Buzz
The only problem with an integrated CD player in your car's dashboard is when the CD becomes jammed. This occurs because the device is installed directly into the vehicle, meaning you can only manipulate and fix it from one direction unless you remove and disassemble the player. Therefore, a CD stuck in the car is particularly troublesome. Fortunately, there are several DIY methods to address this common issue. However, you should be aware that improper execution of any of these methods could result in damaging the player (or the CD stuck inside). The advice shared in this article by Mytour does not replace professional automotive guidance. Let’s begin with Step 1 below.
Steps
Using the Power and Eject Buttons
Turn off the car. Some CD players have a "forced eject" feature that is designed to remove the CD when other methods fail. Since this method does not require intervention with the CD player itself, it’s best to start here to minimize damage if it doesn’t work. First, ensure the car is off if it's running.
Once the car is turned off, press and hold both the power and eject buttons simultaneously. Press and hold both the power and eject buttons on the CD player together for about 10 seconds. If your stereo system has a "forced eject" feature, the CD will be immediately ejected.
If the CD still hasn't ejected, start the car and try again. Some CD players may not activate this feature when the car is off. For these players, you’ll need to press and hold both the power and eject buttons while the car is running.
Check the CD player’s manual. The power + eject button combination is a common "forced eject" command, but your CD player may be programmed with a different method. If you’re still unsure, review the manual for the CD player, which contains instructions for forced eject and other features that may help retrieve the stuck CD.
Using a Different CD
Find a blank or unused CD. For this method, you will insert a second CD into the player, so choose one that is blank or unimportant to avoid damaging your favorite albums.
- Turn the CD player on before proceeding. If the CD player only works when the car is on, you will need to start the vehicle and turn the player on.
- Note: Like the other methods in this article, this approach also carries a risk of damaging the stuck CD or the player itself. Be cautious when inserting any foreign object into the CD player. If you are concerned about this risk, it is recommended to stop and seek professional help.
Insert a second CD about 2.5 cm into the disc slot. This CD will sit on top of the stuck CD. If you're lucky, you'll feel the jammed CD sliding underneath the one you're inserting.
Press the eject button and gently move the CD you’re holding back and forth. This action will apply pulling force on the jammed CD and assist the player’s eject mechanism. If you feel the stuck CD beginning to come out, be cautious to avoid trapping your favorite album between the edge of the slot and the second CD.
- If this doesn’t work, try again but insert a blank CD underneath the jammed CD and gently lift it. The eject mechanism can vary, so sometimes approaching from the bottom may activate it and release the jammed CD instead of pulling from above.
Apply force to the stereo system. Sometimes applying pressure to the stereo unit can help dislodge the jammed CD. If the CD player is mounted near the top of the dashboard, you may succeed by combining the previous steps with a gentle yet audible press or tap on the dashboard area above the player.
- Note: While this method may work, it could damage delicate components in the dashboard. We do not recommend this approach for cars with advanced features (e.g., GPS systems, etc.) between the CD player and the dashboard’s surface.
Reset the electrical system
Record your audio settings and radio presets. This method is suitable if you can’t eject the CD because the player won’t power on. To do this, disconnect and reconnect the CD player from its power source. For most CD players, this will reset any radio presets you’ve saved and restore your personal audio settings to default. If you enjoy listening to music in your car, it’s a good idea to write down these settings for easy restoration later.
Turn off the car engine and open the hood. When working with or adjusting a car's electrical system, ensuring electrical safety is crucial. First, turn off the engine, remove the keys, and open the hood to locate the battery.
Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. The negative cable on the car battery is black, while the positive one is red. Carefully disconnect the negative terminal. Some cable ends may require you to use a wrench or small pliers to loosen the bolt before detaching the cable.
Wait for 10 seconds and reconnect. After reconnecting, start the car and try to eject the CD as usual. Disconnecting and reconnecting the power to the CD player will reset the device to its default settings, which may restore the eject function in some cases.
If the CD player still won’t power on, replace the fuse. Typically, the fuse box is located behind the driver’s side dashboard. You can refer to the manual to locate it. Disconnect the battery, open the fuse box cover, and replace the blown or damaged fuse for the CD player according to the instructions in the manual.
Use a knife or thin stick with tape
Minimize the risk of electric shock. In this method, we will directly insert a knife or another long, thin object into the CD player. Since metal can conduct electricity, it’s best to use an item made of wood or plastic (such as a popsicle stick) instead. If these materials aren’t available, disconnect all power from the CD player to ensure there’s no remaining charge. Turn off both the car ignition and the CD player, and remove the negative cable from the car battery.
Wrap tape (sticky side facing out) around the putty knife (or similar object). Use high-quality adhesive tape (such as Gorilla or electrical tape) for the best results. Putty knives usually have a wedge shape, so if wrapped tightly enough, the tape should stay secure. If you’re using another object like a popsicle stick, apply tape around the end, twist it to ensure the sticky side faces outward, and wrap it further to hold the tape firmly in place.
Place a small piece of paper on one side of the knife. At this point, the knife (or wooden stick, etc.) is covered with tape, sticky side out, which may make it harder to insert into the CD player’s slot. To make it easier, cover one sticky side of the knife with a small piece of printed or colored paper. Trim the paper with scissors so that it matches the size and shape of the knife’s edge.
Insert the knife into the CD player with the sticky side facing down. Slowly move the knife back and forth until you feel the top of the CD. At this moment, gently press down to ensure the tape sticks to the CD. Once the knife feels secure, carefully try lifting and pulling the CD out.
Use a plastic card and a screwdriver
Minimize the risk of electric shock. As previously mentioned, it's important to disconnect all power sources from the CD player and ensure that there is no residual electrical charge. Turn off the car's ignition and the CD player, and also disconnect the negative terminal of the car's battery.
- Note: If not done correctly, you could damage both the CD and the CD player, possibly even causing scratches or breakage. As emphasized in the article, always take care, and if unsure, it's best to reach out to a professional auto repair specialist for assistance.
Get a sturdy plastic card like a driver's license or credit card. For this method, you'll need a thin but strong card. It's best to use an expired credit card or something of similar value (so you don't risk losing or breaking something important). Stick double-sided tape to the end of the short side of the card (adhere it to just one side).
- Alternatively, you can use single-sided tape to secure the card, twist it so the sticky side faces out, and wrap it around the card several times.
Find a small flat-head screwdriver. This method is similar to using a putty knife, but here you'll need a screwdriver to help guide the plastic card through the CD slot and stick it to the CD. Look for a flat, short, and slim screwdriver that will easily fit into the CD slot.
Insert the plastic card into the CD slot above the jammed CD with the adhesive side facing down. You may need to use the screwdriver to wedge underneath to ensure the card doesn't stick to the CD, while also helping to push the card about 1.5-2 cm into the slot.
Once the card is in place, remove the screwdriver and slide it over the top of the card. Gently press the screwdriver down on the card so that the adhesive sticks to the top of the jammed CD.
Remove the screwdriver and carefully pull the card out. If you're lucky, the CD will come out with the plastic card. If it doesn't work, simply try again.
Tip
- You can also use 3M double-sided foam tape and a butter knife. Stick the tape to the knife and slide it underneath the jammed CD. Gently lift and pull it out.
- A clear plastic disc on top of most CD packs containing 25 or more discs is a great backup whenever this issue occurs again.
