A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes, or a damaged mechanism. Cassette tapes should be stored in their cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight, and extreme heat. If they are not, they might not operate properly or may cause failure of the tape player.
The tape player should be cleaned regularly after every 50 hours of use. The radio might display CLEAN to indicate that the tape player has been used for 50 hours without resetting the tape clean timer. If this message displays, the cassette tape player needs to be cleaned. It still plays tapes, but it should be cleaned as soon as possible to prevent damage to the tapes and player. If there is a reduction in sound quality, try a known good cassette to see if the tape or the tape player is at fault. If this other cassette has no improvement in sound quality, clean the tape player.
For best results, use a scrubbing action, non-abrasive cleaning cassette with pads which scrub the tape head as the hubs of the cleaner cassette turn. The recommended cleaning cassette is available through your dealer.
When cleaning the cassette tape player with the recommended non-abrasive cleaning cassette, it is possible that the cassette might eject, because the cut tape detection feature on the radio can recognize it as a broken tape, in error. To prevent the cleaning cassette from being ejected, use the following steps:
- Turn the ignition on.
- Turn the radio off.
- Press and hold the TAPE DISC button for five seconds. READY displays and the cassette symbol flashes for five seconds.
- Insert the scrubbing action cleaning cassette.
- Eject the cleaning cassette after the manufacturer's recommended cleaning time.
When the cleaning cassette has been ejected, the cut tape detection feature activates again.
A non-scrubbing action, wet-type cleaner which uses a cassette with a fabric belt to clean the tape head can be used. This type of cleaning cassette does not eject on its own. A non-scrubbing action cleaner might not clean as thoroughly as the scrubbing type cleaner. The use of a non-scrubbing action, dry-type cleaning cassette is not recommended.
After the player is cleaned, press and hold the eject button for five seconds to reset the CLEAN indicator. The radio displays --- or CLEANED to show the indicator was reset.
Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality can degrade over time. Always make sure the cassette tape is in good condition before the tape player is serviced.
