My SC430 ML CD changer gone bad again after 4 years of light usage. This was second time it happens. The problem is CDs got stuck in the changer, cannot be ejected and the door not even open. The lexus dealer said because I use self-burn CDs and those CDs are thicker then the "Normal" CDs therefore they are easy to get stuck. The guy said this is a known problem of ML CD changer. I am not so convienced by this explanation and do not want to waste money on geting a replcaement knowing that I am going to use self-burn CDs on it for sure.Please kindly provide your opinion on this.

Thanks

 

Hello
If you conduct a search here you will see that it is a common issue with these cd units. Other cars behave in a similar fasion with burned cd's.
I have not used my cd unit for while now as the Ipod pretty much replaced it but mine did the same thing with some burned cd's.
Lee

 

HMMMM. Interesting. I didn't know that there was a known issue w/ the aftermarket CD's being thicker than the copyrighted music CD's.

I've been buying aftermarket CD-R CD's in the brand of Memorex, Maxwell and Sony.
I've been burning these puppies since 2003 and had no issues ejecting/loading them into the ML unit.

However, I always make sure that I don't rush when ejecting/loading the CD's cause if you don't load it right the 1st time, it's gets stuck halfway and you have to pull it out and wait for a secoond or so until the LCD displays "Load" again.

Other than that, no issues for me. teeman3

 

Some blank CDs can be thicker than others. I don't know that these specs are published anywhere, but my guess is that the higher quality brands are probably closer to industry standards. I have been using lots of CDs that I burned without problem since 2001.

However, and this is a BIG however, don't put any labels on them. Adhesive labels will cause a problem on ejection all the time, as the edge comes up a little bit and sticks to the works upon ejection and holds the CD in the player. It's worse in the summer because the heat causes the adhesive to fail more quickly, but it's pretty hot in there all the time anyway. If you have been putting anything on those CDs other than magic marker, that's your problem.

I solved that problem with a LightScribe CD burner. Highly recommended, and lots of fun.

 

I would agree that the lable is the issue. I use burned CD's everyday. No lables = no issues.
That lightscribe technology is badass!!! I will be getting one of those badboys!

 

"Badass" used to be a pejorative; I gather that has changed while I was not paying attention.

Thanks for the update.

 

I actually just read in manual that they caution about using certain types of cds. don't know if the ones u r using r the same though. just got my SC so i am reading manual. ed in folsom,ca

 

Ditto. I've owned 2 SC430s (an `02 and an `04) and only used "burned CDs" in the changer and NEVER had any problems.

 

It's only pejorative if you're using it as in "Whew! You smell like badass!"

Otherwise (at least in NJ) it's a sign of grudging respect/fear as in "That guy's a real badass, he'll tear your head off and crap down your neck!"

--Mr. Peabody & Sherman via the Know-It-All Machine

 

One more with no problems whatsoever. Remember:
- NO LABELS
- DON'T RUSH/INTERRUPT THE LOADING/EJECTING CYCLE.
Take care.

 

that's right, never rush it, that's the key too. and i never have labels. ONLY write on the cds. that piece of label is what causes jam

and of course, use good quality cdr. i have been using tdk all these time, and i ONLY put in cdrs on my sc430, never a problem

 

It usually happens if you push the disc too hard or to pull out the disc too fast. I had the same issue 2 times. Both times happened with my brother. if you let others borrow your car, they don't ever be as careful as you are. Unfortunately the CD changer broke permenently after he broke it for the second time. now i am using IPOD which hard wired by intercepting the line from the head unit to the amp. It works very well.

Here are some of the things you can try.

1. use a little pin or some sort to push little metal thing at the side of the mouth.

2. Unplug the battery and let the head unit reset.

good luck.

 

I don't understand this: "It usually happens if you push the disc too hard or to pull out the disc too fast."

To insert a CD you don't have to push anything hard at all. You just slide the CD in gently and the rollers take it from your hand and pull it into the player. Ejection is the same: the player pushes the CD out and when it stops moving, it sits there waiting for you to remove it.

If you are pushing or pulling while the player is trying to feed or eject the CD, you are sure to screw up something.

 

LMAO!! Thanks for the input about the slang. You guys are deep.