1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee CD changer

LISA1965

MEMBER
1999 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
215,000 MILES

The 10 CD changer in my 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited only worked intermittently. I replaced it with one from a pull and pay lot and it has been working fine. Last week, the driver side speakers decided to quit working. I found if I played the radio, the speakers work just fine. The problem is only when I switch to the CD changer. I tried pulling the cartridge out of the changer and replacing it, but that did not help. Shutting the Jeep off and back on did not help either. Since the speakers work with the radio, I ruled out an actual speaker problem. Are there fuses for just the changer? Or am I back to trying to find another changer? This vehicle has had a lot of electrical issues in the past, but I thought I had gotten past most of them. I have put a lot of work into this Jeep, and I would hate it if the issues start to repeat themselves.

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

If this is a Chrysler-branded changer, there's two versions. One will have a box on the back of the changer that all the cables plug into. Look for two RCA plugs, usually a red one and a white one. Twist those a little and be sure they're plugged in all the way. That version has a wired controller that is separate from the radio.

The other version plugs directly into the back of the radio, and the radio buttons control the changer. That cable could have a broken wire but it's more likely it's not plugged in tightly on the changer. That model could also have the two RCA cables on the changer.

It's very uncommon to lose one audio channel due to a defect in the changer. It's almost always a wiring problem.