Audio Systems: clean, repair, or replace my cd player?, laser diode, car stereos

Question
Hello,
I hope you don't mind a repair question.  I own a 1992 Volvo 240.  The stereo was replaced before I bought it last October.  I'm not sure how old it is, but it's definitely not the factory radio.  Anyway, the radio works but the cd player no longer does as of about 3 months ago.  The cd will go in, but it tries spin but then just gives me the blinking "error".  I wondered if there is a cd cleaner for car stereos that would be worth a try or if someone could repair it for less than replacing it?  Thanks for your advice.


Answer
CD players are almost never a good prospect for repair.  Why? Because the repair bill is more than the cost of a replacement player!

I like Crutchfield.com for things like this.  Go to their web site click on the link for finding what fits your car and it will come with a complete listing of units, speakers, wiring harnasses, etc. that will fit your volvo car.  Of course, you don't have to purchase from Crutchfield; you can go to any shop and compare prices, etc.

Mostly, when the unit stops reading discs it is a bad laser diode and optical pickup system.  They are very expensive to replace.  You can try cleaning, but I don't think that will solve the problem here.

Let me know if you shall need more encouragements.
Cleggsan