JVC 5 Disc Changer Issue

[DaveFloyd40]

Hi all,

I am wondering if anyone might be able to assist me in trouble shooting a certain problem(s) with a JVC XL-F254 disc changer which is dated from around 1997.

The problems I experience can be either/or depending on how the unit is feeling on any given day:

1) It will not turn on when I press the power button (I do not have a remote) despite it showing that it is in standby mode, OR
2) If it does turn on it makes 'whirring' sounds like it is attempting to spin up, OR
3) After hours of use it refuses to turn off when I depress the power button...

Sometimes I can turn it on and use it as nature intended for hours on end, exchanging discs, etc. without a single hiccup.

I have tried pulling out and then replacing the plug to no avail. I have tapped the side of the unit and then sometimes it will start running without any issues...

So, is this something that can be repaired or is the unit giving up the ghost?

Any help/advice in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

 

[cgutz]

Unfortunately, apart from a few really high end cd changers, paying someone to repair a CD changer is not likely to be cost effective. Parts may also not be available. Just my opinion.

I had a 5 disc cd changer go bad, I pitched it and got the next one out of storage. I buy them for around $20 at thrifts, garage sales, etc. I like Sony changers, but also have a Kenwood changer in current use. I have a Sony changer in reserve, as well as a Marantz and a JVC single CD player. I keep these spares in case the two in use in my systems go bad.

 

[pauldrewry]

They are cheap and plentiful on the used market. I would just get a different one.

 

[DaveFloyd40]

Thank you both for your replies. I appreciate it.
I am thinking I'll most likely look at finding a replacement unit soon, probably a single player this time. The JVC has been working again today but for how long, I wonder...
Anyway, thanks again.

 

[cgutz]

If you watch the auction site, you may be able to come up with something. (watch feedback ratings of seller and shipping costs).

Otherwise, perhaps check your equivalent of "garage sales" local listings for sale, or 2nd hand shops.


If you are at all handy, you could go in with some 90% alcohol or denatured alcohol, and a cotton swap, and clean the laser lens on the "head." That might be causing intermittent problems with reading the discs.

However the "on" and "off" issues may indicate something more.

 

[DaveFloyd40]

If you watch the auction site, you may be able to come up with something. (watch feedback ratings of seller and shipping costs).

Otherwise, perhaps check your equivalent of "garage sales" local listings for sale, or 2nd hand shops.


If you are at all handy, you could go in with some 90% alcohol or denatured alcohol, and a cotton swap, and clean the laser lens on the "head." That might be causing intermittent problems with reading the discs.

However the "on" and "off" issues may indicate something more.

Thank you for your advice. I really appreciate it.

I have actually taken the unit a part a few times over the last few months to clean it up just as you recommended. It works perfectly for about a week and then starts its nonsense again. It's very frustrating because it works very well when it works!