CD Player Problems

[jgaherty]

I recently purchased a 2001 GL1800 that has a Honda CD player. I tired to use the CD Player and get an error message on the dash indicating ...load disk...then it flashed to Mech Error. I have no CD Player Manuel to guide me. Any ideas? is this a problem with the CD Player or operator error. Any help, informtion, suggestions and comments are appreciated....thanks

[jackjohn]

Hi Jgaherty, I wouldn't repair it. There are several devices available on the market that plug into the wiring harnass where the CD player plugs in and allows you to play mp3's stored on varis media. Most of these are fairly cheap and very easy to install.

Jack

[jgaherty]

Thanks for the input. I did notice that Honda had a recall on this issue, however, the dealer is stating the recall has expired. At the price of the player, I wasn't planning on replacing it as it just isn't worth the expense. I will take your advise and apprecdiate your comments. Enjoy riding and visit Santa Fe sometime!!!!!!

[gareva1]

I'm pretty sure panasonic makes the cd changer, and many have had the problem you describe, even after repair it seems to come back...I recommend looking at the units made by bikemp3.com (same unit J&M sells)

[gwmanlov]

Gee, I'm sorry to hear these solutions. My '03 GW 6-CD changer does the same thing. I'm in the process of disconnecting it and bringing it in the house to monkey with it with a portable battery. (It's winter in Maine.) Sometimes it works on a few disks and other times it jumps to the error mode and mechanical problem. None of the dealers I've talked with have any ideas except take it to a stereo repair outfit. I'd be interested if anyone has had a positive experience trying to repair the unit.

[gareva1]

I've helped repair a few that broke for one reason or another...usually what happens is two cds get stuck in the same tray or the tray lifting mechanism travels past where the changer thinks it should go and locks up...dunno if you'll be able to bench test it without the bike however, I've only seen it repaired while hooked up to the bike so it can get the commands from the audio system...

[gareva1]

Additionally, I think both Sierra Electronics and Panasonic both offer repair services for these changers, but it's mucho expensive...

[Keyboard]

Now is the time to switch the CD Player out for the BikeMp3 or J&M MP3 player for about $100. They plug right into the CD player connector.

I had my CD player for over 7 years and it worked flawlessly on my '03. When I first transferred it to my '10, it still worked as advertised. Then, all of a sudden I started getting the dreaded "MECH ERR". This was an off and on relationship ... sometimes it recovered, and sometimes it didn't.

I finally took it out and took it apart to see if anything mechanical was hanging it up. I found nothing unusual. I put it back and it worked again for awhile. Then it eventually started acting up again and never recovered from the dreaded "MECH ERR".

So, I bought the BikeMp3 and loaded up the disk with a gazillion songs. I've been happy ever since.

The bottom line is I wasted over $800 on a CD player that is not only ancient technology, but also junk. The BikeMp3 or J&M MP3 player is the way to go now.

[gwmanlov]

Thanks for your ideas, folks. I guess I'll ditch it and switch to an MP3 and gain a little trunk space.