Need new CD Changer and so many questions!

[Mateo]

My in-dash cd changer in my 2002 TL-S is starting to crap out on me, and I am looking for a stock replacement. The only thing is; I would like to see if I can get the replacement to play mp3 cds as weel as cd.

-Is there such a thing out there, or will I have to go with an aftermarket?

-If aftermarket is the only choice, which one will keep the stock appearance and possibly add navigation?

ANY help or guidance with this will be more than appreciated!!

Thanks.

[BlueScreenOfTOM]

I think no one has replied to this because there's a lot of similar posts already out there, both here and at acurazine, and there's not a short answer. So, I'll try and give you a short answer from what I've read, and if you want the long answer you can find them in the vast amounts of info the boards have gathered since 1999.

1. You'll need to go aftermarket. No 2nd Gen TL OEM anything allows MP3 playback.

2. Sky is the limit here - Metra, I believe, makes a kit for aftermarket stereos that fits the car pretty well. Watch out - supposedly, the stock speakers sound like butt with aftermarket stereos, and you WILL NOT be able to use the subwoofer. Someone on one of the boards claimed to figure out how to wire up the sub, but I don't think they ever got around to posting it.

[autoxCLS]

I'd suggest checking out www.crutchfield.com - you put your model and make car in and they will tell you what's available for it, and send the proper wiring harness with purchase.

[TaterTL]

Coming from someone who just did an aftermarket stereo install in my TL, yes the speakers kinda sound like poo with my aftermarket stereo. I dunno if it's too much power going to them, or the stock EQ just helped that that much. I have a built in crossover in my headunit, so I can mess with that, just haven't gotten the right sound yet. There are install kits out there that are fairly cheap, and fit quite well. I got my kit, with a wiring harness on Ebay for under $30. The color is a little off, but not so much that is bothers me.

I did also follow the instructions on how people say they have hooked up their stock sub to an aftermarket stereo, with no success. I have an aftermarket sub and amp also, just thought it'd be kinda cool to have both. But, I tinkered with it for a bit and got nothing, so I scrapped it for the time being. I still have my stock OEM stereo that I'm going to sell. Was gonna post on here, or mabye try Ebay, but if you're interested, let me know.

If you want MP3, there's probably a way to hook up an external MP3 player to the stereo, there usually is anyway. I didn't do any research on that one as I knew I was going aftermarket. But the ghetto setup I used before I did the install was just using my MP3 player with a tape deck adapter, haha (can use FM modulators too). Sure the sound won't be as good, but you only spent ten bucks.

[Acurite]

I was in an audio store, and "JL" made an aftermarket system that is supposed to fix the "functionality" issue.


here is some info:

http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_c...hp?prod_id=369

I know there is a new head unit that keeps an OEM look and even include temperature control. When I find a pic, I will post.

[Acurite]

here it is...

http://mobile.jlaudio.com/gallery_pages.php?page_id=191