6 CD changer replacement/repair with OEM unit

[chienfou]

At the risk of getting blasted for wanting to keep the OEM radio unit, I am trying to find out the following info for my 2005 Vibe. My unit will no longer accept cds in the changer. I am therefore wanting to exchange my HU with another OEM unit or repair the existing unit. This is motivated in large part by the fact that this is my wife's car and she is not likely to want to learn a new set-up.My questions are1) I have read mixed opinions as to whether this unit is really tied electronically to the VIN for this car. If I get another (used) OEM 6 cd radio will I have to take it to the local dealer and fork out the $85 they told me over the phone it would cost to program it?2) I have seen some mention of repair services for this changer. I have also seen replacement cd changer units which involve using your original faceplate, and changing out the changer unit itself. One eBay service has you send in the changer and they will repair and send it back (not the whole radio, JUST the changer unit). If there IS a security code, would it be possible to buy a 'new' (used) OEM radio and switch out just the changer unit, using my old radio faceplate without having to reprogram the car? This would allow me to not have to worry about reprogramming as well as allow me to get a radio with crappy looking buttons etc. as long as the changer unit worked -- thereby saving $$ as well.Thanks for any and all help in this matter.BTW maybe while I have it out of the car maybe I can sneak in the AUX wiring mod I have been reading so we can use an mp3 player... ummm....

[Raven]

There is no security code. Just plug and play, I've changed mine 3 times with used units. The little blinky LED is just for show, it does nothing.

[chienfou]

Awesome! That is really encouraging. I was starting to get confused, since some of the websites selling used/OEM units said that you couldn't put a unit from another car in without the dealer programming and some said it was just a fake security light, and some said maybe yes, maybe no...Thanks Raven!eBay here I come. BTW if I decide to "move down" to the single CD unit will it still be compatible with the amp in my Vibe under the front passenger seat, or will I need to put in one of the PAC adapters?

[Raven]

I don't know the answer to that one.PS. I like your user name. Chienfou is an excellent song by a Quebec artist named Plume Latraverse.

[chienfou]

Merci! It looks like it should work, since it seems to have the 12 pin plug as well? WTH, I may as well bite the bullet and give it a shot. I can get on off eBay for about $50 or less delivered... I will post my results (whichever way I decide to go) on this forum whenever I make up my mind!

[chienfou]

OK, got my "new" 6 cd OEM HU off of eBay ($75 w/s&h and it looks better than mine with virtually no button wear!) I was out of town last week, so will install it next weekend. I am thinking about doing a mini-plug addition as per the sticky at the top of this forum, but might try it out on the old head first... We will see what time and weather permit!