The CD Changer installed in the glove compartment of my car has ceased to function for several years already (it failed to recognize CDs in the 6 disc magazine). Today, after a few google searches, I found a discussion forum that has just the information I was looking for, a potential fix for the problem a lot of people have experienced in their Alpine CD changers. So, I decided to give it a try! For better or for worse.
First, I removed the changer from the glove compartment. That was a fairly easy task of unplugging 2 wiring connectors, since my changer wasn't properly secured to the glove compartment (missing mounting bracket/screws).
Now, with the changer sitting on my desk, remove the screws on the side of the changer as shown below.
Then, pop out the plastic clips to remove the front panel.
Then, remove the springs that suspends the internal casing for anti-vibration using a long nose plier.
Then, remove the 4 rubber bushings by hand, and open up the case as shown below.
Now, the actual repair/adjustment. On the lower left hand side of the picture below, you will see this worm/wheel drive gear. There was a small gap between them, causing the worm to not driving the gear, and therefore, failed to pick up the CD.
To adjust it, I first loosen the screw that's holding the gear in place, using one screw driver to push it closer to the worm gear, while using another screw driver to tighten the screw. I used my hand to rotate the worm a little bit to test out the operation.
Then, I reversed the steps and closed up the case and place the changer back into the car. It worked! Now, I can listen to CDs again :) All-in-all, it took about one hour of work, and saved myself about $300 of repair bill.
Now, if I can find a way to repair the power antenna in the other car... part of the antenna was broken , so radio reception was extremely poor... I have found some exploded views of the parts, and hopefully I can take it apart and be able to order just the required parts, to save me another $350 (or save me $600 if I let my friendly dealer do the honor).
Thanks, I followed your repair it worked great. You should really say the repair saved you $300 on a new unit, I doubt a repair facitity would charge that much to fix it.
Posted by 67.83.133.206 on June 21, 2008 at 05:03 PM PDT #
Thanks for your comment! Glad it worked out for you! For 1 hour of work, shops should probably charge $75-150 based on their hourly rate. But, I found this place that repairs this particular changer for a flat rate of $295 http://www.carstereohelp.com. Ouch! Maybe I can also make some money repairing changers :)
I purchased my changer for about $350 5-6 years ago. Probably due to the weak dollar, the price of a new unit has climbed to about $800 (from performanceproducts.com).
Posted by miko on June 21, 2008 at 06:29 PM PDT #
Thanks for the posting. It will be very helpful, if only I can get my CD changer out of the glovebox. Can somebody please tell me how to remove it. I also have a CD holder with pop-out shelves next to the changer in the glovebox.
Thanks
Posted by Hennie on June 22, 2008 at 09:07 AM PDT #
Hennie, not sure if this is similar to what you have, there is instruction to remove the cd holder on http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w245-b-class/1356322-cd-holder-removal-info-required-3.html
"For any one interested the CD holder is held in by plastic clips in square holes and to remove the holder all you have to do is push the 'lips' on the front 2 clips and the back ones 'Hinge' out of their location holes."
Here are the pictures (in case you are not a forum member and cannot view them)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3184/2605042798_9f97a15e82_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3220/2605042862_d09afb7a8c_o.jpg
I am not sure how to remove the cd changer itself. Supposely, they are held by 4 screws on 2 brackets that look like this http://www.adelcom.net/MERCEDES_merc-brkt.htm.
If you don't mind paying $2.99 there are instructions for many cars at http://www.carstereohelp.com./stereoremoval.htm. I am not related to this web site and don't have experience purchasing from them.
Posted by miko on June 23, 2008 at 11:17 AM PDT #
I am having a VERY SIMILAR problem with the same model cd changer, as it doesn't seem to be
recognizing the cd's, but with mine each cd is being loaded and returned back to the magazine
until all 6 have gone through. Then it stops and altogether and doesn't run through them
again. It looks like the the gears that move the (laser track?) are moving but the tracking
mechanism doesn't move back and forth. Obviously I don't know ANYTHING about electronics but
after reading these posts I do know that I'm not having the same problem with the same worm gear.
Any help would be GREATLY APPRECIATED ! b/c I've HAD IT with this and I'm sure it's an easy fix
for anyone out there reading this :)
Thanks!
Posted by Jody on June 27, 2008 at 01:03 PM PDT #
Jody, you might be having the same problem as I did. I failed to mention, for me, each cd was being loaded and returned back, and at the end, it displayed "magazine empty" (or something like that). Not sure if you also have the "magazine empty" message. If you did, then the problem could be the same. Hope it helps!
-miko
Posted by miko on June 27, 2008 at 03:15 PM PDT #
THANK YOU for replying! After it runs through all 6 disks it says Disk 0 Track 0.
But that worm/wheel drive gear is aligned and functioning as it should, it just
looks like the other gears aren't working properly (where that one piece slides
back and forth) It's not a worm/wheel drive gear, but looks like 3 'regular'
gears lined up next to each other. (sorry for this vague description!!)
I've been on the internet for hours and your site is the very closest I've come
to my problem.
Thanks for your input and time
Posted by Jody on June 27, 2008 at 04:45 PM PDT #
You are welcome Jody! I wish I could help you more, but I only know what I know :p
Posted by miko on July 01, 2008 at 01:40 PM PDT #
Jody, did you manage to fix your problem? as it sounds like you have the same problem as me
Posted by Graeme on July 04, 2008 at 07:39 AM PDT #
Actually no. The tracking mechanism doesn't move the laser back and forth, although if I move the gears manually without the motor on, they do work and the laser lens moves back and forth like it should. The 3 gears that move the tracking mechanism don't
move. So could it be that motor? It's hard for me to explain when I don't know anything about electronics! The 3rd gear, that's attached to the tracking mech. spins
for a second, then stops, but the two that it's attached to (1 of them being attached to the motor) don't move at all. Maybe the way to fix it is to go on ebay and get a stereo with an iPod hook up!
Posted by Jody on July 04, 2008 at 12:08 PM PDT #
Actually no. The tracking mechanism doesn't move the laser back and forth, although if I move the gears manually without the motor on, they do work and the laser lens moves back and forth like it should. The 3 gears that move the tracking mechanism don't
move. So could it be that motor? It's hard for me to explain when I don't know anything about electronics! The 3rd gear, that's attached to the tracking mech. spins
for a second, then stops, but the two that it's attached to (1 of them being attached to the motor) don't move at all. Maybe the way to fix it is to go on ebay and get a stereo with an iPod hook up!
Posted by Jody on July 04, 2008 at 01:48 PM PDT #
I found some ipod interfaces available here: http://www.logjamelectronics.com/ipodproducts.html. Some of the interfaces on this site allows you to connect alpine cd changer with mp3 capability.
Posted by miko on July 04, 2008 at 11:07 PM PDT #
well, there may be more similar products available from other companies. Please do some researches first to find the best suitable one for your application.
Posted by miko on July 04, 2008 at 11:08 PM PDT #
Hey thanks so much !!!
Posted by Jody on July 05, 2008 at 04:40 AM PDT #
I recently purchased a 99 C230 for my son. It was missing the cartridge for the cd changer, so I bought a new one thinking that would take care of it. The changer powers up and loads a cd when I insert the cartridge, but if I select cd at the head unit I get the message "NO CD Changer"
Any ideas?
Posted by Phil on August 02, 2008 at 01:57 PM PDT #
The changer for 99 is different than the one I have. Yours is mounted in the trunk and is probably made by Becker.
There are a few things to try:
1. Check out http://www.mercedesforum.com/m_56107/tm.htm Disconnecting it from the power source and reconnecting it 1-5 minutes later. OR, unplug/replug the fuse corresponding to the cd changer/radio if you can find it. You may need to have your radio code in case it was requested after power disconnect (theft deterrant feature of the radio).
2. Try to disassemble the cd changer like what I did.
3. Take it to a audio store. Not sure how much they will charge to look at it. The stores around here ask for $75-150 to look into it.
4. search ebay or craigslist for a used changer for around $200-250,
A203 820 9089 MC3010
A002 820 7989 MC3198
and replace it. some info at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w202-c-class/1176005-mc3010-cd-changer-install-99-c230k.html
Good luck!
-miko
Posted by miko on August 03, 2008 at 04:03 PM PDT #
I have everything apart, on the workbench. Ready for reassembly. What is the trick to get the rubber bushing vibration isolators back on their posts? They won't go on! Everytime I think I have them on the right side correctly they pop off when I start to work on the left side!
Posted by Randino on August 14, 2008 at 06:30 PM PDT #
I remember the 4 rubber bushings were easily held by the small metal posts. The part that took me the most time was to put back the little springs for the suspension. I used a long nose plier for that.
Posted by miko on August 14, 2008 at 07:34 PM PDT #
I have a 2004 clk 500 and i got no cd changer code on stero. so I tried to eject cd magazine and it wouldn't come out. After playing around with it for a few minutes, I lost sound to my entire stero. Any suggestions?
Posted by michelle casper on August 30, 2008 at 10:58 AM PDT #
Hi I disassembled my CD CHANGER slightly different case construction 2 plastic clips fell out on the interior of the case. I have only a guess as to where they should be on re-installation.
Please see the following post for photos of the missing clips.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audio-telematics-forum/1399828-cd-changer-002-820-7989-re.html#post3079204
If anyone has seen where these definitely go that would be great!
Posted by David on September 25, 2008 at 04:13 AM PDT #
Miko - looking at your pic of cd changer anti-vibration spring locations, is yours a horizontal (glove box setup) or a vertical (down in the trunk wheel well setup)????
I have messed with mine and not sure which way it goes ......
Thanks
Posted by Tom Ard on November 17, 2008 at 05:12 AM PST #
Tom - my changer is horizontal mounted in the globe box. I don't have the spec, but from the look of it, if you have vertical trunk mounted changer, you should set the spring on the other end. The springs are uses as suspension and should look vertical when the changer is mounted. Hope it helps.
David - Becker and Alpine are 2 different part suppiers of OEM cd changers. Sorry I don't have those 2 clips on my changer.
Michelle - Sorry, I am not sure, but sounds like the connection to the stereo system was unplugged.
Posted by miko on November 17, 2008 at 10:24 AM PST #
I have a 2003 ML350 that keeps coming back "Mag Empty" with the mag full of CDs. I followed your instructions to the letter and when I reinstalled it it said "no cd player installed" so I powered off the headunit and then back on and the cd started playing. I selected cd2 and nothing then cd3 nothing. It came back with the same error of "mag empty" again. The fact that it worked for a second tells me that it can be fixed but before I go through the process again, is there something I may have missed to that I can do to keep the thing going?
any help you can give would be appreciated.
Thanks
Craig H
Posted by Craig H on December 29, 2008 at 09:43 AM PST #
I bought a 99 Honda Accord and it had this unit in the trunk. It even came with CD's from that time frame. I followed your instuctions and I could tell that the worm gear was the problem. I found it easier to install the rubber stabilizers on the unit before putting it back in the frame.
Posted by Toby D. on January 10, 2009 at 09:55 PM PST #
Miko:
Do you know where I can buy parts for a mc3198? I need to purchase the piece on the bottom of the mc3198 cd changer that reads "CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT: This is where the female power and fiber optic slots are. One would plug the male power and fiber optic cables into it. Mine has rusted out and I need to purchase one. If someone has a mc3198 they are throwing away I will but it for parts.
Thanks
Posted by Gary on January 22, 2009 at 09:24 PM PST #
I had same problem but in the process messed up the ribbon cable on the otherside connecting the circuit board toi the smaller board that connects to the din.
Now i need help knowing which direction it should connect in and also where to get replacement ribbon cable.
