How/should I deal with a 6-CD changer that has gone bad and says "CD Error" instead of playing or ejecting CD's?

I've had my 2003 Ford Expedition EB for 12 years, and since new. The CD changer has been bulletproof... until today.

It has six discs loaded, but I started hearing weird sounds, like tapping when trying to play or eject discs. As of today it refuses to play or eject any disc and says "CD Error." I've looked at other threads on this website. They suggest things like gently trying to partially insert a disc in the door, or, unplugging your battery for 5 minutes. None of that works.

With the weird noises, it sounds like something mechanical that moves the discs has broken. I wonder if I should avoid the dealer and go straight to a audio/car stereo shop to have them fix this CD changer, just get a new radio/CD unit (even though my current radio works perfectly but the radio and 6-CD changer are a single unit), or some other idea.

My Expedition has 112,750 miles, and overall is in very good condition.

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

Mine did the same thing. I replaced it with a Pioneer Nav system and never looked back. Crutchfields will have everything you need. It has a great stereo but I put all my favorite music on the micro SD card and never even listen to the broadcast radio anymore.


-Mike


This ones a 940BT but it's a few years old....

 

I like the idea.

I already started calling a local car radio shop and Best Buy, with the belief that fixing a 12 year old unit will cost the same as getting a modern unit with things like Bluetooth, SD card reader, USB, etc.