"invalid disk" warning

[trm2]

I get an "invalid disk" warning on my 6-CD changer in my 2005 SE7; and the stereo kicks out the disk. At first, this was an intermittent problem solved by cleaning the CD. Now, it happens virtually every time I insert a CD.

Anyone else have this problem? I assume I'll have to have the whole stereo replaced. Even though I am betting it is a filthy laser read head.

 

[nwoods]

How's your mileage? If you are under warrenty, they will simply replace the head unit (stereo). Mine was eating disks and not returning them, they replaced it, all is well now.

If you are not under warrenty, you might try a good (high end) stereo shop to see if they can remove, dissamble, and clean the unit. I would have to imagine that would be cheaper than replacing it on your own.

 

[trm2]

Yeah, my mileage has reached 54,000 mi -- so no warranty. I think I'll ask the dealer what their strategy would be.

 

[trm2]

I just ordered a "dry" laser head cleaner for automobile use from Amazon. I'll let everyone know how/if it works.

 

[trm2]

It worked!

I just ordered a "dry" laser head cleaner for automobile use from Amazon. I'll let everyone know how/if it works.

The product was the Maxell Dry Automobile CD Lens Cleaner. It has three tracks: 1 and 3 are music and 2 is the cleaner track, with brushes attached. Because the CD changer would not recognize CDs, it took a 2 hour drive on Saturday for the player to finally accept the cleaner CD (awesome fun putting a CD in and out 1200 times). When it accepted it, I ran the cleaner track 5 times. And now the CD player accepts and plays all CDs instantly. And, it sounds a boatload better too. That saved a bunch of money.

 

[nwoods]

Cool, thanks for the follow-up!

 

[trm2]

No problem. It was interesting to find out (although I guess I should have known it already) from the Maxell package that once the CD player is so smudged it won't accept a CD, you can't fix it. I intend to use the Maxell repair disk often now--before problems occur. I just ran it in my other car.