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The dreaded CD "Err"

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Old Sep 25, 2014 | 07:39 PM
  #1  
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Default The dreaded CD "Err"

So for a few years now I have been trying to solve the dreaded CD player "Err" message. CD goes in fine, spins around and is auto ejected as the Err error message shows up.

I have tried Toque's method of cleaning the lens and other process of cleaning and lubing the travel threaded rod the lens rides on. Unfortunately, nothin'

So...has anyone tried anything else that works?

I know I can get the unit repaired for around $150. or just replace it altogether with an aftermarket or go with the iPod hookup (doing that mod right now actually) but I still want the CD player. I would have been happy with the CD changer in place of the in-dash unit but I don't have one.

Anyone have some luck with a repair?

Or....does anyone sell just the internal CD drive I can buy and swap out with mine and retain the rest of the headunit. Haven't seen one in the For Sale section or anywhere on the net....One or two on ebay but I am afraid I might end up with the same problem I have now with a used one.

Or...are changers readily available but I heard you can't easily have the iPod AND changer together without some custom made switching.

Guess I am just a bit frustrated and looking for any input.

Thanks!

Mike
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Old Sep 25, 2014 | 08:58 PM
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If you don't mind cracking it open hit the salvage yard. These stereo chassis are a dime a dozen (especially if you dont care about bad LED's, cracked ***** ect) and you can swap the CD drive out super easy! Damn near every Chevy of these years had the same basic radio chassis and the CD drives are all the same.
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Old Sep 25, 2014 | 09:00 PM
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My CD player only plays the memorex thin colored CDs burned slow in iTunes
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Old Sep 25, 2014 | 09:03 PM
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if I can't get it to reset I just pull the damn radio fuse in the passenger floor board....problem solved..
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Old Sep 25, 2014 | 09:27 PM
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Thanks for the replies guys.

1. Thought about the junkyard route as thats a great idea but the yard near me gets $25 for a radio and not sure if it would have the same problem as from what I have seen on the net, all these Delco CD players seem to be plagued by the same problem.
2. The fuse pull didn't work for me so it must be a fault in the CD player.

But I do appreciate your input.
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Old Sep 26, 2014 | 11:25 AM
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Originally Posted by Florida Mike
I have tried Toque's method of cleaning the lens and other process of cleaning and lubing the travel threaded rod the lens rides on. Unfortunately, nothin'

Mike
Mike:

Sorry my procedure did not work for you.
It has for me and many others.
I wonder if there is something else wrong....
Good luck getting this solved !

Toque
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Old Sep 26, 2014 | 03:11 PM
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Is this mainly a summertime/warm weather issue? Interior car temps get high enough can produce the exact same "ERR" message. BTDT

HTH
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Old Sep 26, 2014 | 06:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Toque
Mike:

Sorry my procedure did not work for you.
It has for me and many others.
I wonder if there is something else wrong....
Good luck getting this solved !

Toque
Toque,

No worries as I am just glad you posted the procedure as it was worth a try. I have done some other research and apparently alot of GM's (not just Vettes) suffer from this. So like you had mentioned in a previous post, it works for about 70% of the ones doing it...unfortunately mine wasn't one of them!

Mike
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Old Sep 26, 2014 | 06:22 PM
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From: Valrico FL
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Originally Posted by LoneStarFRC
Is this mainly a summertime/warm weather issue? Interior car temps get high enough can produce the exact same "ERR" message. BTDT

HTH
LoneStar,

Ironically, when it does work (now only about 5% of the attempts) its when the car has been sitting in the scortching Florida sun and the dash is so hot you can't even touch it.

I'm guessing a sensor or something is bad but apparently you can't find a schematic for it or I would try to fix it.

Mike
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Old Sep 26, 2014 | 07:35 PM
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Just some extra input here for your consideration. As to installing the 12 disc changer in the back that you mentioned..........besides the problem of having to lay the harness for it to the rear of your car and the I-pod conflict you mentioned (which is enough to make you abandon this avenue anyway from the sound of it) my last C5 had the changer in it and I often got the Err message after having the cartridge out to change out CD's or whatever. I would have to repeatedly eject and install the cartridge until it played without giving the Err message, so that may not be a solution you want to try to deal with.

It wasn't a big deal, but it was very frustrating at times!!

Good luck with whatever route you choose. It's beyond my means, but the suggestion of having Dennis at DD Mods provide you with an upgraded system sounds like the most direct and trouble-free solution to your problem.

DSTURBD
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Old Sep 26, 2014 | 10:33 PM
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In addition to the Err message on mine.. it had other problems so I finally a replaced it with an aftermarket head unit. Like it much better. CDs suck. USB snag-less is the way to go.
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