topgun129

Hi,

I have a 06 C350 4matic.

For some odd reason, when I press the CDC button on the radio, I sometimes get No CDC or CDC Error and it never works. I checked the fuse and it was fine. After checking the fuse, I did hear for a second some movement in the unit. Also the CD cartridge never ejects when I hit the button.

I also pulled out the CD changer unit and unplugged the wires and then plugged them back in. But still no-go.

Anybody know of any other solutions?

Thanks!

BF_JC230

I would do a search...sounds like yours died like many OEM Alpine units have. Stripped/separated/detached drive gear...Acura, BMW, Land Rover...all fail. Need to take unit apart and hopefully you can align gears and re-tighten. There are a couple videos on You Tube...

topgun129

i checked the gears and the all look fine. i noticed though that now after opening it and removing the lodged magazine cartridge, when i load the magazine, it doesn't go thru all the slots like it shud. it just stops at that point and cdc error shows. any ideas what might be the culprit?

BF_JC230

Does this help?

Roger161

Use the back handle of a screw driver and tap the CD magazine holder if it's stuck. It should come right out. You might have to change the magazine holders as they are very thin and very sensitive to heat causing warpage.

Roger161

Thanks for this. I might have to try this one evening. Currently right now, im using a bluetooth device plugged into the aux, and streaming music from my iphone. Sounds actually pretty good considering.

BF_JC230

I've never been a fan of "hitting" to solve a problem...although admittedly I have tapped my cartridge once or twice to try and see if that would fix this.

There are YouTube videos showing this method and people here reporting this "solved' the problem.

I have posted in a few other threads here on this issue. However, for me, using a 6" or so thin plastic ruler slid under the cartridge and (I believe) slid right to left released my cartridge with little to no drama every time there wasn't an actual tray to the right...that I found just lift and suggest a left movement and it returned.

Anyway...here are a few "other" fixes and tips...
1.) Today I looked up Alpine to ask what the E-E-E actually meant and the tech recommended holding the magazine eject button for aprox. ten seconds and this would reset the changer. Unplugged it at home so I can't test at work right now. Hopefully it works for those of us with this error still. I'll reply later.

2.) I've read about several "fixes" for this ailment, however, all miss the true culprit. It is a rather common issue, not just with Mercedes, but with other makes, too. The problem lies in the ribbon wire that connects the main CD changer chassis with the optic control board mounted on the rear of the unit. Fortunately, the repair is quite simple. Remove the Cd changer, remove the two screws holding the rear mounted optic control board box. Release the ribbon cable from the optic board connector by sliding the two locking pins down away from the connector (toward the ribbon cable), then gently pull the ribbon cable free from the connector. Clean the ribbon cable end by lightly abrading with 600 grit emery cloth and wiping with alcohol. Reinsert cable in to connector, making sure it is fully seated, then firmly slide locking pins down(toward optic board). Reattach optic control board box to rear of changer and reinstall changer. In rare occaisons, the ribbon cable needs to be replaced and is available on eBay for about twenty bucks. This repair fixes a multitude of error messages... no magazine; no cd; no Cd changer; etc. I've performed this procedure on dozens of units, from Mercedes, Audi, BMW, Infiniti, etc with great success. Good luck!

3.) If you want to pull the changer and keep your fiber optic loop closed - pick up one of these...
MB Fiber Optic Bypass Coupler Part Number 000-545-33-84

topgun129

basically what is happening is once i load the cartridge into the changer, it doesn't go thru the tracks and play the first one. the cartridge is ejecting fine also.

i had my local dealership investigate the problem and they stated - 'changer has intermittent internal failure of transport mechanism' and suggested just replacing the entire unit. i'm not totally sold on replacing the entire unit.

@BF_JC230 - do you think the ribbon could be the culprit?

slammer111

Thank you BF_JC230 for the solution. I've been having CD changer issues for years. The unit would stay powered but every so often would malfunction (blinking and non functioning eject button, NO CD CHANGER error) for no reason. This thread should be stickied, based on the number of users with CD changer problems.

After reading some other threads, I found that violently knocking the cartridge either inward or downward would sometimes cause the unit to work again. I concluded that the problem must be mechanical or physical. Finally decided to open it up.


CD changer ribbon cable

I found that there was a wee bit of grease on the ribbon cable contacts. Guessing it somehow ended up on the cable during assembly. Cleaned it off with rubbing alcohol, lightly sanded the connector with some emery cloth, cleaned the connector again with rubbing alcohol, then put everything together.

It's been 2 weeks and the unit has worked flawlessly. Will update if it malfunctions again.