How do you remove CDs stuck in Windstar player?

Answer 1

You only need the standard Ford radio, U shaped removal tools (readily & cheaply available at an auto parts store), a T15 torx driver bit, and a really small Phillips head screwdriver.

• Use the removal tools to pull the radio assembly out of the dash - note: you do NOT need to remove the plastic trim piece! :) Insert the tools until you feel them hit an indent - push the tools to the *OUTSIDE* while pulling the radio out from the dash. This is more "art" & feel than specific instructions.
• Pull the 2 wire harness connectors off & disconnect the radio antenna.
• Remove the 2 screws per side to release the actual radio from the 'assembly'.
• There is a ribbon connector - flat plastic "cable" - from the assembly to the bottom of the changer itself.

  The top of the slot is actually the locking mechanism - pull the top up (DO NOT REMOVE, just lift at each end - with the cable released, gently wiggle it to remove from the bottom-side of the changer unit.

• Disconnect the very small, 2 wire connector

With the changer unit disconnected, it may be possible to get any cds that are out-of-position back into their tray, or pull them out completely.

If needed, you can take the cover off the changer unit too:

• Look very closely at all the small torx - or Phillips - screws on the sides of the radio body - you will see small arrows pointing at the screws that hold the top cover on. Remove those and the top cover can be 'pivoted' up & off of the front (spot the 2 notches in the top cover that holds it in place - that's what you are pivoting off of.)

Once the cover is off, you should be able to now reach each of the CD's to be rescued.

This should provide enough access to getting wayward discs out, or back into the tray.

By the way:

• This will void the heck out of your warranty!
• Hemostats are better than nail files for retrieving discs

AnswerWhile holding another CD put it in a little the CD player should start clicking push it in and out slowly when it starts clicking pull it out the other one should release also AnswerThe only way that I have found to reset the CD changer is to disconnect & reconnect the battery cables. AnswerIf you have the handy Ford radio tools, it only takes a few seconds to pop the radio out and disconnect the wiring harness'.

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I pretty much did that to the 6 CD changer radio in my 2001 to retrieve a stuck CD.

On the sides of the unit you can spot some very small arrows embossed into the metal, pointing at certain screws. Those are the ones that hold the top cover plate.

Be careful of taking unlabeled screws out, as some that are accessible from the outside actually hold internal parts in place. If you start hearing a rattling sound, you'll know you took a screw you shouldn't have.

That should at least get you inside... Not sure what the end-goal is, but good luck from there ;)