Can't Load CD Changer!!! :-(
 

Ok folks. I got my '04 GT a week ago and I still can't figure out how to load more than one disc into the changer. I read the manual and followed the directions... NOTHING. I'm holding the "LOAD" button like it says, but it never beeps and it won't take more than one CD. Is there a trick to it? Do I even HAVE a CD Changer? Everything I have on the car says I do. I have all the changer buttons, but I can't load more than one disc. HELP!!!

Does it say on the front "6 Disc"? If so, touch the Load button then release it quickly. It will sort through the slots and tell you when you can insert a new cd. I think it says "IN" when it's ready. I have the cd changer and yes, you can only do one at a time. Once you put the new one in let it start to play. Then push the Load button and release, again waiting until it tells you it's ready for you to load another cd.

One at a time is key.

Just went and looked. It doesn't say "6 Disc" on it anywhere, so I guess that answers the question. :( I though all Grand Tourings had the changers but I guess mine has the single disc BOSE system. Guess now I have to find a 6 disc changer for sale!!!

Thanks!

If the single disc head unit can take the IPOD hook-up then it may be a better way to go.

edit:
Does your head unit play mp3 files?

if you want to go a multi disc changer, go after market. you will not be limited to just six disc. i put the 6 disc in mine, and relized icould have gone with an after market for cheeper price and almost 50 disc or more..

I would not want a 50 disc changer. Talk about never finding the music you want to listen to. The best way to go, to me, is either the iPod route or just get the single disc MP3 player.

A while ago, someone was selling 6 CD changer modules on ebay for our car at about $100. I got one myself and it works great. I am not sure if he still sells them or not, though. There is a thread around here somewhere regarding this guy...

EDIT: found the thread: https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-interior-audio-electronics-24/review-ebay-cd-changers-91353/
This is for the OEM 6 CD changer module in our car. I don't know if it's still on ebay or not; it may take a bit of searching.

Awesome info guys!

The ideal setup for me would be the OEM 6-disc changer with the iPod connector. I've encountered an odd phenomenon lately that involved my girlfriend borrowing my iPod when she leaves for work, so I won't always have it. The changer would come in handy because in this car, there's really no storage for my CD case (DiscGear 40), so I want to cut back on the amount of CDs I carry in the car.

If I did aftermarket, I'd do an MP3/WMA/DVD system, but I really don't want to lose the steering wheel controls, and I've heard the modules to adapt the controls are pretty pricey (looked into this 2 weeks ago for our '05 Altima SE too).

Ferret: Thanks for the link! I'll start my search tonight! Was the install a pain (compared to most other cars)?

I just installed an IPOD adapter in my car (I have the 6 disc unit) and I have to ask, if your single disc unit will take an IPOD hook-up then why spend the money on a 6 disc unit? Maybe you should buy your GF an IPOD instead...

'04 GT RX-8 does NOT come w/ 6 disc changer standard, as you have found out

only from 06 and on did mazda made 6 disc changer standard on GT's.

Brew:
I don't always have my iPod or CDs with me (again I blame the girlfriend), so I'd like to keep my top 6 "on deck" in the dash at all times so to speak.

And who the hell puts a CD changer "LOAD" button on a single disc CD player anyway?!?! LMAO!!!
I guess I could put in teh iPod first and then see if I really NEED the changer, but I'd kinda rather get into the dash and do it all at once. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it I was always taught.

See my edit above

Someone on the board has posted an excellent pictorial guide to taking everything apart: http://whatsmyip.org/ipodrx8/ (even though it's for an iPod install, the images alone are great for showing where everything is). Considering my car was brand new (2006), and this was my first time taking a console apart in a car; yes... it was very much a pain. I personally didn't find the "hidden" bolt that much a problem of all things; it was pulling the plugs out along with the whole console that were the headaches.

As for an iPod solution, there have been plenty of solutions offered; just search the board. I went with the AudioLink myself, and installed it at the same time as I put in the 6 CD changer. It also came with a split 3.5mm minijack so i can hook up anything aside from just my iPod... really nice device, IMO. Regardless of the device you plan to get, make sure your firmware is up to snuff!

Yes I looked through that site a while back but it doesn't totally prepare you. Those connectors are nasty. I bought the OEM IPOD adapter only because it was about the same $$ and I could pick it up locally. My console was off before for the AFE shifter install so no problem there. The stupid ashtray light connector was difficult for some reason.

Brew: Just might do that... but then she'll make me load everything on it and teach her how to use it and all that crap. LOL JK. She's great.

Can you explain? This makes me nervous. What's "fimrware" in relation to this car?

NOTE: For the Mazda RX-8, the factory headunit's firmware revision must be at least 9.55. The unit will not work on prior firmware revisions. To find out which revision your vehicle has, press and hold "TEXT" and "1" for a few seconds while the radio (FM) is on.

This is from the aftermarket adapter. I don't know if this applies to the OEM unit.

Edit:
Some related links...(OEM adapter works at 9.53)
https://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php...&postcount=201

My search link didn't work anymore...

Cool! Thanks a lot guys! I've got a lot of reading to do tonight now!

The programming that drives the headunit is called firmware. The firmware is marked specific versions initially installed, and at times upgraded. Many of the iPod adapters out there require your head unit have a certain version of firmware or later (usually 9.55 or later). Take a look at the first entry in this thread: https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...check+firmware
It will show you how to check it. There are ways to get the firmware upgraded. The dealership might do it for you if you get the OEM iPod adapter.

EDIT: argh, beat me to it; didn't see the 2nd page!