AM/FM radio/CD player problem

[Paul H]

We have a JVC AM/FM/CD radio on our boat. For some strange reason the CD player started skipping. This happens under sail as well as motoring.So I thought that maybe it was having a problem reading burned disc's but contrare. It does it with store bought CD's also. I don't think it's a short/ loose wire or I would hear it in either the FM or AM band.I also ran a CD cleaner through it with no appreciable change. My question is what could possibly be wrong? Is it worth fixing or should I invest in a new unit? Paul H

 

[Don Flowers]

Sorry

Had the same problem, and it only got worse. Did all the stuff are doing now. Cleaner, as well as taking it apart hoping to find some junk. I'm a teacher so I asked some of my electronic genius teenagers, and they said that is what happens when the "eye" or "disc reader," I forget now what they called it was going out and there was no simple repair. Replacement was my only option. We are never too old to learn. Hope this helps

 

[Tom S]

Does it happen to "all" your store bought CD's

some are better than others for CD players.That said there are some better CD players out there too. The one in my Toyaota Truck will play almost anything and not skip -- I wish I could say the same for the one on my boat

 

[Tim Welsh]

buy a new one

JVC is not as high end of equipment as it used to be, same as many other name brands. The price of cd players are so cheap nowdays that many companys use cheaper components. With car cd players being in boats I'm sure moisture takes their toll on them. I have had my kenwood cd player in my boat for over 6 years now and no problems. (Knock on Wood) Sony still makes a good unit along with pioneer. Kenwood is still producing good units. I would suggest buying one of the three. Tim Welsh

 

[Tim Welsh]

check your voltage first

Be sure and check your voltage at the radio first and make sure it's not a low voltage problem. Usually with cd players though when you turn them up they will start shutting down and not skipping if the volts are low.

 

[Jeff M21319]

How comfortable are you with taking...

it apart? More than likely, the unit is dirty inside and this has led to gunk on the lens of the reader. Generally speaking, the 'cleaning disks' aren't very effective in removing this build-up, but if you are willing to take the unit apart you can use a can of lens cleaner (compressed gas in a can used by photographers) to blast the gunk off. As a last-ditch effort, you can try GENTLY wiping the lens with a lens tissue with a drop or two of rubbing alcohol on it, but this should only be done if the air blast doesn't fix the problem. I also agree with the other posters who mentioned the general low quality of most car stereos these days, and it's not just stereos but consumer electronics in general. Seeing as how you can get a new unit with all the bells and whistles for under $200 these days, it may be a better idea to trash the old unit and pop-in a new one.