Err 3 Flashing On Cd Player - What Does This Mean?

[mmatthej1]

My son has just got a 1999 IS200 - the stereo will play cassettes ok (whoopee!!) but when we press button for CD section, ERR3 flashes on the screen.

We can't seem to feed in a fresh CD and nothing happens when we press the related Eject button - any ideas please?

(btw, the radio just puts out static and just hunts for stations on FM band - almost like aerial not connected - again any ideas, plse? - not as important as CD problem tho!)

[ChrisIS200SportTTE]

Bad news.... Error 3 means it Kaput. Sorry but it's not fixable. Best get a nice aftermarket unit in there. It's double din after all so a nice touch screen with DVD and sat nav maybe? :)

[ChrisIS200SportTTE]

As for the radio sounds like the antenna isn't connected at the back, or, like mine was the actual Ariel was snapped and the previous owner had superglued it back together lol

[mmatthej1]

Hum, I feared the worst seeing ERR3 - is it easy enough to get the unit out of the dash?

[ChrisIS200SportTTE]

Yeah simple mate. Loads of info on this. Just do a search. You will need an amp bypass cable if it's a SE or Sport. Again lots of info on this and the cables a readily available on eBay

[BarneyTT]

As for removal of the stereo, try this youtube clip:

[mmatthej1]

Thanks for responses - the YouTube video is most useful, assuming that it will apply to our older 1999 car!

(think I'll try that suggestion of a Battery dis-connect, as a first "fingers crossed" remedy, tho' not too hopeful really!)

[ChrisIS200SportTTE]

Yes mate the vid will apply. Apart from a few little changes cosmetically the 1st gen IS is the same car 99-2005

[mmatthej1]

Ah, unfortunately the 'disconnect the battery' trick didn't work, so we're back to taking out the duff unit and replacing ..........

[BarneyTT]

Working units come up on eBay, might be worth a look unless you want to go down the after market route.

[Stuart Aspey]

ALSO!! Err3 could be a stuck CD. My old unit didn't have a stuck CD, it was kaput . . . I replaced Like for Like and put a CD in and it got stuck, I was able to remove the CD and put it back together and it has been fine.

I attached a GROM Bluetooth kit to the unit (Acts like another CD Changer) and I play music through my phone, yet have the option to use the CD, Tape or Radio if I wish.