yeah so I have a 2003 Lancer oz and the cd player is refusing to play cds. I put it in and it thinks a second and then shows a "e 01" on the display. Before this every once in a while it would make a funny sound. Is it just a "pos" and needs to be kicked to the curb or can it be fixed?

 

You could try to clean the lens with a cleaning disk, but for the price of a decent aftermarket stereo, throw the pos in the trash and be done with it. I just upgraded my HU and added A pillar tweeters to my car and the change was tremendous....much better clarity. Not to mention, it's not as ugly as the factory stereo.

 

Are you trying to play burnt cd's? Sometimes some factory head units have trouble reading the burnt discs..Even if it is taking a dump on you it should be covered under warranty still since your car is an '03 unless you're over on your mileage..But I myself would junk it and pick up a nice Pioneer head unit or something like it..It would sound a lot better than a factory head unit any day.

 

I have been playing burnt cds for a while and haven't had any probs. And I have tried the cleaning disk, but it won't play disks so it won't play that. In the book it explains the error as a possible bad cd(scratched or just bad condition) or that there may be dirt in there. I would love to get a new head unit and tweets and stuff but money is tight and I don't know for how much longer I want to keep the car. It is fun to drive but I want something better.

 

An 03 was likely manufactured in 02, making the last effective date of the warranty 2005. That happened to me many times, fortunately I always picked up the extended warranty. However, it is worth a try to take it to the dealer. If you're low on cash try a pawnshop. For a good number of years all my stereos were Audivox pawnshop specials...gets the job done. Or, try Ebay.