Paging C4C5 Specialist Audio Question

[rwlc5]

My 12 disc CD changer continues to get stuck. It happened several months ago and took it to the GM dealer. It was a $400 repair and I had to take it back 2 times after the repair. It was ok but now it is stuck again. Apparently it will not fully eject a completed disc and the magazine will not eject. I pressed the reset button on top of the changer but that did still didn't do anything. What are my options? Is this a recurring problem that a lot of people experience?

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
I would first see if unplugging the rear of the changer helps to aleviate this condition. Are there any codes in the radio?????
Please remember, that the system controlling the changer, only communicates through one line, so if the battery power is reset, it may rehome itself.
Also, please be advised, GM tells us that CD-R s should NOT be used in c5, at all, in anyway, due to a thinner or thicker disc, being used with CD-R technology.
Will they work???? Yes, however, like I have said, it may create operational concerns.
Please keep me advised as to the progress you make, and if we can help further, c4c5

 

[98TXRed]

I have not heard about not using CD-rs. What type of "operational concerns" would CD-Rs create; skipping, not playing, damage to sensor?

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
CD-Rs can sometimes cause skipping, jamming of the mechanism, or other conditions.
Does it happen all the time, nope, nor will it always present itself as a problem.
However, it has been noted that it does change the way a changer will operate.
c4c5

 

[geekinavette]

CDR's are exactly the same thickness as a stamped audio CD (IF they are manufactured to Philips Orange Book specs!)

The only issue you should have with a CDR vs. a regular CD is tracking. CDR's have a "groove" stamped into them for tracking, where as a standard CD uses the data to track. The design of the player's tracking servo has to be able to compensate for the larger tracking signal of a CDR or it won't track correctly.

There "should" be no mechanical issues whatsoever regarding CD's vs. CDR's. (again AS LONG as they are manufactured to the proper specs!)

 

[vettepilot]

The most common problem with using the CD-Rs is the label. Most people use a gummed paper stick-on as opposed to the painted labels that the commercial recorders use. If one choses to burn CDs, then I would suggest using a felt tip marker for CD labeling, that way the thickness dimension is not affected. In fact I think the installation sheet for the GM CD changer even mentions that CD-R disks should not be used if they have stick-on paper labels.
I simply numbered my disks so when I occasionally change them out, I know which disk is which, the song titles mean nothing from the front of the car anyway. I have a master sheet of what music is on which disk if I ever need that info.
vettepilot

 

[rwlc5]

I finally got around to unplugging the unit. That did not solve the problem. I guess I will have to return it to the dealer. Thanks for your help.

 

[geekinavette]

The most common problem with using the CD-Rs is the label. Most people use a gummed paper stick-on as opposed to the painted labels that the commercial recorders use.

Good point vettepilot, that's a MAJOR :nono Don't EVER used an adhesive label on a CD!

Bill