Audio Systems: CD Error Sony player, sony cdx gt200, electronic detection system

Question
Hello,
Our CD player recently stopped working.  We can insert a CD or eject a CD, but the CD will not play.  After insertion of the CD, the player says "READ" and then says "CD ERROR".  This happens with any CD.  The CD player is a Sony CDX-GT200.  Any suggestions you might have would be welcome.

Answer
This is a discontinued model which means it is getting old.  It is also a car radio unit with remote control.....

The problem is there are many possible causes for this symptom:

ONE:  Dirt over the pickup lens.  Solution is to clean it off with a cotton Q-tip.  Do not use any solution/liquids.

TWO:  The laser diode has gone weak or dead.
THREE: The laser pickup assembly that reads the discs is badly out of alignment - which can be caused by bumping or dropping the unit.
FOUR:  The electronic detection system is defective.

Items TWO and THREE will cost about as much to repair as buying a new head unit of equal value.

FIVE:  The electronic system for reading the disc is locked up. Solution is to do a reset.  A reset is done by removing power from the unit entirely for about 30 minutes; then connecting it up again.  However, Sony claims this can be done on this model by removing the front plate and pressing the reset button on the inside of the front panel. Please refer to the owners manual on page 4.  If you don't have the manual or have lost it you can download it from the Crutchfield.com web site at:

http://sm.crutchfield.com/S-f480czzKG8e/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=158gt200

Hope this helps guide you to a happy solution.  Let me know if you need more guidance.

C