Bose head unit won't play cd's

[inhebriatedturtle]

My bose head unit will not play CD's anymore. it gives me cd err no matter what cd i put in, i used a 2 week old cd that i bought and it doesn't work anymore, and none of my burned cd's work. it sounds like it's trying to read the cd and it can't. i would like to get a new head unit but i know diddly about audio. i figure if im going to get a new head unit i could get subs while im at it. i heard bad things about using after market things with the bose system. i was wondering if i need anything special to install a new head unit and subs. i tried a search and didn't come up with much.

[Rex]

I found this Q&A

Question:Is there a way I can fix my own cd player. I have an Infiniti I30 and a Bose stereo system. I am pretty resourceful and have a degree in computer and electronics. When I put in a cd I get an "ERR" error and I've had it once before and used a cd cleaner but it doesn't work this time. I just need to know if it's something that I can do by removing it and cleaning it really good or if that error is something that has to be fixed in a shop with special tools?

Answer:You may be able to remove the unit and using a Qtip dampened with rubbing alcohol gently clean the laser lense. I have worked on many of the Infiniti units and they can be a little tricky to disassemble to get to the laser unit. The problem may also be that the laser is weak and may need replacing. When I have a CD that displays error I first do a cleaning and then I use a laser power meter to measure the output power of the laser unit.

[PBfrEAk]

I'm not positive about the 4 gen's (I know your's is an I30 but they should be about the same) but my third gen had separate amps for the speakers built into the speaker mounts.

It would be a little difficult to wire those to an aftermarket head, but I'm sure its possible. Me, my little brother and my buddy installed my system. My little brother (16) is insane with systems, I'd trust him to install anything. He hates reading text books in school but he can tell you how many ohms you need to run bridged with two 10's...(i dont really know much...haha)

But anyway...if you have a little extra cash, and your going with an aftermarket headunit, you'd prolly be better off just putting in new speakers as well.

Unless of course you just want to install a used stock headunit from another I30. Your call.

[audtatious]

You can try cleaning it as Keith suggested, or you can swap the HU and utilize a converter to work with the factory Bose system.

[Sentientbydesign]

Bose speakers run off a different impedence than other setups. As such you're screwed unless you find an adapter. There was a stereo shop that was supposed to order me one at $150 but they never called me A$$#0LES

There are a few articles online about the screen and CDs not working and there being a resistor that blows out on them.

Sending it to the dealer cost $225. They send it in to the HU manufacturer which isn't Bose btw and you get it 2 weeks later. Clarion makes the HU.

[audtatious]

Then you get something like the PAC ROEM-NIS1 or ROEM-NIS2 for replacing the factory headunit in a Nissan. They are around $50

[NismoX]

the thing i did was kept bangin the **** outta of it.. LOL but eventually i jusy changed the damn thing