CD changer help pls

[Mike.R]

Hi all, I’m hoping someone can point me in the right direction. My new Z3 M Coupe CD changer doesn’t seem to have power. I was told they are prone to failure so I bought another on eBay which also doesn’t seem to have power! I’ve check the main fuses and on the unit and I’ve checked everything looks normal behind the head unit. Maybe I bought another faulty one but my feeling is I’m missing something.
Any ideas or similar experience?
Thanks

 

[Duncodin]

I assume your radio/head still works?

For a while my radio didn't work. No power. It was the earth wire below the aerial under the rear left inner wing. I thought it strange that the radio at the front of the car would be earthed at the back. But reconnected that earth and it all worked again.

Anyway. To cut a long story short. Check the earth..

 

[Mike.R]

Thanks, rushed into the garage to check, unfortunately all looks good. Yes head unit works fine and can see the cd changer (says No Disc)

 

[t-tony]

Sometimes the 6 disc changer doesn't just sit right in the player and that can be all it takes not to "se" a disc. Take out the 6 disc cartridge and make sure the underside is clean, then give it a light spray with Silicone Spray and try again.

Tony.

 

[Mike.R]

Thanks Tony, but the cd changer seems to have no power so won’t eject the rack. I’ve tried measuring the 32v supply to the cd changer but couldn’t get a good reading with or without the ignition on. Does anyone know if there is a 12v to 32v step converter hidden somewhere. Thanks

 

[t-tony]

I understood that the CD changer was operated via a cable connected from the dash head unit?

Tony.

 

[Duncodin]

32v to the changer? Sorry. I didn't know that the cd changer ran on 32 volts. Does it?

I don't think there's actual 32v supply anywhere on a z3. Any conversion would be inside the unit i think.

 

[Mike.R]

I understood that the CD changer was operated via a cable connected from the dash head unit?

Tony.

Yes looked behind there, can’t see anything wrong or out of place?

 

[Mike.R]

32v to the changer? Sorry. I didn't know that the cd changer ran on 32 volts. Does it?

I don't think there's actual 32v supply anywhere on a z3. Any conversion would be inside the unit i think.

I’m am assuming it does, the fuse on the back of the changer is a 3A/32V The fuse is before the power goes into the unit. So must be come from somewhere?

 

[Duncodin]

Fuses, switches and wires have a max rating. Doesn't mean it actually draws that many.

Trucks etc have 24V and use the same fuses as cars. Usually max rated at 32V

 

[Mike.R]

Fuses, switches and wires have a max rating. Doesn't mean it actually draws that many.

Trucks etc have 24V and use the same fuses as cars. Usually max rated at 32V

Thanks, I’m struggling with this problem. I much prefer the oily bits. Think I need professional help or try a 3rd disc changer ‍

 

[Duncodin]

Deleted. Sorry. I said something that isn't relevant so deleted it.