The CD player barely works, and I can't say that I've owned any cassette tapes in over a decade.

I went to a car stereo place, and was told the only means for "total" compatability was to use a CD changer that would transmit the signal via an FM frequency then set my radio to that particular frequency. To say that least, I'm not interested in listening to my CD with the sound quality being sacrificed to the restriction of the FM range.

I asked about changing the head unit, but then was told that since my ZJ had the Infinity system, that it would require more labor - in an effort for the installers to circumvent the amp so that it wouldn't blow-up the new head unit.

Is there anyone out there that can point me in the right direction? I'm still in the 'honeymoon' stage with my ZJ, but if I can't get the stereo issue worked out soon, then the honeymoon will be over!

I did check with Crutchfield, they said the CD changers they sold would only work if my stereo has buttons that say, "Disc Up" and "Disc Down", which it does not. Is there a ZJ stereo out there that have those buttons??

I would appreciate any input!

Good luck with your new ride!
I replaced the the head unit in my '94 GC limited about 4 years ago, and at the same time installed a 10CD changer in the cargo area, in front of the spare. I went with a SONY CDX-757MXI changer (still available today at Crutchfield for $160). It plays CDs, CDR & W, and MP3s. I also installed a SONY CDX-MP30 CD/MP3 Receiver head unit, which is no longer available. This is not an FM-Mod changer (I had one of them in another vehicle & liked it) but rather uses audio cables to connect the changer to the head unit. I'm sure if you called Crutchfiled, they could recommend a head unit. Crutchfield may be a little more $$$$ ('tho not always), but, IMO, you can't beat the tech support, adapters, etc. they provide.
The system still works well, and I have no regrets.
-Steve
BTW: I too have an Infinity Gold OEM system, and was worried about doing damage if I continued to use the OEM amp (mounted under the rear seat). Crutchfield said no problem, so I left the amp hooked up & all is well.

[haumana]

Mahalo for your suggestions. I will definitely consider looking at an after market head unit and cd changer. Any thoughts on Alpine?

I was hoping to stick with the stock head unit because I really love the controls on the back side of the steering wheel. But if replacing the stock radio with another stock radio is going to cost just as much as an after market one, then I'm all for new, improved, and overall better technology (with a warranty). hahaha.

Thanks again. I look forward to many miles and hours of good music in my "new" ZJ! WooHoo!

[10achik]

Man are you glad I came along...

I just bought an Alpine head unit that plays MP3's for around $200, who needs a CD changer when you can fit 150 songs on one disk! I ordered it from crutchfield and it came with all the kits and wiring harnesses and you can do it yourself. Those guys that told you it would require more labor are crazy, I have the infinity system and it was no different than any other install I've done. If you want to keep your steering wheel controls there'sa product out there called PAC SWIX that will adapt the contols for an aftermarket head unit. I believe crutchfield may sell those also,. I personally don't really care about the controls myself.

[PlatinumZJ]

I replace my HU with a blaupunkt Bermuda that has remote CD changer capability, no problem whatsoever with the OEM infinity amp.

[p-barr]

I just picked up a 96 GC with a radio that turned on, the CD tracked... and no tunes. Rather than try to work out the bits and pieces of the amp/radio, I replaced the head unit with a Pioneer and by-passed the amp. Beware... the purple wires on the AMP are HOT. The speaker wires at the amp might be taped together with black tape. All you have to do is match them to the correct ones from the dash. Besides the cost of the head unit, you need to buy an adapter to convert the 1 1/2 DIN to fit your 1 DIN unit, plus buy the wiring kit that adapts to the gray and black plug. Double check the wiring codes. I found two wires flipped on my converter plugs. Removing the dash trim is pretty straight forward. A quick way to determine which wires feed which speaker is to use a 9v battery. Just touch the two wires to the battery and the speaker will make a static sound.

[Meerkat]

I tell you one time, dat Ken, he da kine one no ka oi Jeeper, brudda!

[cyberjedi]

If I whant to replace the factory head unit do I have to do any thing different because its a infinity?

[Freddy57]

My Alpine CDA 7873, wich came with my ZJ, has a setting mode feature where I could add the AUX input. I just had to buy an adapter, wich has a connector in one end and RCA´s audio in the other. That let me play my iPod or any other audio device. Have no idea who connected the unit, but I can tell that it has propper wiring connectors to the OEM wires and its playing the sound through the original Infinity System. I don´t know about other off market units. But I´m agree with ... (can´t remember who was ... lol) that said if you can put an MP3 compatible unit ...why to bother?!?!?!?! By the way ... Infinity speakers are junk!!! This is my second ZJ with Infinity system and both BLOWN OUT and cracked the rear ones first Well, good luck my friend.

[haumana]

Originally Posted by p-barr

... Beware... the purple wires on the AMP are HOT. The speaker wires at the amp might be taped together with black tape. All you have to do is match them to the correct ones from the dash. Besides the cost of the head unit, you need to buy an adapter to convert the 1 1/2 DIN to fit your 1 DIN unit, plus buy the wiring kit that adapts to the gray and black plug. Double check the wiring codes. I found two wires flipped on my converter plugs ... A quick way to determine which wires feed which speaker is to use a 9v battery. Just touch the two wires to the battery and the speaker will make a static sound.

Again, much mahalo for all those who have voiced their suggestions. I am definitely leaning towards a simple Alpine that can play mp3's and not really worry about a CD/mp3 changer ... Hawai'i is so small that there is no way that I would be able to get through that many mp3 files in any reasonable amount of time

I hope that the PAC SWIX is compatible with the steering wheel controls. I'm so stoked at the possibilities! I will double check with the guys at Crutchfield to make sure that all is good with my potential setup.

Unfortunately the sound system upgrades will be delayed just a bit . I just had the rear brakes done, and now realize that the rear differential will need to be replaced/repacked. Apparently the scraping sounds of the rotors/pads were masking the "humming/scraping" of possible bad bearings someplace back there .

Oh well, this is definitely a baptism by fire for being a n00b to Jeep. I will not let it deter me in making this vehicle a keeper , and selling the truck that it's replacing.

Thanks again, and I will remember all the great advice that everyone has offered thus far.