Audio - CD Autochanger Won't Eject Magazine

91nissan02

Classification: EL91-005

Section: Electrical

Reference: TECHNICAL BULLETIN NTB91-042


Models: 1990-91 Maxima/Stanza 1991 Sentra

Date: April 25, 1991


CD AUTOCHANGER


APPLIED MODELS: 1990-91 Maxima, Stanza
1991 Sentra


SERVICE INFORMATION:

Some Sony CD Autochangers are experiencing a mechanical lock-up of the disc magazine. This problem is noticed by the customer because the magazine will not eject. The fault is displayed on the unit with a code of E-99.
Attached to this is a manual CD magazine removal procedure. It can be performed without removing the unit from the car.

Figure 1:

REPAIR PROCEDURE:

The Sony CD Autochanger's CD magazine is aligned in the unit with three (3) brass guides on the floor of the magazine compartment. Once the magazine is loaded into the changer, it is secured by a black nylon claw which grabs a small 1/4" indentation in the bottom of the magazine. In the following diagram (Figure 1), note the 1/4" x 5" groove for the alignment studs as well as the indentation for the claw.


Since the magazine is locked in place by only the claw, the magazine is easily "unlocked" by releasing the claw. The following procedure should be used if there appears to be a fault with the CD changer magazine.

NOTE: First, perform the "reset" function for the controller component to attempt a normal eject. To perform the "reset" function, cycle the ignition off, then, on. The controller component resets automatically at turn-on. A significant spike in the car's electrical system can sometimes default the CD changer's controller component, causing a jam. The reset function can often restore normal operation; if the magazine still won't eject, you will have to remove it manually.

1. A tool must be fashioned from a thin ruler or strip of plastic. The surfaces of the "tool" must be smooth to prevent entanglement with the claw or scratching the changer. Its dimensions must be: 5" (long) x 1" (wide) x 1/8" (thick).

Figure 2:

2. Insert the tool between the bottom of the magazine and the floor of the magazine compartment, sliding it in just to the right of the alignment studs (Figure 2).


3. Using the studs as a guide, push the tool straight in until you contact the claw, which is about 3-1/2" into the changer.

4. The claw will release as you gently push the tool in about another 1/2", allowing removal of the magazine.


After removing the magazine, check to make sure that all discs are in the magazine. If not, look into the changer's player portion (to the right) to see if any discs have become lodged in the mechanism. All discs must be clear of the mechanism before proceeding. You can usually ease them out gently.

Finally, initiate the "reset" function of the controller component. To do this, cycle the ignition off, then, on. The changer should "clear" itself by re-initializing its mechanism, and the display of the controller component should be clear. At this point, normal function should be restored. Re-insert the magazine and test the system.