Lexus LS400 owner's manual: AIR conditioning and audio

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO

■ Driver side setting ▨ Passenger side setting ☐ Mixed setting

SETTING OPERATION – manual control

If manual air flow selection is desired –

The outlets from which air is delivered can be selected manually by pushing the button. The function of each mode is as follows:

[1] Panel – Air flows mainly from the instrument panel vents. [2] Bi-level – Air flows from both the floor vents and the instrument panel vents. [3] Floor – Air flows mainly from the floor vents. [4] Floor/Windshield – Air flows mainly from the floor vents and windshield vents.

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If quick heating or cooling is desired – Push the "TEMP" or "PASSENGER TEMP" button on either side and hold it until "MAX. HOT" or "MAX. COLD" appears on the display.

If manual fan speed control is desired –

▶ [1] Fan speed at low [2] Fan speed at high

The fan speed can be set to your desired speed by pushing the appropriate side of fan speed control button. The higher the fan speed is, the more air is delivered. Pushing the "OFF" button turns off the fan.

To remove exterior windshield frost, use the high speed setting.

If manual switching of air intake is desired –

Each time you push the air intake control button, the mode changes in order from the RECIRCULATED AIR mode to AUTOMATIC mode to OUTSIDE AIR mode, then back to the RECIRCULATED AIR mode. Each indicator light shows which mode is now selected.

[1] RECIRCULATED mode – If quick circulation of cooled air is desired, select this mode.

[2] AUTOMATIC mode – When driving where the outside air is dirty (i.e., when the vehicle running just in front of your vehicle accelerates rapidly), the system changes automatically from the OUTSIDE AIR mode to the RECIRCULATED mode.

[3] OUTSIDE AIR mode – The system will take fresh outside air into the vehicle.

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For normal use, it is best to keep the air intake control button set to OUTSIDE AIR mode. If recirculated air is used during heating, the windows will fog up more easily.

To change the sensitivity of the sensor switching between the RECIRCULATED and OUTSIDE AIR in the AUTOMATIC mode, push the air intake control button until you hear a beep. The display changes as illustrated below.

Each time you push the "TEMP" button, the sensitivity changes from "+3" down to "-3". If you do not operate any button for a few seconds, the previous display returns.

If manual on-off of the air conditioning is desired – Push the "A/C" button to turn the air conditioning on and push it again to turn the air conditioning off.

The air conditioning does not work if the outside temperature is lowered down to around 0°C (32°F).

If the system is used for ventilation, heating in dry weather or removing frost or exterior fog on the windshield, turn the air conditioning off once it is no longer required. This will improve fuel economy. The air conditioning can be used for year-round automatic temperature control including cooling and dehumidifying operation.

If the air conditioning compressor does not operate, the indicator of the "A/C" button will blink. If the indicator of the "A/C" button blinks even when the "A/C" button is pushed again, have the compressor checked by your nearest Lexus dealer.

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(b) Windshield defogging and defrosting

To remove interior fog on the windshield – Push the "FRONT WINDSHIELD" button. To remove frost or exterior fog on the windshield –

1. Place the temperature control button at the maximum temperature.
2. Push the "FRONT WINDSHIELD" button.
3. Push the fan speed control button on the right side to obtain a maximum air flow.
4. Leave the air conditioning on-off button off.

When the "FRONT WINDSHIELD" button is pushed while operating in automatic mode, the air conditioning is set to operate and the OUTSIDE AIR mode is set. If you push the "FRONT WINDSHIELD" button once again while in the FRONT WINDSHIELD mode, the mode then returns to the last mode used.

CAUTION Do not use the "FRONT WINDSHIELD" button during cooled air operation in extremely humid weather. The difference between the temperature of the outside air and that of the windshield could cause the outer surface of the windshield to fog up blocking your vision.

When you turn the ignition switch on after the removal and installation of the battery terminal, the indicator light may flash and the operating sound of the motor may be heard. This does not indicate a malfunction. You may hear the operating sound of the motor about 70 seconds after the ignition switch is turned off. This is not also a malfunction.

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(c) Air filter The air filter may clog after long use and reduce air flow. You can inspect the filter easily. When you inspect and replace the air filter, be sure to turn off the fan.

1. Open the glovebox and remove the two covers.

2. Take out the air filter. Inspect the lower surface of the filter. If it is just moderately dusty, it may be cleaned by blowing compressed air from the lower surface. Do not wash or oil the filter. If it is dirty, it should be replaced. To maintain the air conditioning efficiency, replace the air filter according to the maintenance schedule. (For scheduled maintenance information, please refer to the separate "Owner's Manual Supplement/Maintenance Schedule".)

NOTICE Do not drive with the air filter removed, or the efficiency of air conditioning may be lost.

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(d) Operating tips

• Make sure the air inlet grilles in front of the windshield are not blocked by leaves or other obstructions.
• If air flow control is not satisfactory, check the dashboard vents. (See "Center vents", "Side vents", "Lower vent" and "Rear vents".)
• To help cool down the interior after parking in the hot sun, drive for the first few minutes with the windows open. After the excess heat has blown away, close the windows.
• When driving on dusty roads, close all windows. If dust thrown up by the vehicle is still drawn into the vehicle after closing the windows, it is recommended that the air intake control button be left to the OUTSIDE AIR mode and the fan speed control button be pressed to anywhere except the "OFF" button.
• If following another vehicle on a dusty road, or driving in windy and dusty conditions, it is recommended that the air intake control button be temporarily pressed in to the RECIRCULATED AIR mode, which will close off the outside passage and prevent outside air and dust from entering the vehicle interior.

Center vents The center vents may be opened or closed as shown.

Side vents The side vents may be opened or closed as shown.

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Lower vent

The lower vent may be opened or closed as shown.

Rear vents

The rear vents may be opened or closed as shown.

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AUDIO SYSTEM

Quick reference for your audio system

►The "CD" button works only when your Lexus is equipped with an automatic changer. ►The knobs made in Nakamichi are different from the illustration shown above. The operations are in accordance with the description below.

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1. Turning the system on and adjusting volume (See page 134 for details.)
2. Stopping and ejecting a cassette tape (See page 140 for details.)
3. Function buttons 1 – 6: Station selector buttons (See page 138 for details.) SCAN: Scan tuning (See page 139 for details.) P. SCAN: Preset scan tuning (See page 139 for details.)
4. Display of functions in TAPE mode ◄|► : Side change (See page 141 for details.) DOLBY NR (See page 140 for details.) ◄◄: Rewinding (See page 141 for details.) ►►: Fast forwarding (See page 141 for details.) RPT: Automatic repeat (See page 141 for details.) SKIP: Automatic skip of blank portions of tape (See page 141 for details.) SCAN: Scan selection (See page 142 for details.)
5. Display of functions in CD mode v ∧ : Disc selection (See page 146 for details.) ◄◄: Reversing (See page 147 for details.) ►►: Fast forwarding (See page 147 for details.) RPT: Automatic repeat (See page 148 for details.) RAND: Random access (See page 148 for details.) SCAN: Scan selection (See page 146 for details.)
6. Mode selectors (See page 134 for details.)
7. Cassette tape slot (See page 140 for details.)
8. Automatic sound levelizer (See page 136 for details.)
9. Tone and balance knobs (See page 135 for details.)
10. Radio mode: Frequency tuning (See page 137 or 139 for details.) TAPE mode: Direct access to a desired program (See page 142 for details.) CD mode: Direct access to a desired program (See page 147 for details.)

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Using your audio system: some basics

This section describes some of the basic features of the Lexus audio system. Some information may not pertain to your system.

Your audio system works when the ignition key is in the "ACC" or "ON" position.

NOTICE To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not leave the car audio on longer than necessary when the engine is not running.

(a) Turning the system on and off

Push this knob to turn the audio system on and off. Turn this knob to adjust the volume.

The system turns on in the last mode used.

Push "AM", "FM1/2", "TAPE" or "CD" to turn on that mode. The selected mode turns on directly.

Push these buttons if you want to switch from one mode to another.

If the tape or disc is not set, the cassette player or compact disc player does not turn on.

You can turn off the cassette player by ejecting the cassette tape. If the audio system was previously off, then the entire audio system will be turned off when you eject the cassette tape. If another function was previously playing, it will come on again.

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In the "TAPE" or "CD" mode, the applicable functions are shown in the lowest part of the display. Push the switch just below to turn on each function.

(b) Tone and balance

How good an audio program sounds to you is largely determined by the mix of the treble, mid-range, and bass levels. In fact, different kinds of music and vocal programs usually sound better with different mixes of treble, mid-range, and bass.

A good balance of the left and right stereo channels and of the front and rear sound levels is also important.

Keep in mind that if you are listening to a stereo recording or broadcast, changing the right/left balance will increase the volume of one group of sounds while decreasing the volume of another.

"BASS" knob: Use this knob to adjust low-pitched tones. "MID" knob: Use this knob to adjust mid-pitched tones. "TREBLE" knob: Use this knob to adjust high-pitched tones. "BALANCE" knob: Use this knob to adjust the sound balance between the right and left speakers. "FADER" knob: Use this knob to adjust the sound balance between the front and rear speakers.

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(c) Automatic sound levelizer

When the audio sound becomes difficult to be heard due to road noise, wind noise, etc. during driving, the system adjusts to the optimum volume and tone quality according to the noise level.

(d) Your radio antenna The wire antenna is mounted inside the rear window.

NOTICE

• When cleaning the inside of the rear window, be careful not to scratch or damage the wire antenna.
• Putting a window tint (especially, conductive or metallic type) on the rear window may affect the reception of radio. For the installation of the window tint, consult with your Lexus dealer.

(e) Your cassette player When you insert a cassette, the exposed tape should be to the right.

NOTICE

Do not oil any part of the cassette player, and do not insert anything except a cassette tape into the slot.

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(f) Your automatic changer

If your Lexus is equipped with an automatic changer, it can play selected discs or continuously play all the discs set in the magazine. When you set discs into the magazine, make sure they face the correct way. If not, the player will display "Err" and the disc number.

NOTICE Never try to disassemble or oil any part of the compact disc player. Do not insert anything except a compact disc into the magazine.

The player is intended for use with 12 cm (4.7 in.) discs only.

Radio operation

(a) Listening to the radio

Push these buttons to choose either an AM or FM station. "AM", "FM1" or "FM2" appears on the display.

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Push this button on the upper side to step up the station band or on the lower side to step down.

Your radio automatically changes to stereo reception when a stereo broadcast is received. "ST" appears on the display. If the signal becomes weak, the radio reduces the amount of channel separation to prevent the weak signal from creating noise. If the signal becomes extremely weak, the radio switches from stereo to mono reception. In this case, "ST" disappears from the display.

(b) Presetting a station

1. Tune in the desired station.
2. Push one of the station selector buttons (1–6) and hold it until a beep is heard. This sets the station to the button and the button number (1–6) appears on the display.

Each button can store one AM station and two FM stations. To change the preset station to a different one, follow the same procedure.

The preset station memory is cancelled when the power source is interrupted by battery disconnection or a blown fuse.

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(c) Selecting a station

Your Lexus has an electronic tuning radio ( ETR ). Tune in the desired station using one of the following methods.

Preset tuning: Push the button ( 1–6 ) for the station you want. The button number ( 1–6 ) and station frequency appear on the display. Manual tuning: Push the "TUNE SEEK" button briefly. Each time you push the button, the radio will step up or down to another frequency. Seek tuning: Push the "TUNE SEEK" button and hold it until you hear a beep. The radio will begin seeking up or down for a station of the nearest frequency and will stop on reception. Each time you push the button, the stations will be searched out one after another.

