Second time poster here, and the winter in Massachusetts battle continues.

I've finally given up on the stock (non-Bose) CD player in my 2001 Maxima SE. It's always had a problem reading CDs in weather below 40 degrees, but now, with the weather barely topping 20 degrees over the past three weeks, I think it's frozen for good. Even a recent spell of 30-degree days didn't help--a CD would play for about ten seconds, and then the dreaded "Err" light would come up again. My guess is that the thing is basically frozen in there, and that perhaps there was water damage as well.

Anyway, I really can't live without a CD player, and although I really do like the logistics of the double-din stereo, I realize I'll have to go to an ugly single-DIN system. I don't want to spend a lot of money, and I have no intention of replacing anything other than the "receiver" with a CD/stereo combo (apparently, no one makes CD/Stereo/cassett players anymore. What a pain!)

Does anyone have any recommendations on units that would cost less than $200? I'm gravitating toward a Sony because they're the only ones that play that AFTRAC standard, and I already have a lot of AFTRAC-created MP3s on the disk that I made for my portable CD player that I'd like to play through the stereo. But the ergonomics don't thrill me--tiny buttons, 'neony' display.

Or would it be worth considering fixing the stock CD player? I just don't think the expense is worth it.

Your thoughts? Thanks in advance!

Jeff in NE Patriots Country.

 

I feel your pain. Except my problems revolve around the Bose 6-disc in-dash CD player, and the problem being that the left side speakers cut out upon hitting bumps. I plan on replacing the whole head unit with an aftermarket one, but I too feel that a single DIN style receiver is ugly, and will ruin the overall look of the dash. My plan is to replace it with the Kenwood or Eclipse combo DVD, CD player, LCD screen, which will fill up the double DIN pocket nicely. But this also costs at least $1500. So in your case if you dont want to lose the style of the stock dash, just go with an add on CD changer for the trunk with an FM modulator. Im sure you will be able to find a decent set-up for around $200. If it's just your CD player, and not the radio that is malfunctioning, then this might be the best option for you. And on the brighter side, it will also fool thieves when they look inside for an aftermarket reciever.

 

Well i think your problem as stated in another post about u having frozen windows on the inside is that you have a lot of moisture on the inside of the car. This needs to be resloved. Mositure will get on the cd lens just as easily as it did on your inside windows. That may be why you are having problems reading cds. THisi s a far fetched idea. But i know there are some places where you can buy the moistrue abosrbers that come in hard drive opackets and all to put in things that you need to ikeep dry. Try buying a few of these big packets of this stuff and leave in a box in your car one day and see if htis helps. Another idea is turn on the defrost at full blast and heat and make sure the a/c is on so it goes through the drier, and then turn the climate controls to max a/c if u have manual climate control or recirculate air, instead of fresh air. This may help out too.

 

i have the EXACT problem.... but with bose. It pisses me off, my roommate has a 2k alty fully loaded and her cd player works great.... although it sounds crappy.

Why did we get screwed? I had the same prob in my lded 96 max GLE, needed a walkman driving around braintree....

I am going to buy an ipod soon, or an entire computer, I LOVE MUSIC.... so, i will do whatever it takes

 

i still have the stock cd player. if i try to play a cd when it's cold, it will play the cd but it makes a loud clicking sounds. VERY annoying.