Quick question about the stereo on the Elise

[NWTony]

All,

Another query, the clarion DB138RB keeps stopping playing CD's randomly, coming up with Err3 as a helpful guide. I didn't get a stereo handbook when I bought it and it's discontinued and the Clarion UK website doesn't have this particular make and model on it any more - very helpful of them. I've looked at the pdf manual for the closest match numerically DBXXXRB and it comes up with the disc is scratched or warped.

I don't think this can be the case as some of the discs are brand spanking new proper ones and others are compilations I've converted from MP3 and put onto CD audio myself. Is this a common problem? Does anyone have a pdf or scanned version of the manual out there?

Occasionally the radio goes a bit funny too - any chance that its anything to do with the way the face is put on and taken off?

Minor irritation of course but sometimes you just don't want to be listening to the engine...

Cheers!

[hbaumhardt]

I have the same DB138RB of 2003 vintage which gives me loads of ERR3 on CDs specially CD audio I have burnt. Also volume knob stops working after 30 mins while. I may replace with a harmonica and steer with my knees.

[DPR]

NWTony said:

All, Another query, the clarion DB138RB keeps stopping playing CD's randomly, coming up with Err3 as a helpful guide. I didn't get a stereo handbook when I bought it and it's discontinued and the Clarion UK website doesn't have this particular make and model on it any more - very helpful of them. I've looked at the pdf manual for the closest match numerically DBXXXRB and it comes up with the disc is scratched or warped. I don't think this can be the case as some of the discs are brand spanking new proper ones and others are compilations I've converted from MP3 and put onto CD audio myself. Is this a common problem? Does anyone have a pdf or scanned version of the manual out there? Occasionally the radio goes a bit funny too - any chance that its anything to do with the way the face is put on and taken off? Minor irritation of course but sometimes you just don't want to be listening to the engine... Cheers!

Mine does that all the time (ERR6 or ERR3) especially when its cold and/or wet outside. Takes about 30 mins before its warm/dry enough to work although its getting worse and some CDs just wont play at all. The head unit is rubbish.

Radio reception is shaky at best.

Changing the head unit is a common recommendation

[shangani]

Mine did the same thing - it was always worse in winter. I would not play CD's when the temp was near freezing. I was told it was a combination of condensation and a poor quality laser. As the radion reception is duff, it really did not help me for in-car entertainment. Basically I got tired of changing the CD's and trying to keep them free of moisture etc etc (none of which worked anyway) and bought a new head unit that reads MP3's - no need to change CD now. That has lasted 14 months with no hassles so far.

HB - aren't you supposed to be doing the Christmas tree, not playing the harmonica?

[hbaumhardt]

What, squeeze a 7ft xmas tree in the pax seat for extra pine freshness

Any recommendations for a replacement RDS single CD player which is direct front loading (not flip down facia to load) and has a simple display that shows the radio sation or track/time without any maxx bling animations or whatnot (which annoy the crap out of me).

[shangani]

I went for the flip down fascia as I was told it was less likely to let in condensation which seems to have killed my old one. No real bling though. Was also a clarion with a memory facility for mp3's. I will find the spec.

[S Works]

IIRC the Clarions which are standard fit are pretty crummy. Better to pull it out, whack it on ebay and get a few quid towards a decent replacement. Can recommend Alpine (which I have in mine). Really quality pieces of kit and what was recommended to me in 3 different retailers when I was shopping around.

[NWTony]

Ah, it is a rubbish stereo then! That's a relief

Probably an OK stereo in a normal car , it's not like the interior of the Elise is the worlds most hospitable environment for sensitive electronics. As money is a bit tight at the moment I'm going to have to put up with it - the radio reception isn't that bad most of the time and I don't want to replace it with something equally rubbish. Has anyone been successful in keeping the moisture out of the CD player? I was thinking of those littel packs of silica desiccator they pack with electronics - I work in laboratories so I can get my hands on quite large amounts......

Anyway thanks for letting me know, I'm almost pleased that everyones stereo is crap and not just mine

Cheers.