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Pioneer PD-M453 won't load cartridge

Bloodnok

Bloodnok

Active Member
As stated, the disc cartridge won't go in all the way. It was initially stuck, but I was able to disassemble the chassis and get it out. Now it won't go back in. There is a lever on the left side of the slot the cartridge goes into, and that appears to be the problem. Does anyone know enough about this design to know if I got something out of alignment or some switch out of sync? Also, it contiously tries to load a disc, even with the power off! The manual doesn't go into a lot of troubleshooting...

Thanks;
 
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Check the laser lens. Pioneer players are known to have issues with the glue that's used to hold it in place failing over time and the lens just falls out. May ot may not be the problem. Check the transport to see if it's the home position. Maybe got knocked out.
 
Oh, I know the lens is gone. One of the first things I did. It's not loose in the case either. I think I may have gotten something crossed during reassembly. These things have a PCB on top of everything that has 4 micro switches on it. I'm not sure what lever pushes which. Just hoping the brain trust here can assist.

I did find another identical unit on auction. If I get it, I will at least have an unadulterated version of how things should be..... although I may just be jumping out of the frying pan, so to speak.
 
Well I didn't look in there. Can't hurt to check. Interesting videos. I have the same Soldering mat! Thanks for the steer
 
Well, I found the lens! It was in the back of the carrier, jammed in a corner. It looks OK. What is the best adhesive to put it back? I looked at so many types that the reviews say it never cures. Has anyone had success with any product?

BTW, I still haven't fixed my cartridge loading issue, even with an example. I'm hoping getting the lens fixed will offer some inspiration.

Thanks:
 
A very common problem with Pioneer cartridges: There are steel balls that act as a detent so only one wing can come out at a time. People drop the cartridge and the balls fall out. Check that cartridge and see if you can pull more than one wing out at a time.
 
dr*audio said:
A very common problem with Pioneer cartridges: There are steel balls that act as a detent so only one wing can come out at a time. People drop the cartridge and the balls fall out. Check that cartridge and see if you can pull more than one wing out at a time.
Click to expand...
I have tried multiple cartridges. The problem is that there is a "Lever" looking thing in the cartridge bay on the left as you look in. It is sticking out into the path that the cart needs to move. I have an M550 with an identical carrier setup, and that lever is not sticking out. It will need some disassembly to figure out

Thanks!
 
Bloodnok said:
I have tried multiple cartridges. The problem is that there is a "Lever" looking thing in the cartridge bay on the left as you look in. It is sticking out into the path that the cart needs to move. I have an M550 with an identical carrier setup, and that lever is not sticking out. It will need some disassembly to figure out

Thanks!
Click to expand...
In that case, the mechanism is not in the "Unloaded" mode. Could be a bad belt or a bad / dirty switch, but in that case I am sure you would hear a motor running.
 
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