How do I fix the CD player in my car?

I have a 2002 Toyota Camry, the problem is when I put a CD in it doesn't play and after a few minutes of non-playing the CD comes out. The display shows that it is in CD mode, but no track numbers appear. Could it just need cleaning with a CD/DVD lens cleaner or do I need to take it to the dealer to get it fixed? I just wanted to get some advice before I went out and did anything. Thank you in advance to anyone who can answer this question.
Kimberly Rutledge, September 2006


done
Kimberly,

The laser eye may not need to be cleaned, but if you choose to do this make sure you use a delicate cotton bud.

The fault here seems to be the actual mechanism that turns and pushes the laser eye piece up and down the CD disk.

This is a general fault with CD players, and you don't need to take it to anyone who might bill you high for minor adjustment.
Do this - open the cover of the cd player, and look for the laser eye. Where you see the eye, underneath it there will be a round plastic cog or wheel like what watches have in them.

You need to gently turn this cog or wheel either clockwise or anti clock ws,so that the laser eye comes back into the beginning position as if it was to start playing from the beginning of a CD.

In other words see how the cd disk would be like on the inside and where the laser eye would start reading/playing the disc from.
Bring the eye to that start position as you may find it either at the end or in the middle.

If you find it already at the start position then turn the cog so that the laser eye goes right to the end and back to start again.

This should help by un-jamming the mechanism. Shops etc just like to rip people off as if life isn't tough enough for alot of us. Then finally put it all togeather and hopefully it should work.

You can email me if you wish at g1hill@hotmail.com

Let me know the result
Best Regards

Garry

Garry, September 2006
link Click here to see other fixes for Toyota.