1993 Mark 8 CD player code 4???

[MarkAte]

Hello everyone:
I have a 1993 Mark VIII with a JBL 10-disc CD player that is showing a Code 4 when I attempt to play the CDs. Any idea what a code 4 means?

Thank you in advance

Rick

 

[steve]

Search using goggle for a Sony player, i believe that is who made the 10 CD trunk player, at least for my 97

A quick search came up with this

The E04 error message may occur when the laser for the CD player is unable to read the disc being played. Follow this procedure to troubleshoot why the disc will not play:

IMPORTANT:

There are many car CD players that are not designed to play CDR or CDRW discs. Check the user manual that came supplied with your unit for disc compatibility.
If model-specific information is needed to complete any of these steps, refer to the instructions supplied with the product. Manuals, Specifications and Warranty information for your Sony product is available online.
NOTE: Because each of these steps represents a possible solution to this issue, check the CD player status after completing each step.

Play different discs to see if the issue occurs with all CDs or just a few.
NOTE: If the issue only occurs with a few CDs, then the issue may be with those discs.

Examine the CD for any fingerprints or smudges, and clean if necessary.
Check all wires to verify a good connection.
Perform a reset on the car stereo.
NOTE: The laser pick up may be dirty and need to be cleaned. Sony does not recommend the use of an over-the-counter CD/DVD player lens cleaner. These lenses should be cleaned by a factory-trained Sony technician only.

The troubleshooting steps listed above should resolve your issue. If you have completed all of the steps and the issue is not resolved, service may be required.

 

[tixer]

Good find, Steve.

I can confirm that the 10-disc changers in at least the '97 and '98 Marks were indeed Sony units. I can also confirm that they were terrible at reading CD-R discs.

I also had two where the plastic "spindle" that the CD rests upon when being played broke, which resulted in various errors, the specifics of which I can't fully recall.

 

[steve]

Yes, the sony system sucked, i had mine replaced under warranty only to fail later on. In 98 dealers installed a 6 disk changer from clarion IIRC due to the sony issues.

 

[Bangster]

I have lots of issues with a CD-R that is 60 minutes of silence (I hijacked the input from the CD and use a bluetooth receiver, but I have to have a CD that it can play). I have less issues with an actual pressed CD (it came with the car, it is some Middle Eastern pop) but it still eventually dumps the CD saying no CD found and I have to power cycle the car for it to work again.

Mine is the dealer installed option (so vertical on passenger side instead of horizontal on drivers side, and the funny harness/connectors).

 

[tixer]

One useful observation: I noticed that my '97 Mark head unit was a drop-in in a '97 F-150. That F-150 had the (factory) 6-disc changer, and it worked perfectly with the Mark head unit. So even though it would likely take some creative wiring, it should at least speak the same language as the stereo that's in the car already. I can't speak for the reliability - the truck in question sees /very/ light use. but they should at least be easier to find than our OEM 10-disc ones.