nojo

I'm having some trouble deciding what to do. I have a 1997 A4, with a dealer-installed 6-disc in trunk CD changer. This is the one with the 8-pin connector that is compatible with only OEM units. The changer started skipping shortly after the warranty expired (of course), and now (about 3 years later) it has progressed to the point where it's unusable (skipping every 20-30 seconds) if the outside temperature is less than about 60 degrees F. It's not an issue of being cleaned or using CD-Rs, I've cleaned it and it is an equal-opportunity skipper (CD-Rs or regular CDs behave the same).

So I have a few questions: I've searched around and have seen some other people who have similar problems, but not too many. If I shell out the $$ to replace this with a new unit, is the same thing going to happen again? I occasionally see a used one out there - is that likely to have the same problem as mine? What experience have other people had?

The other question that I'm afraid I know the answer to (because I haven't seen any items or stories indicating success) is if there are any adaptors out there that will allow me to use any other unit.

My last option, of course, is to buy an iPod and a car stereo adaptor (that plugs into the tape deck), which would be cheaper than buying a new 6-disc changer....

If you have any experience or suggestions (or donations! :-), please let me know.

CK NYoC

i got mine through an online junk yard, so far so good

ChooChooNongNongHead

<ul><li><a href="http://www.partydown.com/cd-chang/audi.html">http://www.partydown.com/cd-chang/audi.html</a</li></ul>

Audi2Ody

Wrong model. '97 changer is Alpine based not Panny.

Audi2Ody

Mine was purchased used and has never skipped. 6 yrs 98K miles

xAxQUA4TTROxNx

i have a 98 and it does the same thing.... it dosent bother me too much b/c i am used to it, haha, (lame)

nojo

Would you recommend the online junk yard you used? Link?

Thanks.

nojo

That is the wrong model, but they do have the correct model at that site for $350, which is significantly better than getting a new one at the dealer (I was quoted $550). I may go that route.

CK NYoC

www.car-parts.com

nojo

Okay, a followup to let anybody who cares know how I resolved the situation (in case others are having the same problem). Time will tell if it's really fixed, but it's been okay for a few days now.

While searching this forum, I ran across a comment (see link below) about the lubrication being pushed off of the rods that the lens apparatus moves along. I took the changer out, and sure enough, all of the lube was in a glob at the end (absolutely none left on the rest of the rod). I redistributed it, and added a little more WD-40 (anybody know what else to use?), put it back together, and it hasn't skipped in 3 days since.<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a4/msgs/445691.phtml">original post</a></li></ul>