In-car CD players have unique problems with stuck CDs - since they are installed directly into the car's body, you will only be able to manipulate, touch and handle them from one angle, unless you are willing to remove and disassemble the car. reader himself. For this reason, a CD stuck in the car stereo can be a particularly annoying problem. Fortunately, there are many DIY solutions to this common headache. Note though that, if done incorrectly, some of these solutions can damage your player (or the CD jammed inside). The advice in this article is no substitute for the opinion of an experienced auto electrician.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Using the Power and Eject Buttons
Step 1. Turn off the car
Some CD players have a "force eject" feature, designed specifically for removing CDs when other methods have not worked. Since this method doesn't require you to alter the CD player in any way, the smartest choice is to try it first - you have nothing to lose if it doesn't work. First, turn off the car if you haven't already.
Step 2. With the car turned off, press and hold the power and eject buttons
Press and hold both buttons at the same time for 10 seconds. If your stereo has a "forced eject" feature, the CD should be ejected.
Step 3. If this method doesn't work, start the car and try again
Some CD players don't work if the car is turned off. In those cases, try to repeat the operation with the engine running.
Step 4. Consult the player manual
The ignition plus eject combination is one of the most common commands for forced eject, but many CD players require you to press different buttons. If you still have it, consult your CD player manual, which should include information on this and other features that can help you recover your CD.
Method 2 of 5: Using a Second CD
Step 1. Get a blank or unnecessary CD
This method involves inserting a second CD into the player, so to prevent damage to an album you care about, try to get a blank CD or one you don't care about.
- Turn on the CD player before continuing. If you have to start the car to do this, do it.
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Note:
this method, like many others in this article, carries the risk of damaging the jammed CD and the player itself. Be careful when inserting a foreign object into your CD player. If you are afraid of damaging it, stop and have the problem fixed by a professional.
Step 2. Insert the second CD 2-3 centimeters into the slot of the player
Your CD should be on top of the jammed CD. With any luck, you will be able to hear the jammed CD slip under the one you are holding.
Step 3. Press the eject button and gently move the CD
By doing so, you are trying to create friction between the jammed CD and the eject mechanism of the player. If you feel that the jammed CD is starting to come out, be careful that it is not blocked by the second CD.
If this method doesn't work, try again, but try to insert the blank CD under the jammed CD, to pry it up. CD players have different ejection systems, so in some cases an upward pressure may be more useful
Step 4. Press the unit
In some cases, applying pressure to the drive itself can allow the jammed CD to grip the eject mechanism. If the reader is mounted near the top surface of the dashboard, you may be successful by repeating the steps in this method by gently but firmly pressing or tapping the dashboard area above the player.
Note that, even if you have had success hitting the dashboard, this method can damage the delicate components of the center console, so it is not recommended if your car has devices such as GPS between the CD player and the top surface of the dashboard.
Method 3 of 5: Perform an Electrical Reset
Step 1. Write the car radio settings and stored stations
This method is useful if you cannot remove a CD because the player no longer turns on. Provides for disconnection and reconnection of the player's power supply. In almost all cases, this will result in deleting the stored stations and returning to the default audio settings. If you often listen to music in your car, be sure to make a note of your personal settings so you can restore them later.
Step 2. Turn off the car and open the hood
While touching or altering the car's electrical system it is important to protect yourself from the dangers of electrocution. Turn off the car and remove the keys from the ignition, then open the hood to access the battery.
Step 3. Disconnect the negative battery terminal
The negative terminal is black, while the positive terminal is red. Carefully disconnect the negative terminal. Some terminals require the use of small pliers to unscrew the nut that holds the cable in place.
Step 4. Wait 10 seconds, then plug the terminal back in
After reconnecting the terminal, turn on the car and try to eject the CD normally. By disconnecting and reconnecting the power of the CD player, it can return to the factory settings and, in some cases, return to ejecting CDs normally.
Step 5. If the CD player still does not turn on, replace its fuse
Check the car's manual - often the car's fuse box is located behind a panel somewhere on the driver's side of the dashboard. Disconnect the battery, remove the protective cover from the fuse box, then, referring to the manual, replace any broken fuses.
Method 4 of 5: Use a Taped Knife or Sticks
Step 1. Reduce the risk of electrocution
In this method, you will need to insert a long flat knife or similar object directly into the CD player. Metal knives conduct electricity, so it is best to use a similarly shaped object made of wood or plastic (such as a popsicle toothpick). If you don't have it, be sure to disconnect the CD player's power and that all electrical charge has dissipated. Turn off the car and the CD player and disconnect the negative terminal of the car battery.
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Note:
this method, like many others in this article, carries the risk of damaging the jammed CD and the player itself. If you don't want to jeopardize the integrity of the car's components, take it to a professional.
Step 2. Wrap tape (sticky side out) along the knife blade
Use strong tape for best results. Flat knives are usually tapered, so if you wrap the tape tight enough, it won't slip at the end. If you are using another object, such as an ice cream toothpick, that does not require tape, you may need to attach the tape to the object, wrap it several times, then fold the tape and wrap it again to make sure it doesn't come off.
Step 3. Stick a small piece of paper to one side of the knife
Since your knife is now covered with duct tape, it can be difficult to insert it into the CD player. To make the process easier, use paper to make one side of the knife smooth. Stick a small piece of printer paper onto the knife. Cut the paper with scissors to fit the size of the knife.
Step 4. Insert the knife into the CD player, sticky side down
Gently swing your knife to touch the top of the CD. Gently press down to make the tape adhere to the CD. When it seems to you that the knife is attached to the CD, try gently to lift and remove it.
Method 5 of 5: Use a Plastic Card and a Screwdriver
Step 1. Reduce the risk of electrocution
Also make sure for this method to disconnect the CD player power and that all electrical charge has dissipated. Turn off the car and CD player and disconnect the negative battery terminal.
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Note:
if done incorrectly, this method can scratch or damage the CD and player. As always, be careful; if in doubt, contact an expert.
Step 2. Get a hard plastic card, such as a driver's license or credit card
For this method you need a thin but strong paper. Use an expired credit card or similar item - preferably, an unimportant one, should you lose or break it. Wrap double-sided tape on one end of the paper.
Alternatively, you can use regular duct tape, wrap it around the paper, twist it, and re-wrap it a couple of times
Step 3. Take a flat headed screwdriver
This method, although similar to that of the flat knife previously, is different because it involves the use of a screwdriver to help the paper adhere to the CD. You will need a thin and short flat head screwdriver. Use the thinnest screwdriver you have, as you will need to insert it into the slot of the reader.
Step 4. Insert the card into the slot ABOVE the jammed CD (sticky side down)
You may need to use the screwdriver to guide the card, making sure it ends up on top of the CD and doesn't stick to it before it goes in about 1-1.5cm.
Step 5. After inserting the card, slide the screwdriver over it
Use the screwdriver to apply gentle pressure on the paper. The tape under the paper should stick to the surface of the CD.
Step 6. Remove the screwdriver, then slowly pull the card out
If you are lucky, the CD will follow the card. If not, try repeating the above steps.
