I wanted to pass along this experience with the group, in case anyone else has a similar problem. I think the same single-slot DVD player used in our MDX is used in other Honda/Acura vehicles, like the Pilot, Odyssey, etc. The initial problem we had was it would not eject a DVD. Then when I got it mechanically ejected with tweezers, it would take in a new DVD very slowly, wouldn't mount it properly, then it'd slowly pay it back out.
So I removed the player from the vehicle and disassembled it to see what the problem was. I knew it had to be a mechanical issue. Turns out there's a spring-loaded flap with rollers on it that ride on the bottom of the DVD as it's inserted. When it's inserted, this flap lays down (against spring pressure). It appeared to me that the mechanism was having a hard time lowering this flap against the spring pressure. There are two small springs on this flap, and I removed one. I reassembled it and reinstalled it and wouldn't you know, the DVD is pulled in at full speed again. It plays it and on command, ejects it out with gusto.
I guess something was worn inside, or a motor was weak in the player, and it couldn't pull the DVD down on the spring-loaded flap enough to lock it home. We'll see how long this fix lasts. For now, it's certainly better than a $350 eBay replacement!
So I removed the player from the vehicle and disassembled it to see what the problem was. I knew it had to be a mechanical issue. Turns out there's a spring-loaded flap with rollers on it that ride on the bottom of the DVD as it's inserted. When it's inserted, this flap lays down (against spring pressure). It appeared to me that the mechanism was having a hard time lowering this flap against the spring pressure. There are two small springs on this flap, and I removed one. I reassembled it and reinstalled it and wouldn't you know, the DVD is pulled in at full speed again. It plays it and on command, ejects it out with gusto.
I guess something was worn inside, or a motor was weak in the player, and it couldn't pull the DVD down on the spring-loaded flap enough to lock it home. We'll see how long this fix lasts. For now, it's certainly better than a $350 eBay replacement!