To scan all the frequencies: Push the "SCAN" button. "SCAN" appears on the display. The radio will find the next station up the band, stay there for a few seconds, and then scan again. To select a station, push the "SCAN" button a second time. To scan the preset stations: Push the "P.SCAN" button. "P.SCAN" appears on the display. The radio will tune in the next preset station up the band, stay there for a few seconds, and then move to the next preset station. To select a station, push the "P.SCAN" button a second time.

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Cassette tape player operation

(a) Playing a cassette tape

When you insert a cassette tape, the exposed tape should be to the right.

The player will automatically start when you insert a cassette tape. At this time, "TAPE" appears on the display.

If a metal or chrome equivalent cassette tape is put in the cassette player, the player will automatically adapt to it and "METAL" appears on the display.

To stop or eject the cassette tape, push the "EJECT" button.

Auto-reverse feature: After the cassette player reaches the end of a tape, it automatically reverses and begins to play the other side, regardless of whether the cassette was playing or fast forwarding.

If a cassette is already in the slot, push the "TAPE" button.

Dolby® Noise Reduction* feature: If you are listening to a tape that was recorded with Dolby* B or C Noise Reduction, push the button by the double-D symbol until the appropriate symbol appears on the display.

The Dolby B NR mode reduces tape noise by about 10 dB. The Dolby C NR mode reduces tape noise by another 10 dB or about 20 dB total. For best sound reproduction, select the same NR mode that was used to record the tape.

To play a tape recorded without Dolby NR, push the button until the symbol disappears from the display.

• Dolby noise reduction manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. "DOLBY" and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO

(b) Manual program selection

"Program" button: Push the "◀|▶" button to select the other side of a cassette tape. The display indicates which side is currently selected (▲ indicates top side, ▼ indicates bottom side). "Rewind" button: Push the "◀◀" button to rewind a tape. "REW" appears on the display. To stop rewinding, push the same button or "TAPE" button. "Fast forward" button: Push the "▶▶" button to fast forward a cassette tape. "FF" appears on the display. To stop fast forwarding, push the same button or "TAPE" button.

(c) Automatic program selection

"RPT" button: The repeat feature automatically replays the current program. Push the "RPT" button while the program is playing. When the program ends, it will automatically be rewound and replayed. Push the button again to turn off the repeat feature. There must be at least 5 seconds of blank space between programs for the repeat feature to work correctly. "SKIP" button: The skip feature allows you to fast forward past long stretches of blank tape. This is especially useful at the end of cassettes. Push the "SKIP" button. The player will automatically skip any blank portions of 15 seconds or more and play the next program. To cancel it, push the button once again.

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"SCAN" button: Push the "SCAN" button. "SCAN" appears on the display. The player will fast forward to the next program, play it for 12 seconds, and then scan again. To select a program, push the "SCAN" button a second time.

"Automatic program selection" button: The automatic program selection feature allows you to program your cassette player to skip forward or backward to locate the song you want to hear. You can skip up to nine programs at a time.

Push this button on the upper side to skip forward. "FF" and the number will appear on the display. Push the button until the number you want to skip appears on the display. After that, the player will automatically skip forward.

When the end of the tape is reached, the player automatically reverses sides and resumes normal play.

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Push this button on the lower side to skip backward. Push the button until "REW" and the number you want to skip appear on the display.

• If you set "REW 1", the player will rewind to the beginning of the current program.
• When counting the number of programs you want to rewind, remember to count the current program as well. For example, if you want to rewind to a song that is two before the song you are listening to, push this button until "REW 3" appears on the display.

When the beginning of the tape is reached, the player automatically resumes normal play.

There must be at least 5 seconds of blank space between programs for this feature to work correctly.

"RPT", "SKIP" or "Automatic program selection" features: These features may not work well with some spoken word, live or classical recordings.

