I just picked up an Aiwa stereo system at a rummage sale.  (It is a
3-CD Changer. Model Cx-NA22)  All works well except that the CD starts
to turn then stops.  It then tries the next CD on the turntable, and
the problem repeats until the third CD is mounted.  The top is
translucent so I can see the CD trying to spin, but only for a couple
of seconds.

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Request for Question Clarification by chromedome-ga on 10 Aug 2002 18:36 PDT

I'm not quite clear on this, lew:  does the machine not play any of
the CD's (cycles through all three without spinning up); or does it
fail to spin up the CD's in the #1 & #2 position but somehow finds #3?

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Clarification of Question by lew-ga on 11 Aug 2002 06:56 PDT

Sorry for not being cleaer.  The CD player attempts to spin up, but
barely turns.  This occurs on all three CDs in the turntable, then
quits.  Even though the top of the case is translucent, I can't see if
the laser is on.  Of course, it's at the back of the case and may be
blocked by the CD.

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Request for Question Clarification by penguin-ga on 11 Aug 2002 23:22 PDT

Hi Lew!
I have had CD-R's not play properly in some players and fine in
others, so I wonder if we can isolate the problem by indicating the
media you use?
Are you experiencing this problem with CD-R's, CD-RW's, or commercial
cds? Perhaps all three or another?
Thanks,
Penguin

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Clarification of Question by lew-ga on 12 Aug 2002 19:08 PDT

Penguin-ga:  I've only tried commercially produced CDs.

Probably the reason why you got the cd player at a rummage sale was
that the person selling it knew it was broken, and wanted to make some
quick cash. I would recommend going back to the person/vendor and
complaining.  Attempt to get some of your money back if you still want
the cd player.  If you don't want it, try to get a full refund if you
return the player.  It is probably not worth getting repairs on by a
proffessional, because the cost will probably outway the fixed cd
player's value.  Just buy a new one or a factory refurbished one.

Thanks for your comments, but I'm aware of the "buyer beware" nature
of rummage sales.  The remaining functions (cassette, radio, and aux
input) work fine and were worth what I paid. (I also purchased a 200
watt stereo receiver for $5 which works fine.)  I would never consider
professional repair on a used stereo, which is why I'm looking for
help here!

lew...

I have a Sony stereo with a 3-disk CD-changer that
recently developed the same problem. I wish I could
say that I've found a solution, but at least you'll
know you're not alone. My unit did not sustain any
'damage'...it just stopped recognizing CDs. What
occurs to me offhand, but which I have not yet been
able to try, is to use one of those 'cleaner' CDs
that has a series of ridges or flaps which act as 
a fan to blow the mirrors and other mechanisms clean.
My thought is that it may just be some dust, accumulated
on the mechanism which recognizes the CD...perhaps a 
laser emitter is dusty or somesuch...

Good luck, and I'll be watching for an answer, too.

sublime1-ga

Sorry for the delaying in replying to sublime1-ga, but I've been out
of town.  I tried a CD cleaner, the disk-type with a brush intended to
clean the lens. It did not help.  I will next try spraying with dust
remover spray and will let you know if it helps.

lew...

I wondered where you were. Hope you had a good time,
and I'm looking forward to hearing the results.
It sounds like you're going to use compressed air,
as in the cans you use to clean a keyboard...
Good luck...

sublime1-ga

It is very likely that you have a bad IC that drives the CD spindle
motor (the one that spins the CD). And what causes it to go bad is the
spindle motor
itself.  You could try replacing the IC and the motor both to correct
the problem.  If you replace only the IC then the borderline devective
motor would
eventually fry the new IC too.  Good luck.  Hope this helps.  I run a
small electronic repair shop in Texas and have seen this problem many,
many times.  Sometimes you luck out and all it is is the motor but to
be sure you will have to replace both IC and motor.  It appears that
the microprocessor (computer) is sending the "kick" pulse but the
driver IC is not continuing to run afterward.