Audio Systems: Ford Taurus 2000 Clarion CD Changer, fuel injection system, clarion cd

Question
I have 2000 Ford Taurus with a factory installed separate 5 Disc Clarion CD changer that resides in the glove compartment between the seats. The magazine will not eject from the changer and I get an error that ther are no discs. How do i get it open. I do not want to spend a lot since its my kids car, and I just found out that I cannot put in new one from Best Buy etc.. since the dash has the digital heating/AC unit and  they do not have kits for this.

Answer
This would be like trying to explain to you how to rebuild a fuel injection system. Nomenclature knowledge is the main cuplrit.  EG...It would seem like I was  saying  "ok, now do you see the doohickey next to that other thingamawobby?". :(

I am not sure if this an LX, SE, SEL or SES  ect.. but it is definitley a good reason to avoid Fords or any auto that prevents the customer from upgrading/replacing audio components with aftermarket gear.

http://www.crutchfield.com may be able to provide more info on this matter (be sure to ask thier online representative), but you may be stuck with having to take this to a shop for uninstallation and then on to a repairman. What really sucks about that is you have to pay for the Removal & Reinstall (and will STILL have a 6 year old USED changer when you get it back).

For a price, a custom audio shop (not a 'rip you off place' like best buy!) should be able to upgrade/interface/replace what you have in there.
For instance; you might be able to nix that changer and get an AM/FM/MP3/CD-R headunit which will allow you to play your own CD's with up to 256 tunes each. As much as I hate to say it, another option is an Ipod.

It is going to cost you (signifigantly) either way.
Be sure to inquire about this situation before you buy another auto from anyone.
I am only partially suprised to hear of this problem since the manufacturers were prevented from doing this type of thing back in the 80's, due to petition by audio professionals.
Of course, it seems that the US car makers are the first ones to do this to its' customers.  They are having trouble selling cars as it is.. and now this??  No wonder.. :/


Best of luck,
Jerry Mael