PLEASE HELP: 1997 Avalon XLS (12 Disc CD Changer Problems) - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

alexg7 · 10-09-2009, 02:14 PM

Hi. I have a 1997 Toyota Avalon XLS. I have the factory 12 Disc CD changer and it has always worked without flaw. Recently, however, ALMOST everytime I start the CD player in the car, the "LOAD" sign comes on and stops playing the music. Sometimes the CD player will be fine and play a few songs but with suddenly stop with the "LOAD" symbol showing.

After listening to what was going on in the trunk, I could hear that everytime the "LOAD" symbol flashes, the CD player goes through each disc.

MAIN PROBLEM: 12 Disc CD Player cuts out at random times, flashing the "LOAD" symbol. Sometimes it just stays on "LOAD", and won't load at all. And sometimes it will just change from the CD player to the Radio (after the "LOAD" sign appears)

As much feedback/help as possible would be excellent!

Thanks!

mmejia · 10-09-2009, 10:08 PM

Sounds like it might be the laser/optic going out on your unit. It might be misaligned/dirty or just going bad. Try putting in one of those cleaning discs and see if that helps any.

***SyStEmOfEvIl*** · 10-14-2009, 02:05 AM

X2, if cleaning doesn't work, its probably worn out and needs to be replaced....

El_delincuente · 10-30-2009, 01:10 PM

I have the same problem. In the summer mine works fine. in the winter sometimes work, but then again when it stops it stops for a long time lol...I've cleaned it with one of those cleaning cd's, but i don't know whats the issue. Mine sounds like it can't read cd's

mmejia · 10-30-2009, 01:14 PM

I would have to say that if it works fine in the summer, but not in the winter, it might have to do with mechanical rail that the optic unit sits on. Maybe the cold gets it stuck or something and then the optic can't move to read the disc.

El_delincuente · 10-31-2009, 05:00 PM

Maybe...

mmejia · 10-31-2009, 05:40 PM

I've worked on electronics quite a bit and these are usually the issues. Either you are having problems with the optic, or with mechanical rails that the optic uses to move to a position on a disc.

Best way to have this fixed if you're not electronically savvy is to take it to an electronics refurbishing place or electronics shop. There, they can open it up and power it on and see if the rails and that the optic is fine. If the optic is fine, it could still be damaged, but partially working. Once open, he can see if he can get a compatible optic piece and try it out.

If that doesn't work, there is probably a problem with the micro controller that that handles the alignment of the optic which would require a re-calibration. You're better off just getting another unit by then, or going aftermarket and getting a disc changer with it.