Hi,

What is the sign that the laser on a cd player is getting dirty? In my 83 300D, I have a JVC 12-disc RF changer going to the stock unit and speakers, and lately it tends to be really scratchy when I first start using it, but after 20-30 mins of being on, the scratchiness goes away. It is an RF unit, but I keep the entenna in a down position, and have tried changing the frequency (I have 10 options), but it is scratchy on all of them. This never used to be the case, and with a strong FM signal, the sound is very good (so I dont think it is the speakers, their quality seems to be fine)

Is this a sign that the laser could be dirty/bad or is it more likely a problem with the connections or radio itself?

Thanks,

JMH

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Current Diesels:
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1982 300CD (169k)
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1991 350SD (206k)
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Past Diesels:
1983 300D (228K)
1985 300D (233K)

I don't know what the term "scratchy" sounds like. But, when the lazer diode gets dirty or weak, the symptom is skipping or failure to cue up a disc. It is unlikely that a dirty lazer is the problem. Check for bad connections, particularly the RF coax plugs at the modulator and radio. Sometimes, just re-seating a plug will clear up a problem. The output RF signal level of the modulator is deliberatley kept very low. You may have a faulty modulator. There are pin diode switches in there to route the antenna signal and modulator signal. You may require professional service.

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