GPF

I was attempting to do the time/date upgrade that Polar Bear graciously gave to us, but I got a disk error. I then put a regular CD into the drive. It loads and reads the tracks. It then tries to play the music, but won't. It tries track 1, skips to track 3, then displays 'Disk Error'.

What could be the problem with my optical drive? It partially works.

Polar Bear

If you put the disc in without being in the Engineering Menu, it is normal for it to display a similar message like Unrecognized Format or perhaps Disc Error. It will, however (assuming the optics are good in your changer) recognize it when Software Update is selected and carry out the operation normally.

Is the audio CD you put in a standard aluminum audio CD, CD-R, or MP3 data CD-R?

GPF

Thanks for the reply. I tried putting the CD in before and after going to the engineering menu. Soon as I chose Software Update, the screen flashed to the loading screen then instantly to Disc Error.

The audio CD was a standard aluminum audio CD.

Polar Bear

It does sound like the optics may be failing or may be dirty. Will it play a DVD-Video disc?

GPF

Sorry for the delay. I had to get things together and then film them so they could be seen.

Yes, I can play a DVD...partially. Attached to this post are a couple of youtubes I filmed to show what is happening.

First is what happens when I put a CD into the system: Second is what happens when I put in a DVD: The DVD is Incredibles 2.

If it's a dirty lens, I wouldn't expect it to read the disks at all. Maybe it is a sticky rail that the lens moves on or a gummed up gear.

Polar Bear

A dirty lens could potentially cause that - if a poor quality DVD-R/DVD-RW is used to play video or MP3 audio, eventually it will display the same error you are getting - "Disc error" if it can no longer accurately focus on the track being played. The Table of Contents (TOC) is written on the inner ring of the disc, so if the laser mechanism is unable to move (could be as simple as a lack of lubricant) or if the motor is faulty, I agree it makes sense that it could theoretically successfully read the TOC on the inner ring of the media, but when it attempts to seek to a new location on the disc, it could fail.

I would recommend calling Becker Auto Sound - https://www.beckerautosound.com 201-773-0976 and ask for Tom to get his prognosis and an estimate to repair it.

GPF

konigstiger, could you link the instructions on how to remove the CD/DVD player from a 2009 S550 base model? VIN: WDDNG71X39A250531

konigstiger

Compatible part #s if replacement is needed.