How to Fix a Cassette Player in a Car
If the cassette player in your car has stopped working, or the sound quality has deteriorated, it is time to give it a good cleaning. Cleaning (and maintaining) a car cassette deck is sometimes all that's needed to get it working again. However, some of the problems with cassette players can be too serious to fix yourself, in which case you should take it to a car audio expert. Always try a few cleaning methods first.
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Things You'll Need
- Spanner
- Panel remover (available at car stores)
- Screwdriver
- Cotton swabs
- Rubbing alcohol
- Dishwashing liquid
Instructions
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1
Use a spanner to remove the nuts and bolts that hold the trim panel (the panel that encases the cassette player) onto the dashboard of your car. Removing the dashboard trim; the cassette player should now be easily accessible.
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2
Dampen a clean cotton swab with rubbing alcohol and gently wipe the tape heads, the silver square components, on your cassette deck. Repeat this until a cotton swab comes shows no residue.
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3
Use the same method to clean the capstan and the guide posts. Repeat a number of times until the cotton swab comes back clean.
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4
Fill a small bowl with tepid water, and add a drop of dishwashing liquid. Mix thoroughly. Dampen a cotton swab and use this to clean the pinch roller, the rubber circular component, in the same manner as the other parts; do not use rubbing alcohol on the pinch roller because it could cause the rubber to desintegrate.
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5
Reattach the trim panel once you have finished cleaning your car cassette player.
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Tips & Warnings
You should try to clean your cassette deck weekly to ensure its longevity.
If you still have problems with your cassette deck after cleaning, there is likely a more serious problem. If this is the case, then take it to a car audio expert.
References
- Photo Credit yellow car, a honda japanese sport car model image by alma_sacra from Fotolia.com