Posted by Taz on February 16, 2009 at 01:28 PM PST #
Sorry I don't know where to get the parts... I was only following the directions to fix the issues after searching different forums.
Posted by miko on February 16, 2009 at 04:53 PM PST #
HI ALL, can anybody tell me if the fibre optics found in my boot should have a plug attatched to them or do they just push into changer,i do not have a changer yet so have noway of solving this other than asking? AUDIO 10.....possible MC3010
Thanks Mick
Posted by mick on February 22, 2009 at 02:24 AM PST #
Hi mick, which "boot" are you referring to? If I remember correctly, when I purchased the CD changer, the fiber optics cable was another part I needed to purchase.
Posted by miko on February 22, 2009 at 12:01 PM PST #
I have re-aligned my worm gear twice, but now I've noticed that one of the teeth is missing from the smaller vertical gear. Anyone know where I can get one or even what thhis part number is??
Thanks
Posted by Robert on March 13, 2009 at 05:23 PM PDT #
Hi Robert:
I have a mc3198 that I bought from a local yard for parts. I have canabilized it for parts. Which gear do you need. I may have one.E-mail me gejp48@gmail.com. If anyone else needs parts let me know.
Gary
Posted by Gary on March 15, 2009 at 08:00 AM PDT #
I did mine as guided, it works now. Only a minor recommendation that you may remove the suspend springs after removal of 4 rubber bushings, as the spring fall off themself. The gap is so tiny not obvious at all, but it is there. Once you had all of steps done, it works.
Posted by John on March 20, 2009 at 07:34 PM PDT #
Does anyone know the wiring for the 3 pin plug that goes into the head unit,model MC3010 CD Changer,its the small jr connecter.
John H
Posted by John Hagopian PE on April 06, 2009 at 07:48 AM PDT #
I had similar problems. I have a 1999 C280, and the CD changer right from the beginning was flaky. The problem started when the car was still under warranty and the CD changer would intermittently report NO CD in a slot when there was a CD. I took it to the MB dealer who did not find any problem with the CD. But last week, the CD quit completely always reporting "Magazine Empty". Today I finally had the nerve to take apart the CD changer following Miko's directions. I did not find anything obviously wrong. I moved all the gears by hand, especially the big black one that loads and unloads the CD into the changer. I put it back together and it works like a charm.
I think there was some dirt in there that stopped the loading mechanism from moving.
In putting back the covers. I ruptured two of the rubber bushings that hold the changer in the assembly and some white gooey stuff came out. I hope it will not cause any problems.
I would like to thank Miko for the excellent directions. I guess I saved myself few hundred Dollars! Thanks Miko!
Georj
Posted by Georj on May 10, 2009 at 09:44 PM PDT #
Adjusted CD player as outlined. Now instead of "No Magazine" message I get "No CD Player" Followed suggestion to turn on radio, turned it off, remove power and fiber optic cable, turn on and off radio. Replaced both cables. Still get the same "No CD Player" message. Also pulled fuse and replaced it. Same problem.
Is there a way to reboot the radio? I have the code to reset it.
Suggestions appreciated.
Posted by Suz on May 14, 2009 at 08:47 AM PDT #
I can't thank you enough for this information. While the model CD player I have is slightly different than yours (mine is from a 1997 Jag XK8), the problem was the same and the model of the CD players were close enough that I figured i had nothing to lose.
The fix I needed was slightly different as well. Instead of having to get the wheel gear closer to the worm gear, the worm gear had actually slipped further away from the drive motor than it should have been. This caused the whole CD loading drive mechanism to lock up totally. A slight push with a small screwdriver on the end of the worm drive popped it back into place and the whole thing is working perfectly again.
But I would have never even gotten to that point (or even had the courage to try) without the information above. Thank you again and I know you just saved me at least $600, if not more.
By the way, now my wife thinks I'm a genius. So let's keep this whole thing between us, 'k?
Posted by Steve on May 17, 2009 at 11:21 AM PDT #