The end of the CD changer saga
Discussion
I'm sure you have all lost any interest that you may have had in this saga, as I have dragged it out a bit, though my last thread was hijacked by two mad Scots bickering over loose change. 
But seeing as we all seem to suffer at some time or another with the same foibles that our beloved cars throw at us it may be helpful to some.
I found this company - http://www.blueice-electronics.co.uk/ based in Romford. They charge £76.83 to inspect and clean the Volvo CD changer unit. If any replacement parts are required they contact you with the cost prior to commencing works. For once I was lucky and there were no extras needed. It cost me £24.50 to send it next day insured delivery. The original repair estimate was 3-4 days but it ended up taking two weeks including a bit of chasing on my behalf. It was returned with a 4 month guarantee and all in working order.
Now for the works involved -
It's relatively straight forward, as per the Austin Martin vid on Youtube, until it comes to removing the stereo/controls fascia. The cables connecting to the lower controls (AC/traction control/hazards/recirc) and particularly the three plugs situated behind the temperature/fan dials are VERY tight. It's another one of those buttock clenching situations were you are required to pull a little harder than you are comfortable with. After it's all out this what you are left with:-
Subsequently, trying to put it back together again is quite tricky. I have long thin fingers (who said effeminite?) and I struggled to get my hands in so how any of you with more manly digits would manage I don't know? I also cut my girly hands quite a bit but the upshot is that I discovered that red and cream is a nice combination for future reference! All said and done, apart from being a bit awkward, if I can do it then anyone can.
And the important bit....
AM's charge for replacing the unit - £698.87. A total saving of £597.54
Footnote for my Scottish friends - the cheeky bugger neither returned the penny or deducted it from the bill.
But seeing as we all seem to suffer at some time or another with the same foibles that our beloved cars throw at us it may be helpful to some.
I found this company - http://www.blueice-electronics.co.uk/ based in Romford. They charge £76.83 to inspect and clean the Volvo CD changer unit. If any replacement parts are required they contact you with the cost prior to commencing works. For once I was lucky and there were no extras needed. It cost me £24.50 to send it next day insured delivery. The original repair estimate was 3-4 days but it ended up taking two weeks including a bit of chasing on my behalf. It was returned with a 4 month guarantee and all in working order.
Now for the works involved -
It's relatively straight forward, as per the Austin Martin vid on Youtube, until it comes to removing the stereo/controls fascia. The cables connecting to the lower controls (AC/traction control/hazards/recirc) and particularly the three plugs situated behind the temperature/fan dials are VERY tight. It's another one of those buttock clenching situations were you are required to pull a little harder than you are comfortable with. After it's all out this what you are left with:-
Subsequently, trying to put it back together again is quite tricky. I have long thin fingers (who said effeminite?) and I struggled to get my hands in so how any of you with more manly digits would manage I don't know? I also cut my girly hands quite a bit but the upshot is that I discovered that red and cream is a nice combination for future reference! All said and done, apart from being a bit awkward, if I can do it then anyone can.
And the important bit....
AM's charge for replacing the unit - £698.87. A total saving of £597.54
Footnote for my Scottish friends - the cheeky bugger neither returned the penny or deducted it from the bill.
Jockman said:
REALLY scary picture M4YBO - I would have passed out by now !!
Great saving though, so well done you for your perseverance.
PffftGreat saving though, so well done you for your perseverance.
..... You only just managed to put little Phil's car together without the aid of a safety net..... Somthing like this would have you in an institution
M4YBO said:
...I'm in two minds about Wilmslow. I'd really like to see the Vanquish but there are a couple of individuals in the sales team I'd quite like to 
You DO understand the concept of queueing don't you Jules?? 
Shout out if you fancy meeting some of us reprobates, and btw....I agree....cream and red do make an agreeable contrast
Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff