Vauxhall CDR500 Problems why is it such a hassle for a simple job?

Hi

My CDR500 started skipping on the CD so at the service I mentioned this and
was offered a warranty replacement, they didn't have one there so I have to
go back a week later when they have one. They fit it, tell me it is worse
than the original and swap it back. They get me another one, that is fitted,
I drive away, after waiting an hour for a 5 minute job and already late back
to work, try a CD and get problems. Each time I go to the garage it is
always a farce for such a simple thing (Vauxhall dealer) and requires a trip
from work in my lunch hour, and with them keeping me waiting for an hour for
a 5 minute job I lose my own time. Why do they have to put my car on a ramp
and walk underneath it with an inspection lamp to change the radio? I saw
them do it and couldn't believe what I was seeing and when I queried it they
said they had to do some standard checks, crazy.

Anyway I have lost all faith in them and wonder if it is something silly
like telling the unit what car it is in and wonder if the first replacement
had the same problems because of that, I have a Vauxhall Astra, the problem
with the new unit is on CD it will play the first 30 seconds or so then skip
back to the beginning, or pressing the volume control on the steering wheel
will cause the CD to skip back to the start immediately. If the radio is on
(so it isn't just a CD problem now) it will start swapping between radio
stations every 2 or 3 seconds.

The Vauxhall dealer now wants to book my car in for 2 days to sort it out,
yes 2 days, suggesting the steering wheel controls are now broken, despite
them not being a problem originally. While they will give me a courtesy car
it is all extra hassle, I know exactly what will happen, on the second day I
will be told my old unit has gone back in and will need to wait 7 days for
them to get another one, then sort out again about having that fitted! I
could walk into Halfords tomorrow and get a new system fitted in 30 minutes!

So any ideas, is it just a case that the unit needs to be told what type of
car it is in?

Regards

Phil

 

i would suspect it is your stalk control that is at fault (quite common)

with a little dismantling of the column surround, and a squirt of switch
cleaner (NOT WD40!!!) it should cure it.
mike

 

Hi

Thanks for the reply. It could well be, I know these co-incidences happen
but it was working without fault when I took the car in (it was just the CD
skipping at random or when going a bump), and an hour later I have no radio
or CD. A mate has suggested it could be a short where they have trapped a
wire installing it, and that wire is one going to the steering wheel
controls so it looks like to the unit a button is being constantly pressed.

Anyone know if with the warranty work being started by one Vauxhall dealer I
could take it to a different one?

Regards

Phil

 

Just as an aside here why not WD 40?
Patrick

 

WD40 is lubricant and leaves a thin film of oil, not good to have around a
steering wheel and would leave a film over the plastic buttons, the contacts
in the switches would also have oil over them that would then attract muck
that sticks to it I would guess, making matters worse.

A contact cleaner does the opposite, removes grease and doesn't leave a
residue.

Regards

Phil

 

As an electronics technician im not surprised by cd player problems in cars
nowadays in the UK. Look at the state of our roads. I have checked this
fault with lots of friends wanting cd systems etc fitted into their cars. I
found some of the standard car manufacturer cd players are extremely cheap
and nasty. What some even do is have a sony cd system. But the only sony
thing about it is the plastic cd player surround and buttons. Inside it
usually is some unknown chinese manufacturer pcb and electronics. My
suggestion is fit it between 2 soft cusions in ur back seat lol

 

As pointed out above the problem is very likely to be with the steering
wheel controls or wiring connectors which should be easily solved, not with
your stereo unit. The the CDR 500 now manufactured by VDO Dayton is a
perfectly good CD player. It may not be the sexiest unit available with all
the bells whistles, and neon lights of some but I have never had a problem.
As for the service at the main dealer this truly makes you weep (why are so
many so poor ?). Small wonder that with this level of service GM Europe has
failed to make a profit since 1999.
Still I dare say GM's loss is Toyota's gain.

 

Hmmm...just a bit of info for this thread really.

I have been looking for a CD player for my Astra - did the usual looking on
e-bay etc. But I thought, well, electronics have a limited life span - so
not worth going for second hand. Ended up getting a Vauxhall CD 441 XED -
installed in 5 seconds flat, works dash display and more importantly has
been rock solid since I've had it (about 6 months now). Never skipped once
over rough roads, I'm very pleased with it. I think it's a bit harsh to say
that car manufacturers kit is cheap and nasty - this unit certainly isnt and
comes thoroughly recommended.

Nuff said,
Chris

 

Dont suppose you would tell us how much?

Mike

 

Yep of course I will - it was £180. I ordered it direct off the Vauxhall
web site. Works with the steering wheel controls as well I believe - but I
haven't got these fitted.