Tools Required

J 39916-A CD and Cassette Diagnostic Audio Kit

A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause reduced sound quality, ruined Cassettes or a damaged mechanism. Cassettes should be stored in their cases away from contaminates, direct sunlight and extreme heat. If they aren't they may not operate properly or may cause failure of the Cassette player. The Cassette player should be cleaned regularly after every 50 hours of use. The radio may display CLN or CLEAN to indicate that the Cassette player has been used more that 50 hours without the tape clean timer being reset. if this message appears on the display, the Cassette player needs to be cleaned. It will still play Cassettes, but it should be cleaned as soon as possible to prevent damage to the Cassettes and the player. If you notice a reduction in sound quality, try a known good Cassette to see if the Cassette or the player is at fault. If this other Cassette has no improvement in sound quality, clean the Cassette player. The recommended cleaning method for the Cassette player is the use of J 39916-A , a scrubbing action, non-abrasive cleaning cassette with pads which scrub the tape head as the hubs of the cleaner cassette turn. When using a scrubbing action, non-abrasive cleaning cassette, it is normal for the cassette to eject because the unit is equipped with a cut tape detection feature and a cleaning cassette may appear as a broken tape. To prevent the cleaning cassette from being ejected, use the following steps:

1. Turn the ignition to RUN or ACCESSORY.
2. Turn the radio OFF.
3. Press and hold the TAPE button for five seconds. CAS will flash on the display for 5 seconds.
4. Insert the J 39916-A scrubbing action cleaning cassette.
5. Eject the cassette after the manufacturers recommended cleaning time.

When the cleaning cassette has been ejected, the cut tape detection feature is active again.

Important: You may also choose a non-scrubbing action, wet-type cleaner which uses a cassette with a fabric belt to clean the tape head. This type of cleaning cassette will not eject on its own. A non-scrubbing action cleaner may not clean as thorough as the scrubbing type cleaner. The use of a non-scrubbing action, dry-type cleaning cassette is not recommended.

After you clean the player, press and hold the cassette eject symbol or the EJT button for five seconds to reset the CLEAN or CLN indicator. The radio will display CLEANED or - - - to show the indicator was reset. Cassette are subject to wear and the sound quality may degrade over time. Always make sure the Cassette is in good condition before you service the player.