Audio Systems: 96 Accord CD Player wont play, car stereos, antenna wire

Question
Hi Tom,

The single-disc CD player in my 96 Accord is failing to read any disc inserted. It stopped suddenly as I was playing numerous CDs one day. I'm assuming the lens is dirty, but a local dealer told me that the interface allows little dirt/dust to collect. He also told me repair wouldn't be cost effective.

My questions are A) is he right? B) If not, and it just needs a cleaning, can you tell me how I can get to it? I have no experience with installing/removing car stereos.

PS. The CD player is a factory original, but is a individual unit that sits directly above a factory-original Radio/Cassette unit.

Thanks for the help!

Answer
Garrick,
First off, all car stereos whether tape or CD stereos will have holes in the outside case for air flow to keep the output amps cool. Dust, dirt and even cigarette smoke can and will settle on the lens of the laser pickup. You can ask the dealer how to remove the CD player so that you can clean the lens. After you have the CD player out of the dash you will have to remove the top cover to gain access to the cd deck. If you look closely at the CD deck you should see several small holes on the top side and at least one will give you a clear view of the laser lens. Try using a Qtip dampened with rubbing alcohol ONLY and gently rub the lens to clean it. If you are not sure how to clean the laser lens, since you have the CD player out you may want to contact a stereo repair shop and ask them to clean it for you. If for some reason this does not help, you can always install a 6 disc CD changer in the trunk that uses a small remote control that sits next to the existing stereo to control the CD changer. The best thing about this RF type changer is that all have to do is to hook up a 12 volt supply to the changer and connect it to the stereo antenna wire and tune your FM stereo to a certain station to listen to CD's. As for the hole in the dash where the original CD player was installed, you can purchase from the dealer a blank plastic plate to put over the hole.

TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net