NO CD issue with w208 cd changer

[tlbham]

Hi all,

Got a first gen CLK with the original Merc head unit (containing tape) and a cd changer. I think it's called an Audio 10 (but not sure).

I've been having an issue today where I'm listening to a cd in my changer, then suddenly there is 1/4 second of white noise, the sound cuts, then my radio says 'NO CD' on the screen and switches to radio.

Pressing 'cd' on the head unit just then brings up the message 'NO CD' again. Each time this has happened I've found turning off the radio for 10 secs, then on again seems to work sometimes in making the changer spring into life. Sometimes it doesn't work though.

Any ideas what's wrong? Is this the first stage in the changer dying? I'll confess I'm kind of looking for an excuse to buy some audio upgrades...this could allow me to justify it to my sensible side!

Thanks in advance.

 

[tlbham]

Any suggestions welcome!

In the meantime, I have learned the following through trial and error (and having nothing better to do today!):
1. It's not a 'power to the changer issue'. When 'NO CD' comes up, you can eject the CD holder fine.
2. The fibre optic connection appears fine. I've removed it at either end and tested.
3. Certain CDs appear to make it occur more. One in particular tends to play for less than 5 mins before the issue occurs again. However, this might just be coincidence.
4. In my last post, I said sometimes turning the head unit off and on again fixes it, sometimes it doesn't. I've tried the off/on cycle with the engine off - when it still says 'No CD', I don't hear the changer make any noise (like it does when the changer works), indicating it never received the 'on' signal from the head unit to turn off. However, a red light flashes in the head unit's fibre optic port every single time you turn it on, so the head unit doesn't appear to be the culprit.

I think the last point indicates the changer has had it - might be time for a new changer OR an 'all the bells and whistles' head unit (partly paid for by the sale of the old one on ebay!).

 

[T7RY B]

I had the same problem with the same unit.
Cost of repair was not worth it so went for double din Dvd bluetooth usb etc. unit.
Well pleased I made the change. Whoever decided to order a cassette unit in 1999!

 

[noogieman]

when the power was cut on my car removing my flat battery.
I got error codes.
this means the tapedeck lost the synchronicity with the cd-changer.
turning on the tapedeck it didn't recognise the changer.
only thing to do was to leave the tapedeck on and not to shut it off before turning off the ignition.
when you start the car stereodeck turns on and the cd-changer should activate, this is what I had to do everytime let the deck be ON when before you kill the power,deck turns off with the ignition.

or another costly solution is to go to the stealership and erase all error codes and resynch everything.

Try the first thing above if it works.
good luck

 

[tlbham]

I had the same problem with the same unit.
Cost of repair was not worth it so went for double din Dvd bluetooth usb etc. unit.
Well pleased I made the change. Whoever decided to order a cassette unit in 1999!

Ha ha I know. I'll ask them why.... bought the car off a family member.

Did you by any chance find a unit which works with the steering wheel buttons? Losing those was the only thing stopping my going and buying a new unit today... making do with an iPod and tape converter thingy in the meantime.

Also considering this if I feel brave... http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/electronics/76049-audio-10-tape-mp3-2.html

 

[T7RY B]

No it isn't compatable with the steering wheel buttons But the unit is all touch screen so simple to use. It does come with remote control but I have never used it.
Okay for rear passengers from DVD to TV etc.

 

[npuk]

One option is to replace the cd changer with this device: Mercedes Player MP40 - Mercedes Player

Search the forum for 'mp40' and you will find previous threads on it.

Regarding steering controls Incartec list one for the W208 with ISO - model number is 39-LS1-W208. http://www.incartec.co.uk/

 

[tlbham]

One option is to replace the cd changer with this device: Mercedes Player MP40 - Mercedes Player

Search the forum for 'mp40' and you will find previous threads on it.

Regarding steering controls Incartec list one for the W208 with ISO - model number is 39-LS1-W208. Incartec

WOW! Great find. However, it states 'Use with 39 series adapters' - can't see such things..do you know where these are?

The model '39-LS1-W208' is also not in their price list so it might be discontinued .

With regard to the other option...not really interested in getting something non-standard unless it is much cheaper....I'd rather just buy a replacement cd changer from ebay if I have to spend £200 to get something which allows me to keep the Becker head unit (but does no more than a new £80 Kenwood). Thanks for the suggestion though.

 

[npuk]

I assume that just means the patch lead you use has to be a Incartec 39 series one. Steering wheel interfaces are always made up of two parts. The car make / model specific part and a patch lead which is dependant on the manufacturer of the aftermarket headunit you install.

See the 2010 pdf brochure on their site, it is still listed on there so must still be for sale. Ring them up and ask.