Hi Kim,
Thanks for getting in touch with us. I can see that you mentioned the SONY model CDP - EX355 which I cant seem to find. I believe you were referring to the SONY CDP - CX355 correct?
If yes, I have resolved similar cases like this before and I believe I can help you with this "Loading Error" issue on the unit. The most common problem should be somewhere on the mechanism where the cd is located or the eye (laser lens) itself. But before deciding its the laser eye at fault, you can first check the inside if one of the belts on the pulleys have fallen off or is improperly fitted or somehow loose or dirty from the pulley that might have collected dirt. With this the mechanism can't inject far enough for the laser assembly to come up properly far enough for a good laser alignment therefore giving you the disk read error.
- You can clean these drive belts and the pulley groove where the belt is attached with alchohol and put them back in. Please try the steps however, this should not be the main cause of the problem in some cases since you have already replaced the belts with new ones I assume. Just double check those belts and pulleys are clean from collected dust dirt and old belt residue since old belts have the tendency to worn out or crack leaving powdery like residues in the pulleys.
- You can clean these with alchohol and put them back in.
Once you have tried checking and cleaning and if the issue is still there, chances are real good that the laser lens has gone out or is too weak to read the disk. You have mentioned though that sometimes it picks up and then you get the error. It's a maticelous procedure to calibrate a laser lens. It may just need to be replaced. Anyway you can try cleaning them first to see if this resolves the problem:
- If your player is not reading any discs at all though (or the cleaning does not help), then try purchasing a can of compressed air (available at Staples, or Wal-Mart). Open the CD drawer, or remove the cover of the player by removing the screws on the sides and rear of the unit. Then spray the can approximately 10" from the lense itself to blow any dust off of it.
- If it still does'nt work, you can opt to clean the lense eye itself, by using isopropyl alcohol, and a link-free cloth to gently wipe the "eye". Then use a dry spot on the cloth to buff the eye clean. If the CD player is still not reading discs, then the eye or transport mechanism is faulty and would need to be replaced. Replacing the lens can be a bit challenging and might need a professional to work on it but in case you want to do this yourself please proceed with caution. I would suggest that you take photos of the process during disassembly to have a guide. I will also provide a reference video and where you can look for a replacement on links below as a guide for you.
Please click on this link for the reference video guide: Replacing the lens on Sony CDP CX355
Replacement lens can be found online and should cost around $12. Here's one that sells the replacement lens: NEW OPTICAL LASER LENS PICKUP for SONY CDP-CX355 Player
As a last thought though may not be the major cause of the problem, there may be a swollen capacitor on one of the circuit boards that may be causing the problem. A cap swells and shorts out. If so it will need to be replaced. I've had single swollen cap that kept an entire system from working before.
Please take your time in following the steps and I hope my answers is helpful. Please let me know by replying to this message once you are already satisfied with the answer. I will be waiting for your response. Thanks.
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