A TechLore "Ask the Experts" Question...

Question:

I have a Fisher Studio 24 compact disc player and when I put a disc in and push play it says searching ,but then says M-error. What does that mean? What can I do?

-submitted by debbie4000

Answer:

There's nothing like cryptic error messages to only make matters worse when your device doesn't work. Not only do you need to figure out why it's not working, but you need to take your best guess at what an "M-Error" is.

"M-Error" is short for mechanical error. This kind of error is common to devices like CD Players, DVD players, and VCRs. Basically, it can happen to anything with a mechanical system that loads and ejects media.

Mechanical errors can be any number of things. In some cases a gear is stuck, in others a part has jammed. Sometimes, a CD is positioned wrong or has fallen off of the carousel, causing the platter to not turn. One way or another, something mechanical is inhibiting the operation of the unit. Without being able to look inside and see what's causing it, that's about the best diagnosis someone can give.

I'd be willing to bet there is a busted gear underneath the carousel, which seems to be the most common issue with Fisher CD 24 disc CD players displaying a mechanical error. While it is possible to fix this yourself, you'd need to completely take apart the CD player, diagnose the exact problem, attain the parts, replace the parts, and put the unit back together again. Not an easy task unless you're really into this stuff, otherwise take it to a service center for repair, or head out shopping and replace it.

Let us know what happens by using the discussion page by clicking the link at the bottom of the page. Good luck!

Matt Whitlock - Editor, TechLore.com