Audio Systems: car cd removal and repair, deck unit, rubbing alcohol

Question
I have an 2001 Ford Explorer.  Accidentally put a second CD into the dash-mounted player.  It still tried to "play" the first CD.  I was able to get it to eject the first CD, but now the second one will not eject.  What may I be able to do to get the second CD out of the unit...will it be necessary to remove the unit from the dash to do it?

The truck also has a 6 CD cartridge changer mounted in the center console.  Have had trouble getting the cartridge to eject for adding or removing disks.  What do you suggest for this?

Thanks in advance.

Answer
Jim,
You will need to pull the dash mounted CD stereo out of the dash and disassemble it to give the CD deck unit a good mechanical inspection looking for bent/broken parts. The problem with the console mounted CD players is that due to where and how they are mounted, all kinds of dirt can enter it and foul up the lubrication of the moving parts which can cause the changer to jam. You will need to also remove and disassemble the changer and carefully clean and lub the moving parts. While the unit is open you may also want to clean the lens in the laser pickup with a Qtip dampened with rubbing alcohol.

TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net