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12 Disc CD Changer - Problems

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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 10:42 AM
  #1  
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Default 12 Disc CD Changer - Problems

Hey Guys,

Question: Have any of you had problems with the 12 Disc CD changer not reading all the discs when loaded? Just curious...and how did you fix it.

Thanks.

Mike
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 11:20 AM
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Mine will not work on some burned cds.

Seems good on regular cds though.
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 11:26 AM
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Kehraus,

Mine are all original CDs and are placed properly in the holders. The player worked earlier this summer, but now it doesn't load/read all the dics...thanks..
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 12:10 PM
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Sounds like the laser lens may be dirty. Don't know if the CD Laser Lens Cleaner will work on that type of player, but it's worth a try. I found one at the local office supply store. It's just a CD with a small brush attached. I use it to clean the laser lens on my CD player at work.

I went with an IPod on my vette. Have 4 or 5 hundred CD's on the IPod and haven't carried a CD in the car for years. Works just like the 12 disk CD player, but with a lot more CD's in a smaller package
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 03:32 PM
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You have a fairly common problem. I had same issue and it turned out to be a worn actuator (white plastic) in the unit. I bought a replacement on this forum for less than $100 and just swapped it out. If you read the "audio section" searches on the 12 disc player you will see lots of similar issues. Cleaning will probably not fix your issue. You might make sure the connection in the back (bottom facing) of the unit is good. Sometimes they work loose and cause problems. Others have created a start up sequence like this: Turn the ignition on with the radio power off, turn on the unit, press the "aux" button. If that does not work, then open the unit in the trunk and remove the cassette. Then put it back in the unit. It will cycle through all 12 discs and then come to rest at 1. Give this a try. It won't cost you anything. Good Luck.
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Old Aug 30, 2011 | 03:59 PM
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do you get a "err" on the head unit display?
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Old Sep 1, 2011 | 10:42 AM
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Yes, sometimes it reads Err...but then other times it will load some cd's...when the Err occurs the unit stops working entirely.
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Old Sep 1, 2011 | 05:08 PM
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Try pulling the cartridge out and disconnecting the car battery.

Connect the battery and put the cartridge back and let it cycle through the disks.

It's always worked on mine.
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Old Jan 26, 2013 | 05:20 PM
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Default 12 CD Changer Problems

Fairly common problem. It turned out to be the actuator (white plastic arm) in the unit. After slipping a piece of slim plastic down the lower long side of the cassette cartridge I was able to get the cartridge to release and eject. I removed the cartridge to find the actuator arm bent over a bit to the interior of the unit. I found by straightening the arm I was able to find the small hole on the lift mechanism and snapped it back it. Success!!!!!!
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Old Oct 23, 2016 | 07:27 PM
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Default stuck CD in 12 CD changer

I have 2001 Coupe and have a stuck CD in the 12 CD changer. How do I remove it without (hopefully) wrecking the CD?
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Old Nov 30, 2016 | 03:25 PM
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Originally Posted by fatboy999
I have 2001 Coupe and have a stuck CD in the 12 CD changer. How do I remove it without (hopefully) wrecking the CD?
Just saw our note. Had the same problem. It was a long disassembly to get the disks out. Then put it back together. Of course it won't work, and whatever parts caused the jam were still broke.

Sent it to united repair in new York. $275.

Tech said its really getting too old to fix, but they will give it a shot. One year warranty.

Prolly have to change over to some kind of Ipod hook up.
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Old Nov 30, 2016 | 05:20 PM
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I'm on my 3rd and last unit!! When it goes I'm going a different route..
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Old Nov 30, 2016 | 06:10 PM
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Most folks are going over to a D/D unit that has hookups for phone and iPods and you get a GPS too.
The changers are getting pretty old now. Cleaning the lens for the laser might help for the marginal units.
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Old May 30, 2020 | 12:09 AM
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Hey Paul,
I see the question came from a C6 or C7 owner. I have an older ‘99 C5. The cd cartridge won’t come out. I saw on YouTube where a guy hit the end to seat a dislodged cd. This isn’t my problem however. I’ve taken it apart and the slides are all in place just no action on opening.
Anyone have suggestions?
i hear whirring sounds that sounds like it’s trying but no luck. I don’t use the CD player much anymore since I have a bazillion songs on the smartphone. They make a cable to use an aux cable but it needs a working cd changer.
thanks for the help
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Old May 30, 2020 | 12:10 AM
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How do you get the cartridge out if that’s my problem...... it won’t come out?
Thanks
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Old Aug 16, 2025 | 08:44 AM
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I sent mine to SOSrepair in Largo Florida. The guy had it fixed and mailed back to my house in a week. Cost me $155 with shipping. He is awesome. Has a bunch of videos on Youtube showing his repairs.

~Pete
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Old Sep 13, 2025 | 01:35 PM
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My new to me 2002 had a battery drain that seemed to be from the 12 cd unit constantly trying load a cd with no success. Unhooked cd and no more battery drain. sliding lid now does not work. Think this is a candidated for sosrepair in Key Largo?

Also I read (where???) that rotating the unit to a flat position worked for some . Does that make any sense/worth trying?
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Old Sep 15, 2025 | 12:55 AM
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Moved to C5 Tech.
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Old Sep 15, 2025 | 06:16 PM
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Originally Posted by arktraveler
How do you get the cartridge out if that’s my problem...... it won’t come out?
Thanks
held in by 6 7mm screws out easily and quickly
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Old Sep 15, 2025 | 06:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Rocksinger
I sent mine to SOSrepair in Largo Florida. The guy had it fixed and mailed back to my house in a week. Cost me $155 with shipping. He is awesome. Has a bunch of videos on Youtube showing his repairs.

~Pete
Pete is this the guy: Youness Faiz, 12911 Sarah Ln. Largo Fl 33733? Asked for an estimate and he said normally $100-200.
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