Audio Systems: 1998 navigator 6 disc cd player, laser diode, optical pickup

Question
I just bought a 98 Navigator and when I try and play a cd it comes through really scratchy and staticky, but the radio sounds great. Do you have any idea why?

Answer
Sounds like either a dirty/dusty scratchy CD disc OR a laser diode in the cd player that is going weak or out of adjustment.  Could be, also, dust or dirt on the lens of the optical pickup of the cd player.

Those are some things to look at.

PS: You can clean the lens with a cotton q tip but you have to get into the player to reach the optical pickup head - which is not always easy.

Best wishes.

PS: Here are some replacement cd changers but you must choose the right one that replaces the one you have.  http://www.oemautosound.com/c-65-lincoln-cd-changer.aspx