CD Changer

M

mpsjr

Registered
Before anyone flames me for not running a search before posting, I have searched the forums and couldn't come up with a solution to my problem.

I've owned my '97 Mark for the past 5 years and love it. I've had a problem with 10-disc changer for a few years now, and could usually get it to start reading discs again by removing the magazine and popping it back in. However, about a year ago, it quit reading discs altogether. Being fairly good with electronics, I attempted to repair my CD changer, which was giving me a "No Disc" message at the time. When I say fairly good, I mean I can completely tear down and repair most complex electronics such as amps, radios, laptops, game consoles, etc. I thought that the issue was a dirty laser, so I pulled the changer apart and and manually cleaned the lens using rubbing alcohol and a q-tip with canned-air afterwards. The changer was still having an issue reading discs, so I came here to search for a possible solution. I found a post referring to the fuse located on the back of the changer, and found a message in which one of the members talked about replacing a fuse as a possible "$4 fix". After taking the changer apart AGAIN, and checking the fuse (which is fine) it won't even power up now. Instead, I get the dreaded "No CD" message. The fuse is fine, and everything is connected as it should be. I'm not sure if there might be a burnt circuit board, resistor, or what.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Has anyone had a unit repaired by Sony, and if so, what parts were replaced?

I appreciate your help.

Matt
 
The changer should only be repaired if it is a hobby for you, or you like pain.

I doubt Sony will touch it, no matter how much you pay them.

Time to upgrade. There are lots of choices, but they all involve replacing the head unit. Get one with an aux jack for your iPod and Sirius radio capable. Wiring will be a bit tricky, but you're an expert...you'll need an adapter harness for it.
 
I thought about a replacement, but I'd really like to keep the car as stock as possible. That's my last-resort option at this point. Thank for the advice.

Matt
 
I've read that that problem can be a mechanical/switch problem with a lever where the magizine goes in.

I haven't had to check one out yet though.
 
I checked the arm out when I had it apart, and it's fine. Actually, before it stopped powering up, it would go through a cycle of loading each disc before giving me the "No Disc" message. I know for a fact, it was not having any issues like what Jaime describes because I've watched it load/unload each disc in the magazine. Thanks though. I may just have to pony-up and get a new headunit. From what I've read here, it is possible to use the factory amp/wiring with the correct harness, is that correct?
 
Actualy, used changers are pretty easy to come by, and run anywhere from $69 to $150. After having a factory indash single CD unit, I'm not so sure I dont like them better. If you watch ebay they come up time to time for around $100 t0 $125. I kinda like the single unit because I like my music to fit my mood, and sometimes feel that what I have loaded in the changer just doesnt feel right to me.
 
I'm on my 3rd changer now, in my '97. the problems I had with the original unit were very similar to your own. As I am sure you have discovered by now, the transport is nearly impossible to access. The issue with my original unit, was that the clamp mechanism for the disc contained a small magnet in the upper portion, that when loaded, secured the disc. The glue dried out on mine, and the magnet fell out. This caused the "no disc" error, because the disc would slip as it spun, and the laser could not read it reliably.
Eventually, the magnet came loose a second time, but this time, it did not fall all of the way out. Instead, the disc lodged against it as it loaded, the whole thing pressed down on the spindle, (which is plastic!) and it broke the spindle at the point where it attached to the motor's shaft. Now I had discs spinning out of plane. it was a disaster. I tried replacing it with a different spindle (brass!) out of a similar, older Sony unit, but in the process, I seem to have shorted out one of the circuit boards. when I went to install it, I released most of the magic smoke, and gave up.

I bought a used OEM changer to replace it, and got about a year out of it before it broke.

I just bought another one this spring. so far, it's working great.

so my final conclusion is that the factory changer in our Marks is indeed the cheapest P.O.S. Sony could pump out, is nearly impossible to service, and therefore has a limited lifespan. As long as I can pick up replacements for the right price, that's what I'm going to do.

Like you, I prefer the stock radio. I'm also not a fan of having wires hanging out of the dash for an mp3 player. (or the audio quality thereof..)

I hope this is of some use for you. (and I hope you're a better troubleshooter than I am) :)
 
Sounds like you're getting some good info Matt. :) Have fun with getting it to work. Pretty cool about the magnet though.
 
tixer said:
I'm on my 3rd changer now, in my '97. the problems I had with the original unit were very similar to your own. As I am sure you have discovered by now, the transport is nearly impossible to access. The issue with my original unit, was that the clamp mechanism for the disc contained a small magnet in the upper portion, that when loaded, secured the disc. The glue dried out on mine, and the magnet fell out. This caused the "no disc" error, because the disc would slip as it spun, and the laser could not read it reliably.
Eventually, the magnet came loose a second time, but this time, it did not fall all of the way out. Instead, the disc lodged against it as it loaded, the whole thing pressed down on the spindle, (which is plastic!) and it broke the spindle at the point where it attached to the motor's shaft. Now I had discs spinning out of plane. it was a disaster. I tried replacing it with a different spindle (brass!) out of a similar, older Sony unit, but in the process, I seem to have shorted out one of the circuit boards. when I went to install it, I released most of the magic smoke, and gave up.

