1998 Jaguar XJ8 CD Changer - No Disk Error?

Thx Guys!! This Solutions still works in 2018...

Lazlo
September 2018

I know its an old thread, but in case people look this up in the future...

CWD, it wont read your home made discs because the file types are too new. A 2001 cd player wont be able to read a file type that was created after 2001. I cant remember specific types it can or cant read, but just remember to keep to old file formats

Stevie Nix
April 2016

I just fixed my Jag XJ6 multi changer this way bit of a bugger getting the screws out of the mounting unit on the car. Once done I cleaned with WD 40 all working well know. I suspect it gets dry in the heat.

Steve
September 2015

Had a "CDC Error" caused by the CD changer in boot of XJ6 2004 not being able to eject or change a CD from the fifth track. Removed unit as described above and manually rotated the big gear which cured the error. CD works fine for now although I haven't tried the fifth track yet.

psmart2000
January 2013

Awesome. 2005 XJR with CDC "no disk error". This fix worked perfectly. Thanks.

BobC
September 2012

I have the same problem with my 2000 XK8 convertible. After reading these fix-it posts I will attempt a DIY fix. Thank you all for the advice.

Don O'Neill
July 2012

Sorry chaps but how on earth do you undo the screws securing the autochanger? I can't find a screwdriver to fit the tiny space (even right-angled ones are too big).

Guest
August 2011

just had mine fixed.....a screw was loose in the CD mechanism.

tamb0
May 2011

Thanks for all that. Fixed it on my 1999 xj8. Lovely job!

Guido
April 2011

On my 2000 XJ8 I do not see the small philips head screws needed for removal of the auto changer. I am getting the No Disc error. Are there more detailed removal instructions posted somewhere?

DSW
October 2010

I had the same problem with my 2002 X-Type CD changer (trunk mount). The cartridge went in and out ok, but it kept saying "No Disc".

It wasn't easy to get the cover open, but since it was useless as is, I had nothing to lose by trying. Now it's working fine.

Thank you very much!

Tony
March 2010

Sometimes the disc selector mechanism will get out of sync. If it stops just short of the maximum travel, it will not start the sequence of selecting discs again. Because this mechanism is a worm gear drive, it is impossible to push the mechanism or big gear around a bit to get to the end of travel. The solution is to remove the whole unit from the case and remove the first driven gear beside the motor. Then you can easily move the mechanism to the end of travel and the sequence will re-start when you power the unit up. Don't forget to put lithium grease on everything while it is apart. If you need more details, or close-up photos, post a reply and I'll put them on a website.

Alan
November 2009

Same problem can occur in the 2003 - 2008 model XJ6/8 (X350 model). Captain Morgan's repair works for that model too. I had the frustrating "CD Fault" message and found a CD was jammed half way across (so couldn't remove the cassette box either). Remove carpet, remove CD changer (you need a short Torx screwdriver), remove power and optical fibre connections from rear, then carefully disassemble the box, once you have it in a clean environment. Move the gears that wind the various parts in and out, up and down, to ensure they're free, then apply white grease sparingly with a Q-Tip/Cotton Bud. Keep the grease and cotton bud clear of the disk drive wheel and laser/reader. Like Cap'n M says, check it works before reassembling everything. One note: Do take care with the connection tape that connects the main box to the optic fibre unit - it is very flimsy and you don't want to break it.

Thank you Cap'n. Saved £120 ($???) on a repair or £670 on a new box.

Alan Cartwright (England)
November 2009

Tried to fix this same problem on my '98 XJ8 VDP, opened up the CD changer unit and lubricated the gears. The disks are selected and moved over to be played correctly, but they never start to spin, so they then are moved back to the stack, and the next one is loaded and returned, until they are all gone through. Any ideas?

Ian
October 2009

just fixed my 2001 VDP, same exact problem, took it apart, did not need any lubrication, just had to push hard on the big gear to get it unstuck, now working perfectly, was fun to take apart and fix, better than spending $400 to buy a new one, came apart and together quite easily

Bill B
October 2009

I just fixed my Changer. I tried greasing all moving parts and gears. Nothing. Then I looked at it closely while under power and imagined how it would need to move across to read the disc. It was not doing that so I tapped on the area that would do this function, it snapped (unjambed) and started working. I put extra grease on those moving parts and tried turning the system on and off many times to make sure it was working. I reassembled and checked periodically to make sure it was still working. Finally, I put the carpeting back in place. It works like a new machine, maybe better now that it's lubed up. I wiped off any excess grease to minimize the odds of it getting onto anything that might cause the unit to malfunction.

TimO
September 2009

OHH MY GAWD !! Capt. Morgan. I took my 2000 VandenPlas CD changer appart just as you stated, and greased it up with the lithium greese, and It now WOrks. I was getting the no CD Error. Thanks a million !! AL in New Jersey !

AL
June 2009

Thanks Capt. Morgan. That worked for my CD changer too.

BDA
May 2008

I get the no disc error on my 1997 R Reg XJ8 when i put in a homemade CD but works fine for normal bought CD's. I expect it doesn't play CD-R and CD-RW.

Can anyone confirm this?

CWD
February 2008

Same problem on my 2000 xj8-This simple solution worked for me....try at your own risk.


Gently pull back carpeting from cd changer. remove 4 small philip head screws to remove changer. Disconnect pin connector and remove unit from trunk. remove the 6 small philip head screws from cd player casing. Gently seperate the rear of the casing (gently pry away tabs near main wire). Open the unit like a clamshell at the back of the changer. Using a flashlight illuminate the internals. Spray a SMALL amount of lubricant (I used white lithium grease with long skinny straw attachment) onto the exposed gears and levers inside the unit. Temporarily plug unit into the wire harness and test before re-install. Repeat lubricant proceedure if "no love" and try again. My unit took two tries but then started reading and running properly ever since-I hope this works for you as this seems a common problem on this car. On a side note sold a Mercedes S-430 after spending $7000 on "maintenence" on a car with 80k miles the 2000 Jaguar XJ8 has been a much better car so far!

Cap't Morgan
November 2007

I have exactly the same problem on a 2000 year XJ8, and would be interested to hear if you have identified a solution.

Many thanks

Colin Everett

Colin R Evererett
June 2007