J
Joel
I'm looking for suggestions to deal with my aging auto CD player that
hasn't been working for a while. The symptom is there is almost no
audio, on either channel. Instead there is mostly some scratchy sounds
and occasional loud pops, with some faint audio if I turn the volume to
max. It used to be intermittent, and the audio would come back if I let
the CD play a while. But now the problem is permanent. The disk spins
and the LCD display seems to be fine and displaying correctly. I infer
the disk is being read.
The car is an 88 Mazda, which I'd like to keep in original condition. So
I'm resistant to replacing with a modern stereo (especially since the
radio and cassette are fine). I'd like to fix it or maybe get another
identical unit. The stereo is a Pioneer OEM model, three units that bolt
together. The CD player is the top unit, model CDX 6103zm.
First question: Is there anything I can do myself? I am handy with a
soldering iron, multi-meter and tools. I've had the CD player out of its
metal case, but don't see anything obviously wrong. I don't have a
proper test bench, so I have to re-install in the car to test the audio.
I read the CD FAQ, but nothing obviously popped out except to check the
muting relay. I don't know how to identify it. Would it be a sealed unit?
I'm willing to take it to a pro if necessary. So my other question is,
is it likely fixable? I'm concerned about availability of parts. Both
Pioneer and a local shop want $50 to look at it and diagnose. But
Pioneer can't assure me parts are available. So I'm out $50 if a needed
part isn't available. Is this a good gamble? Are they likely to be able
to fix it?
Oh, I noticed some partially disintegrated small sponge pads on the top
cover inside. Are these important? Could they be related to the problem?
Any other suggestions?
Thanks for any help.
-- Joel
(Please fix my e-mail address if replying that way.)
hasn't been working for a while. The symptom is there is almost no
audio, on either channel. Instead there is mostly some scratchy sounds
and occasional loud pops, with some faint audio if I turn the volume to
max. It used to be intermittent, and the audio would come back if I let
the CD play a while. But now the problem is permanent. The disk spins
and the LCD display seems to be fine and displaying correctly. I infer
the disk is being read.
The car is an 88 Mazda, which I'd like to keep in original condition. So
I'm resistant to replacing with a modern stereo (especially since the
radio and cassette are fine). I'd like to fix it or maybe get another
identical unit. The stereo is a Pioneer OEM model, three units that bolt
together. The CD player is the top unit, model CDX 6103zm.
First question: Is there anything I can do myself? I am handy with a
soldering iron, multi-meter and tools. I've had the CD player out of its
metal case, but don't see anything obviously wrong. I don't have a
proper test bench, so I have to re-install in the car to test the audio.
I read the CD FAQ, but nothing obviously popped out except to check the
muting relay. I don't know how to identify it. Would it be a sealed unit?
I'm willing to take it to a pro if necessary. So my other question is,
is it likely fixable? I'm concerned about availability of parts. Both
Pioneer and a local shop want $50 to look at it and diagnose. But
Pioneer can't assure me parts are available. So I'm out $50 if a needed
part isn't available. Is this a good gamble? Are they likely to be able
to fix it?
Oh, I noticed some partially disintegrated small sponge pads on the top
cover inside. Are these important? Could they be related to the problem?
Any other suggestions?
Thanks for any help.
-- Joel
(Please fix my e-mail address if replying that way.)
