Audio Systems: Alpine CD changer, alpine cd, laser diode

Question
I have a 2000 Jaguar VandenPlas with factory Alpine CD changer (6 disc). I am not sure wha tthat model number might be, since it has only a Jaguar part number on the housing. The unit now shows E-01 error code and won’t play a disc, nor will it eject the CD cartridge. It was playing just fine and swapping discs. Then the next morning, it was kaput! I pulled the unit out of the trunk and can manually trip the lever on the bottom side of cartridge carrier and the cartridge will eject. If I reinsert, and try to eject with button, it will not eject. In looking at the back of the unit, the white plastic mechanism driven by the white plastic worm gear appears to be separated from the aluminum mechanism that pushes the eject release and positions the CD laser head.

Is the unit economically repairable?

Thanks for any advice.

Jim Delashaw


Answer
Probably not, sorry to say.  The cost of repair for these kind of breakdowns is often as much or more than a replacement changer pack.

The problem is usually a dead laser diode or defective optical pickup system.  Can also be a malfunctioning controller IC or a jammed mechanism.  So, there are many possibilities, but 90% of the time it is electronic.  A new laser diode, for example, requires the entire optical pickup to be replaced and the cost is always over $100 and for Alpine can be much more.

I think you should be able to find an Alpine replacement changer for not much more than $100.

Hope this helps.
Cleggsan