'96 6-disc changer on the fritz

[redShift]

My 6-disc changer in the center console/armrest has been under the weather for a few days, much to my dismay. I heard a popping noise while listening to a CD, much like what you hear on any record player, except notably more distinct. Not three minutes after I first heard the noise, I get the "No Disc" message and the radio kicks in. I take out the 6-disc booklet, check the CDs for any scratches and everything's clean. I put it back in and hit the CD button on the dash and watch as it sucks up CD 1.

I hear it begin to spin for about three seconds then it stops and the display says it has moved onto disc 2, as it usually does if a certain disc won't play. However, disc 1 stays in the changer for ten more seconds until it is finally spit out and disc two is sucked in. Likewise for the higher-numbered discs.

Judging by the popping noise and the fact that all the machinery seems to be in perfect working condition, I am pretty sure the lens is dirty or otherwise damaged.

I went to Best Buy and bought a Lens Cleaning disc and as soon as I walked away from the register, I realized that if it doesn't play CDs, then why the hell would it play the cleaning one? Stupid stupid...

So, I think my best (read:cheapest) option is to take apart the changer/player and clean the lens manually. Has anyone done this before? Is this the option I should take? Has my logic been clean?

I hope I won't have to buy anything.