I bought a used OEM changer to replace it, and got about a year out of it before it broke.

I just bought another one this spring. so far, it's working great.

so my final conclusion is that the factory changer in our Marks is indeed the cheapest P.O.S. Sony could pump out, is nearly impossible to service, and therefore has a limited lifespan. As long as I can pick up replacements for the right price, that's what I'm going to do.

Like you, I prefer the stock radio. I'm also not a fan of having wires hanging out of the dash for an mp3 player. (or the audio quality thereof..)

I hope this is of some use for you. (and I hope you're a better troubleshooter than I am) :)
Click to expand...

Wow Captain Ahab...I've never seen anyone so determined to stay with the changer. It's gotten personal for you.

Btw, now that I've got Sirius radio, I don't even put my own music in there anymore...via iPod or memory stick. I just hit the station that suits my mood and I'm done.

Wires sticking out of the dash bothers you, and spending hours burning CDs doesn't?
 
yeah! Who would have thought that "old and stubborn" kicked in at the ripe old age of 31!

I tried Sirius for a year when it was still pretty new. the audio compression drove me nuts. everything was flat and lifeless, and you'd think, "maybe I can turn it up, and it will sound better." It didn't help. Not to mention that although I found a few stations I liked, none had particularly lengthy playlists. After listening for a month or so, I'd pretty much heard it all.
Where Sirius really did shine though, was road trips. Finally, I had music everywhere. If I could keep a unit that I could just activate for those purposes, I'd Seriusly (heh) consider it.

As for the CDs, I tend to only play originals, or copies of originals. And yes, it can get tedious, but it's worth it. What's the point of reducing the quality by converting them to MP3 (or AAC) then burning that back to a CD. I'm back to satellite radio quality again..

and for the wires? without the wires, I don't have the whole "iPod running away and hiding under the passenger seat" thing, every time I turn a corner. :) Not to mention, the CD changer is always "charged," and never has to be rebooted.
 
I whole-heartedly agree with you, Mike. I hate not being able to control my radio because I'm constantly having to look for my ipod (or look at my ipod). The factory radio not only looks right, it's simple to operate. I was a music major in a previous life, and would prefer not to have the audio compression of digital formats like .mp3 or .aac., even though I understand that CDs also compress the file. Unfortunately, an LP player wouldn't work very well in a moving vehicle (although I have seen Lincolns from years past that had them).

The magnet in my player is still fine, and when I pulled everything apart, it actually had a disc loaded in it. I've got family in town this weekend, so I don't have time to fiddle with anything, but I'm almost certain I can get it to power up again. My only problem then, will be if the thing still won't read discs.

Thanks for all the great advice. I may just end up with something new, although I prefer the "stock" look. I may need to do some research and see if I can't find anything that looks like it belongs there, if things come to that.
 
logres said:
Btw, now that I've got Sirius radio, I don't even put my own music in there anymore...via iPod or memory stick. I just hit the station that suits my mood and I'm done.
Click to expand...

I've had Sirius for 6 years now and I'm with Wayne. When my changer took a dump, I just listened to more satelite radio. :)

tixer said:
I tried Sirius for a year when it was still pretty new. the audio compression drove me nuts.
Click to expand...

I was pretty disappointed too when I first bought mine...come to think of it, they might have fixed it but I'm still using my original Streamer GT so I wouldn't know, haha.

tixer said:
Not to mention that although I found a few stations I liked, none had particularly lengthy playlists. After listening for a month or so, I'd pretty much heard it all.
Click to expand...

I thought it was awesome too, but then we put it on our shop stereo and yeah, about every 2 1/2 hours the playlist would just start right over. I guess that's when you'd change the channel.

tixer said:
Where Sirius really did shine though, was road trips. Finally, I had music everywhere. If I could keep a unit that I could just activate for those purposes, I'd Seriusly (heh) consider it.
Click to expand...

See, I'm right there with you. Time to just get Pandora Radio (which I've been pushing on you guys for years now) and customize it how you want and they will play you new stuff mixed in with your old. They make several types of players and if you have an iPhone you're set to listen anywhere.

tixer said:
and for the wires? without the wires, I don't have the whole "iPod running away and hiding under the passenger seat" thing, every time I turn a corner. :) Not to mention, the CD changer is always "charged," and never has to be rebooted.
Click to expand...

Lol, I can picture it now! :D good point on the "charging" part.

mpsjr said:
I prefer the "stock" look. I may need to do some research and see if I can't find anything that looks like it belongs there, if things come to that.
Click to expand...

I mentioned my Sony Xplode in our PM's together, take a look at some of the pictures and tell me what you think. It was slightly smaller than the "housing" (although I didn't measure before purchase...didn't think about it) but it fit very well and the only difference was it was silver instead of gray/black.

DSC00431.jpg
DSC00433.jpg
 
tixer said:
yeah! Who would have thought that "old and stubborn" kicked in at the ripe old age of 31!

