stuck CD in CD player

ANSWER : Hello. We will be happy to assist you. The issue you are having is common with Ford 6-CD radio units of that generation. Usually people attempt a reset by disconnecting the negative cable from the battery for an hour or so. Which will reset the vehicle’s electrical system. However that rarely gets the radio to function normally again. The second thing people would generally try is to pull all the fuses related to the radio unit and leave them out for 30 min to an hour. You will need to check in your manual to see where the fuses are located. This last option people tries a little more involving. However these instructions have been verified to work by other Ford F-150 owner’s! Carefully take apart the trim and remove the console cover (two screws) to release the bottom of the trim piece. Once removed, disassemble the cage and remove the cd changer. Carefully separate the ribbon, cleaned the contacts with Q-tips dipped lighty in diluted Alcohol and reassemble. If that does not work you may want to consider getting a new stock radio or purchasing an aftermarket unit.

ANSWER : The fact that the CD is not ejecting is an indication that the CD player is broken. The CD player will likely have to be replaced. For more information on how you may be able to do this yourself, check out our article, "How to Remove a CD Stuck in a CD Player." If you need help, a certified technician can check your CD player to see what repair will need to be made.

ANSWER : The CD player is multi-disc capable and has a motor inside to shuttle the discs in and out. If a disc or mechanism is stuck your radio will need to be replaced. You may be able to get it removed and sent out for repair. The cost to repair it may cost more than an aftermarket replacement one. If you’d like to get this looked at, consider YourMechanic, as a certified technician can diagnose the issue with your radio and suggest a fix.

ANSWER : When the DVD player and the CD player on your vehicle cannot eject a disc it is because the loading/unloading motor in the unit has failed. Besides taking the unit apart to retrieve the discs there is not much that can be done besides replacement of the unit. There are companies online that offer to rebuild these units for a lesser cost than a new one. They would have to be removed and sent out for this. Most people end up replacing them with aftermarket units as it is easier and faster.

ANSWER : Inserting a CD into the CD player is very easy. Make sure the CD is face up (printed side up), then insert it into the CD player. After the CD is partially inserted, the CD player will pull it in the rest of the way.

Tip

If the CD player is not accepting a CD, do not force the CD in. This likely means that your CD player is jammed, or has a CD currently in it.

ANSWER : Hi there. You will have to either try to pull out the second CD if you can, or you will have to remove the CD player from the dash and take it apart to retrieve the two CD’s without damaging them. If you need further assistance with taking apart your CD player, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

ANSWER : Hi and thanks for contacting Your Mechanic. You had mentioned that your battery had 10.1 volts at the time and said that is what the battery usually has. A fully charged battery will have 12.6 volts, a 75% charged battery will have 12.4 volts, a 50% charged battery will have 12.2 volts, and a 25 % charged battery will have 12.0 volts. Any thing under 12.0 volts is considered a dead battery (a battery without a charge). This will cause lots of problems with the vehicle. The computer in vehicles of 2009 and newer require a minimum of 11.5 volts to make the computer function. A computer will keep its memory with a minimum of 9.6 volts, but it will not function. I recommend replacing charging the battery to a full charge and rechecking your symptoms that are occurring. Now, if the vehicle was driven around with a low charged battery, it is possible that the battery could have a bad burned cell which will cause the battery to drain back down fast. In this case, the battery should be replaced. Check the alternator for operation when the engine is running and see if there is a voltage of 13.5 to 14.7. Then turn on the head lights with the brights on and operate all of the windows at the same time. Check to see if the lights dim out. If the lights dim out, then the alternator may not be producing enough amperage and it may need to be replaced. If you need further assistance troubleshooting your vehicle, then seek out a technician, such as one from Your Mechanic, that can assist you with your low voltage battery and electrical issue within the cab.

ANSWER : This is a very common problem. Very often, the CD player breaks in your particular vehicle. The solution is to replace the stereo with a new or remanufactured radio, or replace it with an aftermarket head unit. I would ask for help from one of the mechanics at YourMechanic to help you get your stereo in working order again.