Fixing My Sony DVD Recorder RDR GX-300

After years of faithful service from my Sony DVD recorder, it finally had it.  Every time I inserted a disc, it said the disc is dirty and C1300 code.  Even though it was a new disc and I know it is "clean".

Last month I opened up the machine and disassembled the components all the way down to the DVD drive and vacuum every part to rid of dust.  It has accumulated quite a thick layer on the circuit boards and fan.  To my surprise the DVD lens was clean with no dust on it.  I re-assembled the parts, the symptoms remain.

Disassemble Sony RDR GX-300

 I was already looking online to find a replacement, when I thought why not look online to see if there is a solution for this.  If I am having this problem then someone else must be having the same problem.  To my surprise, there are many documented problems on this issue regarding these Sony DVD recorder models (RDR-GX300, RDR-GX315, RDR-GX330 just to mention a few). Namely the DVD drive not recognize the disc.

During one search I found a posting on Fixya.com stating my exact problem and steps to fix the problem.  Since I had already opened up the machine once already, it was very easy to get down to the anatomy of the drive.

The laser carriage attached to the slide rails was loose on the grub screw side (If looking from opening tray toward the back it is on the the left side of the rail). All I did was finding an hex key small enough to fit in the screw and tighten it until it touches the rail then back it off about 1/4 turn just so the laser carriage will slide freely on the slide rail.

Sony DW-U15A Drive with grub screw adjusting location

Reassemble the parts and Done! So far it has worked flawlessly, just like a brand new machine. If you have the same trouble, hopefully this will help!

Mazda B2200 Dimmer Switch Gone Bad

One early morning on the way to work, I noticed all the dash lights weren't working as I turn on the  headlights.  After about 15 minutes of driving, the lights slowly came back on. The same goes for the next week where the lights will turn on slowly on its own after about 30 minutes of driving.  

I did a search online and found this to be a common occurrence for the Mazda pickup trucks.  The problem appeared to be a faulty dimmer switch.  Since these trucks are over 20 years old, parts are not very easy to come by.  

Using online instructions, I make a short wire with two blade connectors and inserted into the connector that was connected to the dimmer switch*.  This process completely bypass the dimmer switch. The dash lights will stay at full illumination.  It was a very simple 15 minute job to get it working again.  

Remove the 4 screws holding the bezel to the instrument panel.

Remove bezel,  disconnect the connector to dimmer switch.

Insert a short wire with two male blades into the two connectors that are parallel to each other.

Tuck it away and re-install the bezel.  

Its that easy!

*Always remember to disconnect the battery's negative terminal before doing any electrical work.