CD player error message...

Bought a used 2000 Sunfire, has same system that it was sold with. Son tries to play CDs, gets a message saying ...check CD... Any thoughts other than replacement? Owner's manual says to see the dealer...Art

Cleaning cd?

I've never seen a Delco HU that could even remotely be considered reliable, so don't be surprised if it's shot. A factory replacement will probably cost you at least $500 from a dealer, so maybe an aftermarket radio or even FM modulated cd changer would be a better option.

Son checked at several "audio" places yesterday. Cost of installing an aftermarket system is quite a bit higher, guess the built-in security system in this car means they have to leave the old radio "somewhere" in the car still wired in...adds another $125 to the cost. Figures!

Ah, good ol' GM databus. Yeah the relocation harness is the biggest cost factor, and the extra labuor to mount the radio in the trunk. Audio shops don't really have a choice in the matter, because once the factory radio is disconnected, things stop working. For the J bodies (Cavalier, Sunfire) the only two things I've seen stop working are the door chimes and interior lights with the factory HU unplugged. I think it varies between GM models, but essentially with any GM model incorporating that system, most shops don't want to risk anything going wrong (a la airbags or some other important system), so they leave the radio in the trunk. I don't really know the details of the system, and I'm guessing GM probably doesn't want to dipense the information either, so for now I guess installer just have to play it safe. There is a regular harness available for those cars that doesn't cost $70+, but you take the risk of removing the factory radio. At any rate, a new factory HU will probably still cost you more than a comparable aftermarket HU or even FM modulated changer, so that's something to think about. Otherwise, I'm sure a dealership will be more than happy to charge you $600 to put in a brand new Delco unit. :)

Just talked with the dealarship, parts dept. says between $350-400 to "exchange" the radio with a rebuilt model. He thought that would be a close quote...am waiting on the salesman to call me back later today...am sure they won't do a thing since we bought a "used" car with no warranty...more to follow.

Ah yes. I broke mine twice like this. First time was covered under warranty, second wasn't. Once you get the error CHECK CD, your deck is toast. This I found out is caused by sometimes caused by playing burnt CD's (especially burned at faster speeds because they play hotter) and most always by putting on your own covers on CD's. THis for whatever reason kills the lens. I dont know how i just know not to do that on a Delco. My advice is pay $125 for the adapter kit that allows any CD player to be put on. Relocation kits are over.