Common mechanical problems with dvd players not playing or reading discs.

The most common mechanical problems that can prevent a dvd player from playing or reading the discs are the following:

1. The spindle motor not functioning properly (this is by far the most common, if the spindle motor is not spinning the discs then the optical lens can not read them). For the most part it is an cheap part to replace averaging around 25-25 dollars if you can replace it yourself. If you do not know how and have to take it to a repair shop expect to pay 50-75 dollars in labor. The key is to listen closely when you insert the disk into the player, you should be able to hear it spin up. If you hear nothing then that is most likely the problem.

2. The cd tray could be out of alignment. This is another easy and cheap fix if you have the proper tools. This could happen if you drop or pull and push on the cd tray.

3. The small gears are plastic and often break, this will cause the players other parts not to move and function properly also. They are hard to get to, but inexpensive to replace from the manufacturer. A visual inspection is usually required to determine if the small teeth have been broken, which requires for the most part taking out the carriage assembly.

4. The small belt drives either break or come off. Again, this will cause the other mechanical parts not to function. They are a pain to put back on also. There are usually 2-3 of them inside your player.

5. The Optical reader has malfunctioned. This is the most expensive thing to replace, so you might as well buy another player unless you can find a great deal on one someplace. You can check to see if the laser is firing with a visual inspection (DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY INTO THE LASER) put in a disc with the case off and you should see the glow of the laser hitting the disc.

6. The tray also has a drive motor which can fail and cause the cd tray not to open and it also has a track that it rides on. Check these two components if you are having problems with your cd tray.