2002-2008 GM 6 disc changer broken, how to replace CD player

This repair should apply to early 2000's GM "RDS" 6-disc radio.
My 2002 Pontiac Montana CD player eject mechanism broke. I got a "functioning" unit on Ebay (from an Aztek), and installed it and got the "LOCKED" message, with no function from the radio. I took the "good" CD player out of the ebay unit, and put it into my old/original unit, so that the anti-theft didn't cause any "lock".
On a Chevy Venture type van, there are 2 screws at the rear of the floor level compartment, so you can move it out of the way. Next are two screws at the sides of the cupholder, and two screws underneath pointing up. Once those are out, the trim will tilt up and away. 3 screws on the radio unit and it comes out.
To remove/repair the radio itself, you will need a Torx T10, a 3/16 bit (or a crescent wrench), and a flat head screwdriver.
If you use 6 toothpicks, use the screwdriver to lift each tab a little, then shove the toothpick in the plastic tabs holding the face plate on. It will probably be a little stuck in place, but gently pull directly out on the faceplate to dislodge the row of pins connecting the face to the unit.
Next, remove the single 3/16 screw on the "top rear" of the box, to be able to remove the metal cover over the CD player. Use the screwdriver to gently pull up the rear of the cover. It will hinge forward once it's loose enough.
Last, use a T10 Torx (or it might have 3/16 screws) to remove the 4 small screws from the front and rear of the CD player. Mine had all silver screws holding the CD player in place. Once those are out, gently push out the wire harness in the "upper right" corner that connects the control board to the CD player. The CD player should now be loose and be able to be removed up and out.

[@505197]

Thanks for the upload. I love youtube for advice like this. I've been a mechanic for 50 years and this kind of info is invaluable. I have a player out of a 03 Avlanche with a failed CD player, someone child jammed a 7th CD in it and it's junk now. I found one at a scrap yard for $20 but the buttons are trashed. One's on Ebay are running in the $300 range unlocked. I'm going to make a lot more money changing out the CD player and making it work again. I have an auto electric shop and next month I'll be 70. Again, thank you very much.

[@R100RTguy]

Thanks for the note, and glad it helped. When I find something not covered already, I try to add it.

[@X13BRAVO22]

Awesome.........I didn't think of this..........Thanks

[@shermankaspar1818]

thanks saved me an expensive trip to the dealer trying to get radio unlocked

[@calirebel2360]

Thanks. This helped me to swap out my 6 CD changer with a new one in my 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP.

[@scotthodges871]

this worked for me on my 2005 Tahoe Z71. what a great tip. thanks so much for sharing 👍👍

[@sertint]

hi, do you have a second video for this player??

[@R100RTguy]

I believe it should work, if you can get that cd player to work. The security "brain" is in the lower radio.

[@erikdyrssen777]

If I want to buy a just a new 6 cd changer and put in my original stereo, will it still work or will I get an error code because cd changer is from different stereo?

[@R100RTguy]

The anti theft lives in the radio, not the CD player, so swapping the cd player should work.

[@Thriving-uv2ce]

I'm getting clicking noise on the CD changer, not sure if CDs are stuck in there. The clicking starts each time the vehicle is started up and then goes away after about 20 seconds. Now the display says "initializing" and can't get even the radio to work. I don't need the CD changer any more and was wondering if I just disconnected the CD changer, would this solve the issue? Would I be able to just disconnect the CD changer? I don't use CDs anymore but still want the radio funcion and want the visual look of the entire unit to stay the same. Will the radio work if the CD changer is disconnected?

[@native_redman9002]

I have this exact radio with 6 disc changer and mine would click also upon start up for 15-20 seconds. Tonight I pulled stereo out, opened the top, and unplugged that little strip wiring harness to the changer. Put it back in my Yukon and everything else works fine. I don’t use the cd player either.

[@user-in2xq5mw1o]

انا اشتريت الجهاز من غير فيشه عايز اعرف طرف الكهرباء في الجهاز

[@TheNewkidsrule]

Manafort had ties to putin !!! I fucking knew it

[@alphonse53]

LOL. Russia! Russia! Russia! Bet you have a Buyden sign in your front yard, too!