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

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by Philip, Dec 21, 2005.

  1. Philip

    Philip Guest

    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
     
    Philip, Dec 21, 2005
    #1
  2. Philip

    mikeFNB Guest

    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
     
    mikeFNB, Dec 22, 2005
    #2
  3. Philip

    Philip Guest

    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
     
    Philip, Dec 22, 2005
    #3
  4. Just as an aside here why not WD 40?
    Patrick
     
    Patrick E. King, Dec 22, 2005
    #4
  5. Philip

    Philip Guest

    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
     
    Philip, Dec 22, 2005
    #5
  6. Philip

    essexgirl Guest

    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
     
    essexgirl, Dec 22, 2005
    #6
  7. Philip

    markrl Guest

    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.
     
    markrl, Dec 23, 2005
    #7
  8. Philip

    Chris Guest

    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
     
    Chris, Dec 23, 2005
    #8
  9. Philip

    Mike Guest

    Dont suppose you would tell us how much?

    Mike
     
    Mike, Dec 24, 2005
    #9
  10. Philip

    Chris Guest

    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.
     
    Chris, Dec 24, 2005
    #10
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