On Tuesday, August 21, 2012 12:43:04 PM UTC-4, William Sommerwerck wrote:
A weak laser is a major cause of tracking problems. If cleaning the laser optics doesn't fix the problem, you might need to look for a replacement optical system, or a complete drive mechanism.

I've already tried two new laser pickups, and a replacement subassembly containing the pickup, spindle & sled motors, with only slight changes in performance. (I've had two spindle motor failures between the two machines I have.) I also took the complete drive assembly from an identical working player and installed it in this one and still have the same problems.

That's why I'm looking for a service menu in order to adjust the servo gains/offsets. The older players had pots for this.

Mike