Hi,

Car: Audi A8 2.8 1998 model (UK) S-Reg.

My Sat-Nav system seems to be bust. It was working fine but after I
changed the CD it no longer works, even if I switch back to the
original CD

My guess is that the drive was close to bust due to excessive wear/dust
or whatever, and changing the CD just worsened the probelm beyond
workability. I have been looking for a replacement unit at breakers but
to no avail.

The error message in the display is invariably: "System error: Please
check CD-ROM".

I tried using one of those CD-ROM cleaning CD's with tiny brushes, but
that didn't make any difference.

Now I'm wondering what the most common type of fault in this sort of
unit is, and if a hobby guy like me stands a chance of repairing it
myself. I read the faq at http://www.deinmeister.de/cdrep_e.htm and
browsed http://repairfaq.ece.drexel.edu/sam/cdfaq.htm as well, but I'd
like to know what my odds are before I start trying to take the unit
apart.

Also the unit is mounted in the boot (trunk) of the car and the surface
of it shows some signs of corrosion which would indicate it has been
exposed to humidity (not surprising). So I wonder maybe some corrosion
on the rails where the head move might prevent it from moving correctly
and I guess that could be fixed with some graphite or teflon oil.

Basically I'm just hoping someone has some experience with a unit
mounted in a car over a number of years in a medium to cold climate,
and can give me some idea of what to expect and whether it's worth it
for me to try and repair it myself - otherwise pointers to someone who
might be able to help, either with repairing the unit or sourcing a
replacement, would also be greatly appreciated

BR,
Descore