Here's the story
The unit stopped working in the car. It would shut off for a awhile "coffee break" Then it stopped working all together. it would not boot up and I would hear static at the speakers. It failed the AC test. I took it apart and changed the disk drive (single disk) IDE connector. The car player works using the AC but not DC. I placed my backup Rio in the car and it works great. Any ideas on what the prob could be? I am in temp housing so my computer is in storage. Any ideas? This problem is not like the similar issue faced in the FAQ Troubleshooting Guide. I have not loaded any special software on the Rio. The failed Rio worked in the car for about 2 years before this prob.

The car player works using the AC but not DC.

That would seem to be a failed leaf switch (where you plug the AC power supply connector in) so that it is stuck in AC mode.

tanstaafl.

Thanks. I'll do a search for the failed leaf switch problem