Cleaning lens on in-dash CD changer?

[Adam Aulick]

I just bought a 2001 Outback with the 1-DIN in-dash CD changer (separate
from radio/tape deck) It shuffles CDs just fine, but doesn't actually
play them; I can hear it spin up the disk and make quiet head-seeking
noises for a bit and then it gives up. Is there any way to clean the
lens on these things without taking them apart? The manual says not to
use cleaning CDs, and in my experience they don't work anyhow.

It looks like salvage units are available pretty cheap but I'd like to
give cleaning a shot first.

~Adam A

 

[strchild]

Compressed air? Only a thought, as I haven't tried it. If it were mine
however, I would probably take the player apart, as I prefer to visualize
what is wrong so I can see that my efforts are being spent in the right
direction, then get at the laser lens with something akin to a dry q-tip.
Careful the cleaning solution you use, if any, as many lenses are plastic.

~Brian

 

[S]

Hi Adam!

I just bought a 2001 Outback with the 1-DIN in-dash CD changer (separate
from radio/tape deck) It shuffles CDs just fine, but doesn't actually
play them; I can hear it spin up the disk and make quiet head-seeking
noises for a bit and then it gives up. Is there any way to clean the
lens on these things without taking them apart? The manual says not to
use cleaning CDs, and in my experience they don't work anyhow.

It looks like salvage units are available pretty cheap but I'd like to
give cleaning a shot first.

You'll need to disassemble the thing to get to the laser diode/lens
assembly. I've never done one of the Subaru (Clarion ?) units, so I
can't offer a procedure, but typically you will be able to get to it
after removing the correct panel/cover. Use rubbing alcohol on a Qtip
or the like to clean. Be sure you don't leave any residue or fibers.
If you get that far, you might as well clean and lubricate the
lead-screw drive mechanism and track while you're at it; use alcohol,
Qtips and/or clean cloth. Lubricate sparingly with white grease. Try
Radioshack for the grease. They used to carry it, but have gotten
kinda useless lately. Failing that, use the white lithium grease
available from a bearing supply house or whatever. Key word is
sparingly.
Above said, try a hard reset before resorting to disassembly. There
may be a place you can insert a straightened paper clip or the like;
it'll be labeled "reset". Accomplish the same thing by disconnecting
the negative battery terminal for the time it takes to swill a beer.
If you have the unit out (ie have unplugged it from the harness), you
have reset it.
I have seen the problem you are describing go away after a reset.
Hope this is helpful.

ByeBye! S.
Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101

 

[Adam Aulick]

[lots of good advice]

I have seen the problem you are describing go away after a reset.
Hope this is helpful.

Well, that was frustrating. I disconnected the battery, read my mail,
reconnected it, put in a CD and Eureka! It works! Sat out there in the
10 degree cold for a few minutes just enjoying my music and the taste of
easy success. Went in to get some more CDs, stuffed it full and... the
changer only likes Pink Floyd. Definitely will be cleaning the lens.

I guess Pink Floyd is better than nothing anyhow. Maybe if I get some
more of their albums on CD....

~Adam