How to fix HL-DT DVDRAM Random Spinups, popping Open, and drive interruptions

Here I will detail how to correct random spinups, cd tray randomly opening, and CD/DVD reads and burns getting interrupted on your laptop's HL-DT DVD-RAM drive.

My history with the problem: This drove me absolutely insane since it began about six months ago. When it started to show signs of issues, The drive tray would just pop open when I'd press on it. However, as time went on, the problem got progressively worse, eventually rendering the drive practically unusable since any slight motion would cause the drive to react and interrupt burning/reading of discs. I originally thought the release button was very sensitive, but after testing, determined it was fine. Then I suspected the drive's power/data adapter was faulty, but after testing I determined that was also fine. After endlessly searching for fixes online I've noticed this is a common problem for these drives, but none of the fixes posted worked for me. My drive in particular is an HL-DT GSA-4084N DVD+RW Lightscribe model that came with my HP Pavilion DV5215 notebook.

Cause of the problem: This problem happens because of how light and flimsy the drive is. Moving the laptop around causes the drive to bend and flex a little, which causes the drive tray to disengage the second door switch causing the drive to think it's being opened and closed again. The good news is you can fix this without even removing the drive from the laptop.

How I fixed it: Flip the laptop over and pop the drive open. There is a plastic tab just above the ribbon cable on the underside of the disc tray (see picture here: http://i31.tinypic.com/1zg72xk.jpg ) that engages the door switches. This tab is not long enough to keep the second door switch securely engaged while you move the laptop around or bump the disc tray since the drive is so flimsy, so you have to lengthen it's reach. Get a small piece of thin cardboard off a cereal box or something, and cut it to about one inch in length, and make sure it is the EXACT same height as the plastic tab, which is about 1/4 inch. Now get some good tape that will not come unstuck easily (you don't want cardboard bits loose inside your drive). I used black electrical tape since it's very sticky. Roll the tape into a rectangle carefully without touching much of the sticky side (your fingerprint oils reduce the stickiness) and stick it to the cardboard's unprinted side as this is the best side to apply the tape since it's better for adhesion. Leaving about 1/4 of the cardboard's length extended past the end of the plastic tab (the end closest to the laptop). Press the taped cardboard firmly to the side of the plastic tab that is closest to the ribbon cable. Press and hold for 20 seconds to insure a good bond. After the cardboard is stuck to the tab, bend the overhanging cardboard SLIGHTLY toward the ribbon cable. This will insure that the switch is firmly engaged when the drive is closed.

The finished product should look like this: http://i31.tinypic.com/1zg72xk.jpg



This is mostly a temporary fix since that tape won't stay stuck forever. A more permanent solution would be to carefully glue on an extension to the plastic tab, but you run the risk of un-dried glue getting into drive components.

I hope this helps some people who are having trouble with this drive. I, for one was on the verge of just ripping the drive out, smashing it, then buying a new one since all the fixes I've tried failed. But the drive is working great after applying this fix and I have been unable to reproduce the strange behavior it was exhibiting before. Best of luck since despite their poor structural quality, these are actually really nice drives, which surprisingly still works after all my frustrated abuse inflicted upon it due to this issue.

 

Thousnd thanks dude!!
This Hp DV8000 drive was driving me nuts and would spoil Blank DVDs as the tray randomly pops open!

Thumbs down to HP for poor quality stuff on Such HI-end machines!

Thumbs up to you for the tip!

Infact i was about to pull the drive apart (better than Pulling my hairs out) as it wasted my 50+ Black DVDs.

I'd be pleased if you can give me some more and better hi res shots of the process.

 

I used your trick and glued the thick sheet of paper ( I used advertising pamphlets, Quite thick and sturdy)

It now works like a charm!!
Thanks! YOu just made my day!

 

Thanks a million! My drive on my DV6000 has been acting crazy for the last 3 months, and I thought for sure that I would have to take it in to a computer shop for repair. You saved me about $200! Thanks again!

-Mike

 

Are you FREAKING KIDDING ME !?

So, I just used a razor knife, a roll of tape, and the flap from a Lindt chocolate box to fix this according to your description. It took about 4 minutes, and it's rock solid. I can squeeze it, lift it by the corner, and toss it on the bed, and there are no 'ejects' from the drive. I was about to tear this down, again (just replaced screen hinges), and attempt to figure it out.

My HP dv2000 series has been ejecting the CD DVD tray since like day 5, and it's been a huge annoyance. A little weight on the palm rest was all it would take, and I figured it was hardware. . no errors, and mechanical design flaw.

*Synergic* Thank you so much for taking the time to register and post this,. . I'm doing the same to thank you, and to post my success with your fix. Thanks again!

-Sean

>why HP dv2000, dv6000, dv9000 CD DVD burner writer tray ejecting eject pop pops by itself, cure fix fixed help problem

 

Works great! I have the exact drive on the same Hp computor that you sre talking about. I took off the outer cover to the drive and looked at the two switches you are talking about. Seems as though another problem is that the original tab is not thick enough. I used your remedy though and it works well. thanks for you info.

 

Hello!
I have the same problem like you guys. Taint and bhvm could you please upload some picture of ur laptop drive how it looks like after fixing. i am little bit confused abt it. So if u can then it will be really helpful for me. otherwise may b i have to replace the Optical drive. I dont have any other solution. Thank u gusy for ur help in advance!

 

can some one pls help. could any one of you please upload some picture of the DVD drive after fixing.
Many thanks guys

 

I just fixed my own HP dvd-drive in the same way the topic starter did.

HOWEVER I didn't need to extend the plastic bit that much, just some millimeters. I noticed this because when it is too long then the drive will not close anymore, it gets physically obstructed by the bit you put on it.

 

Several people have requested more detailed pictures and instructions on the process. I successfully used the instructions provided by Synergic to fix my issue. I’ve been dealing with this issue for YEARS! I’m so grateful for this advice. I figured I’d show my gratitude by providing the pictures and instructions others had requested.

A PDF with these pictures and instructions are hosted by Media Fire at:

Instructions.pdf