Audio System - Nonstandard CD Playback Problems
91 CD playback problems with nonstandard CDs
91 11 88
2013159/5
June 20, 2011
Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 91 number 10 - 09 dated March 19, 2010 for reasons listed below.
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Affected Vehicles
Condition
The CD player (in-dash or external) has playback problems with one or several of the following symptoms:
^ It is not possible to play a CD. (Cause: anti-copy protection, wrong data carrier, e.g. DVD, mp3-CD etc.)
^ After inserting the CD, the message CD error appears. (Cause: anti-copy protection, dirty or scratched CD.)
^ The CD is played with a delay of several minutes after inserting the CD in the radio/CD changer. (Cause: anti- copy protection.)
^ The playback of a track is aborted and continues with the next track. In the worst case, the system skips between various tracks. (Cause: anti-copy
protection or poor quality of self-burned CDs.)
^ A CD is played with cracking noises or short hesitations. (Cause: anti-copy protection or poor quality of self- burned CDs.)
^ The CD cannot be inserted in the drive or is ejected again. (Cause: rough outer edge of the CD, self-made CD label, audio DVD with thicker data
carrier, special formats, two CDs in a slot.)
^ NO CD ID displayed although a CD has been inserted. (Cause: poor quality of the reflection coating with writable CDs.)
Tip: The symptoms may differ between Audi sound system packages.
Technical Background
The audio CD in use doesn't meet the Red Book specifications because of anti-copy protection or poor CD quality.
The technical standard "Red Book" for music CDs was agreed upon in 1982 by several manufacturers of CD players. It defines the requirements for
audio CDs with the label "Compact Disc Digital Audio." CD drives develop different problems with CDs that violate one or several points of the
standard.
Production Solution
No change.
Service
Check whether an original CD without anti-copy protection can be played. Such CDs are normally labeled as follows:
From approximately 2001, CDs with anti-copy protection have been produced. Older CDs without the above symbol can also be used for the test.
If the CD is played without problems, the player is fine and must not be replaced.
MP3-capable CD drives
CDs created using the embedded CD creation (burning) program in Microsoft's Windows Vista(R) operating system may not be read. The program
uses the UDF disk format (replaced previous ISO 9660 format standard) and therefore the CD data may not be recognized by the CD drive. For
diagnosis, attempt to read the CD in a similar audio system with the same software level.
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Tip: CD drives are MP3-capable in the following Audi audio systems: Gen II+ (Bosch) CAN radios; Gen III (Panasonic) CAN radios; Navigation
plus (Aisin) CAN radios; MMI 2G audio systems from CW 45/06 production and all MMI 3G audio systems.
Warranty
If a CD cannot be ejected, disconnect power from the unit and reconnect. Attempt to eject the CD again. If the CD still will not eject, do not attempt
to open the CD player. The CD(S) must only be removed by the manufacture accompanied by the Customer Media Return Form.
If the unit has been opened or this problem is caused by CDs not meeting the standard, the sent-in CD changer/player may be debited.
This TSB is informational only and not applicable to any Audi warranty.
Additional Information
Tips on CD care and use:
^ Fingerprints, dust or soil on the disc may cause skipping.
^ Do not use a circular motion to clean a disc. Clean from center of disc to outer edge using a soft, lint-free cloth.
^ Do not write on disc or use adhesive labels.
^ Never attempt to play a cracked, warped or damaged disc. This could severely damage the playback mechanism.
^ During cold weather, if the inside of the vehicle is suddenly warmed, a condition known as hard frost can occur when condensation forms on the
pickup lens inside the CD player.
Condensation can cause the laser beam to diffract and may cause the CD player to generate an ERR code. During extremely cold temperatures, allow
the CD player ample time to warm up prior to use.
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CDs that do not meet the Red Book standard can be identified as shown above.
All parts and service references provided in this TSB are subject to change and/or removal. Always check with your Parts Department and service
manuals for the latest information.
