Jdrum1

While on vacation, my nav system crapped out with the "disc read error" message.

Of course, I was in a city (Denver) when it happened......

Pulled over, opened the DVD cover, and it smelled hot. Ejected and reinserted the disc to no avail.

When you turn on the car, the nav works fine for about 5 minutes, then the error message appears.

For the heck of it, I blew the cubby and DVD drive out with some compressed air. No change.

I just happened to get a new disc a couple weeks ago, but since the system worked fine from Texas to Denver, I don't think it's related.


It seems to be a not at all uncommon Acura issue. From what I've read, I can send the unit to Apline for repair (around $350). I don't like that idea.

I found a cleaning and lube DIY for a different model Acura (unit looks the same). I figure that's my next step.

If that doesn't work, how about used off eBay (especially if it's guaranteed to work)?

Thoughts? Ideas? Donations to my navigation system fund?



On a side note, the RDX is a BEAST in the mountains! OMG.......fun.

Jdrum1

As a reference for anybody else that has this issue;

I'm thinking the fan in the DVD drive may have died. I'm going to pull the drive and check. If so, maybe I can find a close fit.

If it's the drive itself, I've found a lengthy post where people had luck with replacing the inner components of the drive (with cheap online replacement parts). This seems to be run around $40-$50. I'll give the unit a good cleaning before trying this.

I'll be sure to report back.

NBP04TL4ME

Subscribed.

Just based on what you have described so far the failed fan sounds like a good diagnosis. You said it works for about 5 minutes ( time enough to heat up???) and when you first opened it up "it smelled hot." Not sure smelling hot is a good description, but I get what you are trying to say.

Jdrum1

I didn't want to that it smelled like something was burning, but I'm sure you know that hot electronics smell I'm referring to.

Now to figure out how to remove the unit.......

NBP04TL4ME

This may be helpful - https://acurazine.com/forums/audio-b...errors-873489/ The first part talks about drive removal from the trunk.

Tomtwtwtw

The main difference is that the DVD drive on the RDX is actually in the front of the car, accessible from near the passenger side below the cupholders. At least, to replace the disk that's where you go. Not sure if that panel gives you enough access to remove the whole drive or if you have to start pulling apart the center console. Once accessible though, the procedure should be the same.

NBP04TL4ME

^^^^ My bad.

Tomtwtwtw

Hey, still useful info! The drive itself is probably the same for all Acuras that use that particular disc.

NBP04TL4ME

It is likely the same or very similar, but I can't believe I missed the fact the OP posted this in the 1G RDX forum, commented on how the RDX handles and mentions the RDX in his signature -

Jdrum1

Lol!

I looked at a diagram, and I think I can pull the unit without having to disassemble the console


The tread you linked is where I've been reading about possible fixes.

Jdrum1

For reference, the drive model # is DV36M110.

Looks like it can be purchased from AliExpress from around $40.

Have yet determine if my fan is working. There isn't enough slack in the cables to pull the unit out of its cubby while powered up......

Just finished cleaning the laser, so we'll see what happens.

Jdrum1

Also, I think I'm going to leave the cover off to help dissipate heat. I know this puts it at some risk to dirt, but the space the drive is in is super clean and well sealed.

Jdrum1

Just reinstalled with the cover off. Worked upon startup (be sure to have your Nav code handy) with no issues.

Used mirror to see if the fan was spinning, and it wasn't. That said, the unit may have not gotten up to temp for it to kick on.......

I let it run for 10-15 minutes, and no problems. I'll find out later today if it's really fixed.

If it works, I won't know it it's due to cleaning or to heat dissipation (since the cover is off). I'm a scientist; I don't like not knowing what to attribute my results to!

If I get the error again, I'll use the mirror again to check the fan while I'm getting the error. If it's the fan, somebody linked a replacement in the long TL thread.

I'm still leaning towards something heat related given the way it smelled when it first crapped out in Denver.

NBP04TL4ME

Interesting results so far. Keep us posted!

Jdrum1

I absolutely will.

It's a frustrating problem, and I'm more than happy to park this information here for anybody who needs it in the future.

Tomtwtwtw

By fan are you referring to a little fan in the console to keep the drive cool? If so I highly doubt it's temp-controlled. It should function like a basic computer case fan and just spin. Hopefully your continues to work well!

Jdrum1

That's the one. It's spinning, but unfortunately, I'm still getting the error.

With the cover off, and the panel open, the drive is EXTREMELY loud. Lots of odd clicking noises.

I did just return from some errands, and on the trip back home, no clicking noises and no error message. I think something in the drive is failing.

Guess I'll turn to AliExpress for a replacement.

Jdrum1

Drive ordered for a total of $52.

Tomtwtwtw

Good luck!

Jdrum1

Of course it's worked just fine since I ordered a replacement!

NBP04TL4ME

Isn't that usually the way? Just keep in mind Murphy is always lurking............

Jdrum1

Got the replacement. It looks EXACTLY like what was in it (other than different numbers printed on it).

The unit did not work at first; the worm gear wasn't making contact with the laser mechanism, so the laser wouldn't move. Messing with it a bit seemed to fix it, and it's been fine for a few days.

While changing the units out, I noticed that the ribbon cable clams on the DVD mechanism weren't tight (ribbon cable was loosely in place). I don't think this caused my problem, but it's worth checking for anybody with issues reading this.

I'll be sure to post any updates.

Jdrum1

It's almost exactly a year, and the drive is still working great. Absolutely no issues.

chanoh

Jdrum1, Thanks for the update.
I got same issue and need to replace the DVD drive. How did you do that? Is there any manual?

Jdrum1

Look up above; there's a link to a thread on the TL forum that will show you how to do it.

chanoh

Found this, but it's dated after your post.

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-a.../#post15708202

Do you think it's right procedure?

Jdrum1

That's the thread I was talking about. Are you referring to a specific post on the thread?

That thread has instructions for cleaning the unit (our is in a different location).

chanoh

Yes, the link is saying about how to remove the drive from RDX. I'm wondering how easy or hard to do that.

Jdrum1

I'm guessing you are referring to post #357 in that thread. That's how you remove the nav unit.

You'll need long extensions to reach the bolts that hold the unit down (one in particular is way back there).

From there, I'd follow the original posts directions on how to clean the unit. Try that first. If that doesn't work, try ordering a new drive from AliExpress.