I tried Sirius for a year when it was still pretty new. the audio compression drove me nuts. everything was flat and lifeless, and you'd think, "maybe I can turn it up, and it will sound better." It didn't help. Not to mention that although I found a few stations I liked, none had particularly lengthy playlists. After listening for a month or so, I'd pretty much heard it all.
Where Sirius really did shine though, was road trips. Finally, I had music everywhere. If I could keep a unit that I could just activate for those purposes, I'd Seriusly (heh) consider it.

As for the CDs, I tend to only play originals, or copies of originals. And yes, it can get tedious, but it's worth it. What's the point of reducing the quality by converting them to MP3 (or AAC) then burning that back to a CD. I'm back to satellite radio quality again..

and for the wires? without the wires, I don't have the whole "iPod running away and hiding under the passenger seat" thing, every time I turn a corner. :) Not to mention, the CD changer is always "charged," and never has to be rebooted.
Click to expand...

How about a head unit with USB?

You can put a memory stick of uncompressed (WAV) files in there.

No excuses anymore my friend...:)
 
tixer said:
Like you, I prefer the stock radio. I'm also not a fan of having wires hanging out of the dash for an mp3 player. (or the audio quality thereof..)
Click to expand...

Thanks Mike!

I thought I was the only one that realized that MP3 recordings are a big step backwards from CD's as far as sound quality goes.

It seems like people today are settling for less sound quality, in exchange for portability and ease of use.

I've had people say to me, "you've got to hear this song" then hold a cellphone to my face and play it from the crappy sounding phone.:D
 
I have to agree with the audiophiles. ;)

I remember when CDs first started coming out and I hated most of them because they were digital remakes of the classic vinyl. They did not sound near as good IMHO. Little by little, digitally mastered CDs were introduced which were finally acceptable in comparison. A 'good' CD in the early days was hard to come by.
 
driller said:
I have to agree with the audiophiles. ;)

I remember when CDs first started coming out and I hated most of them because they were digital remakes of the classic vinyl. They did not sound near as good IMHO. Little by little, digitally mastered CDs were introduced which were finally acceptable in comparison. A 'good' CD in the early days was hard to come by.
Click to expand...

A WAV file on a memory stick is just as good as CD.

Like I said before, no excuse not to get a new head unit.
 
Wow! some great conversation, and great points.

mpsjr, it is good to hear that your magnet is in good shape. That speaks well to the future of my own, as well. I would also advise looking closely at that spindle, to check it for stress marks, although where mine failed, it was obvious. If you do find the problem with yours, I would love to hear about it.

J, that's a nice clean install you have there. And you are right about the changer. It seems to fit nicely. May I ask what are you using for a head unit? How does it look? I'd also be curious to hear if you have replaced the cabin speakers, if you have had trouble with the sympathetic vibration in the right-rear someplace. All of that could almost be the start of another thread, so I'll stop here. Seriously, it looks good. :)

the .WAV files on a flash drive solution is a very valid point. Of course, there's always the folder browsing, and load time issues, but the right interface, it should work well. The last time I worked extensively with .wav files was on my old 486. Disk space was an issue, for sure.. The other problem then would be to find a radio that looks "right" in the dash. I have seen a few folks with nice clean installs of the GPS type units.. Otherwise I always had a soft (hard?) spot for the Panasonic CQ-TX5500D, but I still think it may look odd in the Mark. (but man, I'd love to try it..)

Didn't I hear something about the current version of Microsoft "SYNC" supporting Pandora? of course, I would imagine the service only works as well as your cellular coverage. Thus far, I've stayed away from Pandora, due to the aforementioned (presumed, in this case) audio compression concerns. I like the idea though, and hear many good things about the service.
 
driller said:
I have to agree with the audiophiles. ;)

I remember when CDs first started coming out and I hated most of them because they were digital remakes of the classic vinyl. They did not sound near as good IMHO. Little by little, digitally mastered CDs were introduced which were finally acceptable in comparison. A 'good' CD in the early days was hard to come by.
Click to expand...

The first digital recordings I bought were actually digital recordings put on vinyl records. They were symphony recordings, and sounded much better than the analog recordings of the day.

They had the wider dynamic range and frequency response, but they still had some of the noise problems of vinyl records.

Analog recordings still have the potential of sounding superior to digital recordings if they could only perfect them (noise, wow and flutter ect.).

We live in an analog world, but we measure and record it digitally.:D
 
billcu said:
The first digital recordings I bought were actually digital recordings put on vinyl records. They were symphony recordings, and sounded much better than the analog recordings of the day.

They had the wider dynamic range and frequency response, but they still had some of the noise problems of vinyl records.

Analog recordings still have the potential of sounding superior to digital recordings if they could only perfect them (noise, wow and flutter ect.).

We live in an analog world, but we measure and record it digitally.:D
Click to expand...

Actually, according to Einstein and Planck, space and time are discrete (digital), but that is a lecture for another day.
 
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