Compact disc player operation

The compact disc player is an optional accessory that your vehicle is pre-wired to accept. Although your audio system has a CD button, your vehicle may or may not be equipped with a CD player. Please contact your dealer for additional details if you would like to have the optional CD player installed.

(a) Inserting compact discs

1. Push the lock release button and open the cover.

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2. Push this button to eject the magazine.

3. Pull out the tray while pushing the lock release button.

4. Put a disc on the tray with its label face down and push the tray back into the magazine.

If the label faces up, the disc cannot be played. In this case, "Err" and the disc number appears on the display.

5. Insert the magazine into the player as indicated by the arrow head on the magazine and close the cover.

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When the magazine is set completely, the system will be in a "Load" cycle for approximately 20 seconds while the system searches for discs in the magazine. Upon completion of this cycle, the CD unit will be ready to play. If the "CD" button is pushed during the "Load" cycle, "LOAD" appears on the display until the system has completed the load cycle, after which the system will begin normal play.

CAUTION To reduce the chance of injury in case of an accident or a sudden stop, always keep the cover closed while driving.

(b) Playing a compact disc

Push the "CD" button if the magazine is already loaded in the player.

"CD" appears on the display.

The discs set in the magazine are played continuously, starting with disc number 1. The disc number of the disc currently being played, the track number and the time from the beginning of the program appear on the display.

When play of one disc ends, the first track of the following disc starts. When play of the final disc ends, play of the first disc starts again.

The player will skip any empty disc trays.

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(c) Selecting a desired disc

Push the "DISC" button to select the disc number. Push the button and hold it until the desired disc number appears on the display. When you release the button, the player will start playing the selected disc from the first track.

(d) Searching for a desired track

Push the "SCAN" button briefly. "SCAN" will appear on the display. The compact disc player will play the next track for 10 seconds, then scan again. To select a track, push the "SCAN" button a second time. If the player reaches the end of the disc, it will continue scanning at track 1. After all the tracks are scanned in one pass, normal play resumes.

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(e) Searching for a desired disc

Push the "SCAN" button until you hear a beep. With "D.SCAN" on the display, the program at the beginning of each disc will be played for 10 seconds. To continue listening to the program of your choice, push the "SCAN" button a second time. After all the discs in the magazine are scanned in one pass, the scan function is cancelled.

(f) Selecting a desired track

"TRACK" button: Use for direct access to a desired track. Push either side of the "TRACK" button and hold it until the desired track number appears on the display. As you release the button, the player will start playing the selected track from the beginning. "Fast forward" button. Push the "▶▶" button and hold it to fast forward the disc. When you release the button, the compact disc player will resume playing from that position. "Reverse" button. Push the "◀◀" button and hold it to reverse the disc. When you release the button, the compact disc player will resume playing.

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(g) Other compact disc player functions

"RPT" button: Use it for automatic repeat of the track you are currently listening to.

Push the button while the track is playing. When the track is finished, the player will automatically go back to the beginning of the track and play the track again. To cancel it, push the button once again.

"RAND" button: Use it for automatic track selection and play by the system.

When the button is pushed, the system selects a track in the discs which are set and plays it. To cancel it, push the button once again.

When a track is skipped or the system is inoperative, push the button to reset.

(h) If the player malfunctions

If "WAIT" appears on the display, audio signals of the disc cannot be read or the system has trouble. Push the "CD" button once again.

If the player does not operate, check that the disc surface is not soiled or damaged. If the disc is O.K., the following two causes are possible.

• Condensation may have occurred on the internal mechanism of the automatic changer. Open the cover to let the air circulate.
• The temperature of the player's internal mechanism is raised because of high external temperature. Remove the magazine from the player to cool it.

If the player still does not operate, take it to your Lexus dealer.

Car audio system operating hints

NOTICE

To ensure the correct audio system operation:

• Be careful not to spill beverages over the audio system.
• Do not put anything other than a cassette tape or CD magazine into the cassette tape slot or CD changer.

