Audio Systems: cd changer, rubbing alcohol, laser pickup

Question
2001 ford expedition XL
Vehicle came with factory installed 6 cd changer. Although cd magazine is full and the changer sounds like it is discharging cd's the display on my stereo reads " magazine is empty". I checked to ensure cd's were properly seated but it still goes through the motions and says magazine is empty. Do I need a new magazine? Thanks in advance.

Answer
James,
The problem may be due to a very dirty/smokey lens in the laser pickup or the laser may be defective. basically what is happening is that the CDs are being pulled out of the magazine and the laser will or should see each disc and this will tell the control computer what trays have CDs in them. If the laser sensor doesn't see any reflection off the CDs the error Magazine empty will come up. A good manual cleaning of the laser lens with a Qtip dampened with rubbing alcohol may do the trick, if not the changer will need to be serviced.

TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net