Audio Systems: Toyota Avalon CD error code 3, 2003 toyota avalon, toyota avalon

Question
The cd player in my 2003 Toyota Avalon give error code 3.  I can get it to scan where it acts as if it is looking for a cd but then stops & gives error code 3.  I cannot eject/load/play anything but the radio. any ideas?

Answer
This happens when the disc cannot be read by the laser diode (gets not digital information into the digital decoder).  And can be caused by a weak or dead laser diode, big clump of dirt over the optical lense (you can clean it with a cotton q-tip if you can get at it), a bad digital decoder and various other kinds of malfunctions.

You can try cleaning the optical head lense; unfortunately it is difficult to get into, being buried in the changer mechansim, so you may have to use a cleaning disc.

Otherwise, since it is a relatively new car, you may find the best solution to take it into a repair/install shop for diagnosis and repair.  Expect it to be rather costly as removal and troubleshooting is quite time consuming on this unit.

Hope this will help.

CLeggsan