Audio Systems: Auto CD Player, detachable face plate, auto cd player

Question
I just purchased a used boat and it has a panasonic CD (single) player in it.   It has a detachable face plate.  The sound (on the radio) works fine but CD player does not work.  A cd can be inserted but it is not read and simply ejects after a few seconds.  I have tried cleaning the cd and tried using different cd's.  I don't even know how to get such a player serviced (since it is on a boat).  Two screws are in the front of the player (after the face plate is removed).  Can i just unscrew them and take it to Best Buy, etc.?

Any ideas on what the problem is or what i should do?

Thanks, mike

Answer
The most common cause is a weak laser diode inside the optical pickup.  In can be other problems as well such as badly aligned pickup, defective digital decoding circuit or some broken wiring.

Unfortunately the cost of repair for all the above is usually more expensive than the price of a new cd player.  If the head unit has an aux input you can purchase a cd player that will plug in directly to it.  You can purchase new cd players for $10 and up.

Using the model number of the Panasonic player and google for the owners manual where you can find the specs and details on how to connect an external cd player.

Best wishes.