2004 JTS CD Player not working

[jc_trader]

Hi All,

I just picked up my 2004 156 JTS Sillyspeed last night and generally quite happy with the car!!

There is one problem that annoys me, and that is the CD Player will not accept/read any CDs.  I have tried various CDs, including burnt and original ones, still no luck.  It just makes this weird buzzing noise, spins the CD around a few times and spits it out. 

Has anyone had simular problems? Or should i just buy a new one from Alfa Romeo?

Thanks in advance

[Davidm1600]

Hi Mate, before rushing off to buy a new CD player, why not actually get it checked out first by either your Alfa dealer or perhaps better a car audio dealer.  While I can't really offer any help as this is an area outside of my knowledge, and thankfully the CD player in my JTS Sportwagon is fine, I think perhaps what is occurring is that there is an issue with the CD reader, which won't allow it to properly scan your discs, or maybe it is to do with the CD drive unit.  Just a thought.  Goodluck.  Dave

[John Hanslow]

Know how you feel jc trader.  Previously mine only played burnt cd's and not original ones, now it does not play anything.   I thought it had someting to do with the DISC CD logic system.  I always get an error message and referred to the Alfa Radio/CD manual with the owners manual package.  Not conclusive.  Could be an easy fix.

Really do not know if it's worth fixing as a good replacement radio/cd units is not that expensive.  Also, the issue with the Twin Spark is the reception.

Regards.

[jc_trader]

Thanks for the response guys.

I've made a few enquiries during the weekend about changing this to a aftermarket unit, which could retain the steering wheel controls.  Apparently only Kenwood and Pioneer can do this, but they both require a additional steering wheel control unit. 

Got the following quote for a after market unit:

HeadUnit - ranges in prices from 250-750
Fascia - 40
Steering wheel control unit - 200
Full Installation - 200

Somehow I think this is going to be cheaper than a fix at Euromarque... 

I'll be taking the car in on Friday to see what they have to say.

Cheers

[ForzaSab]

Somehow I think this is going to be cheaper than a fix at Euromarque... 

Cheers

Having experienced euromarque as well i think thats a given! lol
Have you thought about an alfa car wrecker perhaps?

[jc_trader]

Somehow I think this is going to be cheaper than a fix at Euromarque... 

Cheers

Having experienced euromarque as well i think thats a given! lol
Have you thought about an alfa car wrecker perhaps?

I'm new to Alfas.  Any good recommendations around Bris?

[shiny_car]

the issue with the factory headunit is most likely a 'fault' rather than a glitch you can readily fix. so it could be a worn laser/laser-motor mechanism. it would need to go to Blaupunkt to be fixed; the cost depends on what's wrong, but a new laser supplied and fitted should be under $200.

a secondhand one from a wrecker could be cheaper, so that's a good idea. but there's always the risk it too will fail sooner rather than later.

with aftermarket headunits, most brands have models that can accept a steering wheel control interface; not just kenwood and pioneer. for example, higher spec alpine, blaupunkt, clarion, etc.

around BNE, the place to visit is Northfield (Moorooka). they are importers of the Connects2 (UK-brand) interfaces, and i believe they have the version to suit alfa's. interfaces are actually 2-part: the actual interface plus a wiring harness that connects the interface with the particular brand headunit you buy.

[jc_trader]

Hi all,

I ended up getting the following:

http://www.pioneer.com.au/Products/Car%20Entertainment/CD%20DVD%20Players/DEH%203100UB.aspx

Overall quite happy with it.  The only prob is that the lighting isn't Red to match the interior of the car. 

I would recommed this, and they currently come with a free usb that does glow red.

Cheers

[John Hanslow]

Thanks for that - I will keep it in mind as it's a fair price and a good option.  Pitty it does not match the Monza/JTS red lighting but there you go.

Cheers.

[Prana69]

Hi jc_trader

I realise this post is a few months old, but I wanted to ask you about the Pioneer unit you bought.

My 2003 JTS has the CRAPPIEST radio reception I have ever heard.  It's full of static, tinny, often only comes in one speaker and then pans between all 4, cuts in and out.  I have replaced the aerial with a longer 40cm one instead of the stubby 8cm factory fitted, all to no avail.  It's annoying to the point that I simply turn the radio off (which bugs me, because I like listening to the radio).

Did you have any radio problems prior to upgrading to the Pioneer?
How is your radio reception now?

Thanks
David