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Radio reception

Usually, the problem with radio reception does not mean there is a problem with your radio – it is just the normal result of conditions outside the vehicle.

For example, nearby buildings and terrain can interfere with FM reception. Power lines or telephone wires can interfere with AM signals. And of course, radio signals have a limited range, and the farther you are from a station, the weaker its signal will be. In addition, reception conditions change constantly as your vehicle moves.

Here are some common reception problems that probably do not indicate a problem with your radio:

FM

Fading and drifting stations – Generally, the effective range of FM is about 40 km (25 miles). Once outside this range, you may notice fading and drifting, which increase with the distance from the radio transmitter. They are often accompanied by distortion.

Multi-path – FM signals are reflective, making it possible for two signals to reach your antenna at the same time. If this happens, the signals will cancel each other out, causing a momentary flutter or loss of reception.

Static and fluttering – These occur when signals are blocked by buildings, trees, or other large objects. Increasing the bass level may reduce static and fluttering.

Station swapping – If the FM signal you are listening to is interrupted or weakened, and there is another strong station nearby on the FM band, your radio may tune in the second station until the original signal can be picked up again.

AM

Fading – AM broadcasts are reflected by the upper atmosphere – especially at night. These reflected signals can interfere with those received directly from the radio station, causing the radio station to sound alternately strong and weak.

Station interference – When a reflected signal and a signal received directly from a radio station are very nearly the same frequency, they can interfere with each other, making it difficult to hear the broadcast.

Static – AM is easily affected by external sources of electrical noise, such as high tension power lines, lightening, or electrical motors. This results in static.

Caring for your cassette player and tapes

For high performance from your cassette player and tapes:

Clean the tape head and other parts regularly.

• A dirty tape head or tape path can decrease sound quality and tangle your cassette tapes. The easiest way to clean them is by using a cleaning tape. (A wet type is recommended.)

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Use high-quality cassettes:

• Low-quality cassette tapes can cause many problems, including poor sound, inconsistent playing speed, and constant auto-reversing. They can also get stuck or tangled in the cassette player.
• Do not use a cassette if it has been damaged or tangled or if its label is peeling off.
• Do not leave a cassette in the player if you are not listening to it, especially if it is hot outside.
• Store cassettes in their cases and out of direct sunlight.
• Avoid using cassettes with a total playing time longer than 100 minutes (50 minutes per side). The tape used in these cassette is thin and could get stuck or tangled in the cassette player.

Caring for your compact disc player and discs

• Use only compact discs labeled as shown. The player is intended for use with 12 cm (4.7 in.) discs only.
• Extremely high temperature can keep your compact disc player from working. On hot days, use air conditioning to cool the vehicle interior before you listen to a disc.
• Bumpy roads or other vibrations may make your compact disc player skip.
• If moisture gets into your compact disc player, you may not hear any sound even though your compact disc player appears to be working. Remove the magazine from the player and wait until it dries.

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►Correct ►Wrong

• Handle compact discs carefully, especially when you set them into the magazine. Hold them on the edge and do not bend them. Avoid getting fingerprints on them, particularly on the shiny side.
• Dirt, scrapes, warping, pin holes, or other disc damage could cause the player to skip or to repeat a section of a track. (To see a pin hole, hold the disc up to the light.)

To clean a compact disc: Wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth that has been dampened with water. Wipe in a straight line from the center to the edge of the disc (not in a circle). Do not use a conventional record cleaner or anti-static device.

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A new disc may have rough edges on its inner and outer perimeter. Remove the rough edges by pressing the side of a ball–point pen or pencil against the inner and outer edges of the disc as shown.

If you continue to play a disc with rough edges, flakes will fall on to the signal side of the disc and cause sound skipping or other problems.

CAUTION Compact disc players use invisible laser beams which could cause hazardous radiation exposure if directed outside the unit. Be sure to operate the player correctly as instructed.

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