My 99 TL CD player rejects all CDs that I put into it. I heard that the optical lense needs to be updated/recalibrated and it will cost $420, so, I've decided to replace the head unit instead.

Does anyone here have DIY instructions on how to replace head unit? And, will a '02 stock radio fit in a '99?

 

Welcome to the forum. Yes the 02-03 headunits are a direct replacement.

Use this link to remove the radio.
http://www.skyeflye.com/acura_cls/In...01-2003_CL.pdf

 

Thanks for the response and link. Although the link is for a CL but I think it should be very similar to my TL.

I hope the electrical wiring for the '02 TL stock radio will have no problem in my '99 TL. I haven't seen any posting online about people doing this so I hope I'm making the right choice.

 

Yes, the replacement steps in that link are identical for the TL. I used those instructions when I installed a 2003 TL radio in my 1999 TL. The 02-03 TL radio was a plug n play replacement into my TL but I have seen some questions about differences between the navigation and non-navigation versions of the radio. My memory is fuzzy on that so search the forum for more details.

Did you try a CD laser lens cleaner on your radio? That really helped my 1999 radio with retail CDs. It didn't really like burned CDs but that's not uncommon for the 1999-2001 TL radios.

Also, you might want to install an adapter for an iPod or other MP3 player while you have access to the back of the radio. I installed a Blitzsafe adapter with my new radio and it works great with my iPod. I hardly play CDs any more. In fact, you could just install an adapter in your current radio and move straight to MP3s.

 

I tried a Memorex CD cleaner but my CD player keep rejecting it. I didn't get the error message like the others online, but nevertheless, replacing the head unit is my best bet to resolve my problem.

I'm not too savvy to install an IPOD or MP3 player on the head unit so I'll just stick with replacing the stock radio. I just want to get the CD player to play my CDs.

 

I totally understand. An 02-03 radio will work out great for you. I bought mine via the Acurazine Black Market forum and it has worked beautifully. You can also find them on eBay and car-part.com:

http://car-part.com/

If possible, buy one with a warranty.

Bob