Audio Systems: Stereo stuck on INOP, cd lens cleaner, hail mary

Question
My stereo is stuck in the INOP position.  I can't remember my code for the life
of me.  I don't want to have to take it in to get it fixed.   Do you have any
suggestions as to what can be done?


Thank you,

Christy  

Answer
Hi Christy,

  That's an "inoperable" error code.  Is this a car stereo with a CD player?  If so, that usually indicates that there is some fatal physical fault in the player itself - a bad bearing, scratched optics, etc.

  If you;ve recently changed the battery or had to jumpstart the car, then your stereo may require you to enter a security code to start it up.  If so, you might find that code in your car manual or you might want to go to the dealer to have them do it.  If your car stereo does not have such a security feature, or that doesn't sound right, then your stereo may not be working properly.

  There are only a few things you can do in this case to fix it, and all are a "hail mary" last-ditch efforts - they might only save you 10 of the time.  If they don't work, there is nothing else to do but get the unit serviced or, more likely, buy a new one.

The first would be to buy a CD lens cleaner - it should look like a regular CD with a small row of brush bristles embedded in it.  Pop that in and see if it can unclog the optics.

The other is to actually open the dashboard, pull out the radio, and disconnect the power cables for at least a minute, and then reconnect them.

If this doesn't work then you might need to replace the unit.

If this is not a car stereo, please let me know.

I wish you luck!