Audio Systems: cd error in 2003 windstar, last ditch effort, hail mary

Question
I have a 2003 windstar. I was trying to eject a cd when it flash "cd error". Now it will not play any cd only flashed  *cd error*

Answer
Hi Sylvia,

 Sorry to hear about this, how frustrating!  A 2003 year old CD player SHOULD have years of life still in it.  

Unfortunately, that "CD Error" often signals an untimely death.  Here are a few things to try before you throw in the towel:

1) Clean the optics.  
Inside your CD player is a laser that bounces off the CD and reflects into an "optical pick-up" eye that reads the CD surface for data and turn that back into music.  That eye can get clogged with grit and bring up and error message.  
Get yourself a CD/DVD lens cleaner and, if you can, try running it a few times (but not more than five).
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00008EM7U/102-6098868-8901756?v=glance&n=17228...

2) Hard-reset.
If you're feeling handy you can get into the dashboard and unplug the permanent power supply (usually a yellow wire) from the unit and let it sit for a minute or two.  Then plug it back in and power it up and see if that solves it.  This is, admittedly, a "hail mary" last-ditch effort, so if you can't do it yourself I wouldn't recommend spending the cash to hire a mechanic.

All of this is, of course, assuming you were able to get that first CD out.

The other possiblity is that the player is defective, especially in the transport that loads/ejects CD's or in the optical pick-up.  You may want to check to see if it's under warranty or go online (try the car reviews at Edmunds.com) to search and see if your car is notorious for a bum CD Player.  If you do your research you may find that there is a replacement offer in effect, something that even dealerships don't always know.

I wish you luck, and I am sorry you've been having trouble.  I would be pretty peeved if some audio equipment of mine failed after 3-4 years of use.