Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Cd Playback Problems With Nonstandard CDS (GROUP 91, NO. 16-51)
Reference number: GROUP 91, NO. 16-51
Supersedes refnos: 2013159, GROUP 91, NO. 06-32, GROUP 91, NO. 08-178, GROUP 91, NO. 08-62, GROUP 91, NO. 10-09, GROUP 91, NO. 11-88, GROUP 91, NO. 15-02
CD PLAYBACK PROBLEMS WITH NONSTANDARD CDS
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
| AUDI: | All 1999 - 2018 |
| GROUP: | 91 - Radio, Telephone, Board Computer, Multi-Function Indicator (MFI) |
91 16 51 2013159/7 June 27, 2016. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 91 number 15-02 dated July 10, 2015.
| Model(s) | Year | VIN Range | Vehicle-Specific Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| All | 1999 - 2018 | All | CD player |
CONDITION
The CD player (in-dash or external) has playback problems, which may include:
- The CD will not play.
- "CD error" message appears.
- "No CD" message.
- The CD only plays after a delay of several minutes.
- CD tracks end early or are skipped entirely.
- Cracking noises or hesitations are heard when the CD is playing.
- The CD is automatically ejected or cannot be inserted.
Tip: The symptoms may differ between Audi sound system packages.
TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
The CD does not meet the official Compact Disc Digital Audio standard (also called "Red Book" standard) due to poor CD quality or anti-copy protection, which causes playback problems. For example:
- The CD will not play: Caused by anti-copy protection or wrong format (DVD, MP3 CD in older non-MP3 capable system, etc.)
- "CD error" message appears: Caused by anti-copy protection or a dirty/scratched CD.
- "No CD" message: Caused by poor quality reflection coating on writable CDs.
- The CD only plays after a delay of several minutes: Caused by anti-copy protection.
- CD tracks end early or are skipped entirely: Caused by anti-copy protection or poor quality of burned CDs.
- Cracking noises or hesitations are heard when the CD is playing: Caused by anti-copy protection or poor quality of burned CDs.
- The CD is automatically ejected or cannot be inserted: Caused by rough outer edge of CD, homemade CD label, audio DVD with thicker data carrier, special CD format, or a CD is already inserted.
Tip: The official Compact Disc Digital Audio standard was agreed upon in 1982 by several manufacturers of CD players. The standard defines the requirement for audio CDs with the label "Compact Disc Digital Audio". CDs that violate the standard may have playback issues.
PRODUCTION SOLUTION
Not applicable.
SERVICE
Test the player
- Confirm that an original, store-bought CD without anti-copy protection can be played. If the CD was produced after 2001, it should be labeled with the Compact Disc Digital Audio logo (Figure 1).
- If the CD plays without any issues, the player is working correctly. Share the Troubleshooting Tips section below with the customer.
Removing a CD that cannot be ejected
- If a CD cannot be ejected, disconnect power from the unit then reconnect the power.
- Attempt to eject the CD again.
- If the CD still cannot be ejected, do not attempt to open the CD player. The player must be sent back to the manufacturer. Refer to the Audio Direct Exchange User's Guide on the Audi Warranty Online web site.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Fingerprints, dust, or soil can cause the CD to skip. Clean the CD using a soft, lint-free cloth. Clean from the center of the CD to the outer edge. Do not use a circular motion to clean the disc.
- Cracked, warped, or broken discs can damage the CD player.
- In cold weather, a condition known as "hard frost" can occur when the vehicle is warmed up. Hard frost causes condensation to form on the pickup lens inside of the CD player, which causes the laser beam to diffract and may cause an error code. To avoid the hard frost condition, allow the CD player to warm up before use.
- Ensure that the CD complies with official Compact Disc Digital Audio standard:
- CDs with a small diameter (about 8 cm) or with special shapes do not meet the standard (Figure 1).
- CDs that are too thick (such as audio DVDs with a film data coat on one side and an audio data coat on the other) do not meet the standard.
- CDs with adhesive labels, stronger protective rings on the inner or outer edge, or with writing on the surface do not meet the standard (Figure 2).
- CDs that are damaged or have a rough inner or outer edge do not meet the standard (Figure 3).
WARRANTY
This TSB is informational only and not applicable to any Audi warranty.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
All parts and service references provided in this TSB (2013159) are subject to change and/or removal. Always check with your Parts Department and service manuals for the latest information.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.