[Shotimes] Re: CD Changer balking

[MonsieurBoo@aol.com]

Grr!  I just got my '94 a month ago, complete with JBL sound and 10-CD Ford 
(Sony?) changer in the trunk.  Watched the guy demo it:  turned on the FM to 
88.3, antenna goes up, he clicks the "Off" button in the middle of the CD remote 
(double-stuck right above the radio) and out comes the rock'n'roll just as 
expected.

Since then, believe it or not, I never tried using it because I wanted to 
listen to the car and get used to its normal noises so if they changed, it'd be 
obvious.

So, of course, the first time I loaded some CDs in it, I can't get the remote 
to turn on.  Step by step:

-- There is power to the changer because when I opened the lid and hit the 
eject button, it powers up and pops the cartridge out.  The three cables into 
the changer are all connected.

-- I put three commercial CDs (dunno if the '94 OEM will read CD-R's???) into 
slots 1-3 of the cartridge with the labels facing the side of the cart with 
the "CD" and circle logo molded into it.  I'm sure this orientation is correct 
because it puts the CD tracks on the same side of the changer as the laser 
unit (right side as you look at it).  I assume the first three do, indeed, go in 
slots 1-3 and not 7-10!

-- Pushed the cart in, the motor took over and reseated it, I could hear it 
setting up the CDs after I closed the cover.

-- Turn on radio as usual and set to 88.3 exactly as it was during the demo.  
I understand this is the box-stock frequency for Sonys.  It does pick up a 
distant signal, very faint and scratchy but I understand the CD signal should 
simply override it.  Anyway it doesn't make sense that this condition would 
prevent the CD remote from turning on.

-- Click "Off" button on the remote, the little LCD display does not light up 
and no sound comes on.  I assume it should light up even if I have the wrong 
channel (and don't get any sound because of that).

Am I omitting something really obvious?  Do I have to push some other buttons 
on the radio?  Can't find any printed help.  The original Ford Sound System 
manual in the glovebox does NOT mention the 10-cd changer.  The Ford Service CD 
doesn't have it either as far as I can tell.  It says "Ford" not "Sony" on 
the changer and I can't find a model number to do a Web search.  Couldn't find 
an answer on the forums either.  I did change the battery a couple weeks back, 
and for newer Sony changers, the manual mentions a reset-button "pinhole" that 
has to be pressed if the car battery is changed.  But I can't see one on my 
unit.  

TIA,
Mark LaBarre
94 ATX 125k