Audio Systems: Ford F150 CD Changer, comm error, ford f150

Question
I recently got a CDDJ ERROR on my head unit.  I tried to eject the cartridge but it would not come out.  I took the unit out and opened the case.  I work on electronics for a living so Im confident of not causing any more damage.  I located the eject lever and engaged it.  I pulled out the cartige and removed the cd's.  No cds were jammed.  I hooked the unit back up, inserted the empty cartridge and got it to eject and be inserted with no problems.  I tried a cd and again got the error message and again could not eject the cartridge.  I left the cover off while doing this and noticed the cd was not getting stuck half way in or out. It seemed to have been cycling just fine but the player just kept pulling it out of the cartridge, loading and unloading.  Right now I am disconnecting the battery hoping that there may be some sort of reset function.  From a little research today I found out that a CDDJ ERROR is probably some sort of communication error between the changer and the head unit, though I may be wrong.  Any help would be appreciated.  I can also be reached a jbonesz@aol.com.  Thanks.

2002 Ford F150
6 Disk Changer unknown brand.

Answer
Josh,
The CD error is most likely caused by a defective sensor in the CD load assembly. As each CD is pulled out of the magazine during first power up or after inserting a full magazine the unit will cycle all CDs in and then out of the changer so that the control computer can read how many CDs are in what slots of the magazine. If any sensors are defective the computer will get conflicting info and it will sometimes jam up and not let the full magazine eject. Check out all the sensors as the unit is going through the load recognition/search mode to see which ones are shorted or they may be open also. A comm error can cause the magazine to lock up, however in this case a reset when turning key off then back on should allow the magazine to eject.

TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net