X308 - Factory Fitted CD Changer

[groomi]

After not being used for nigh-on six months, my stereo is now failing to recognise the CD cassette in the factory-fitted boot changer.

Any idea what the problem might be?

Cheers, Iain

[kevinday]

I would check both ends of the cable are connected properly as a starting point, also check power to the changer.

[a8hex]

Is the problem that the Audio system is not seeing the CD changer at all, or is it that it's seeing the AutoChanger but just thinking it's empty.

I've never had a problem with the one on my Jag, the autochanger unit is the same one as Mercedes use, and we've had no end of problems with my wifes. It's now on it's 5th autochanger unit (or is it that they have changed the autochanger 5 times I'm starting to loose track!) In her E-Class it periodically suffers both these problems.

[groomi]

Cheers guys.

The head unit is definately recognising the changer, but it thinks it is empty. I've checked that all the CDs are in properly, looked for any signs of fluff or anything, but to no avail.

At a bit of a loss with this one.

[p700dee]

Sounds like the laser is giving problems. As you have not used it for 6 months it is most likely that the lens is just dirty. You can try one of these CD lens cleaners , however I would advise removal and cleaning with a cotton bud and cleaning fluid. All CD and DVD units suffer from this problem, car ones are bound to be worse as a car is a more hostile environment than your house. If this fails it is likely that the transport is failing. I have never dismantled a car player however many home players suffer when the mechanism holding the laser dries out/gets sticky and it fails to properly track the cd track. If this is the case like home players you may be able to just clean it and re oil, worked for my Marantz CD-11.