Audio Systems: 1988 Honda tape/radio, mechanical switch, honda accord

Question
I recently tried to play a tape in my factory installed system ('88 Honda Accord) and the tape did not go all the way in and thus didn't play, the eject button didn't work either (no surprise since the tape never went all the way in).  However the radio stopped playing as well.  I've since pulled the tape out, and the radio still doesn't play even though the display shows the various stations that I've programmed and I can freely switch between stations, but no sound!!  I don't use the tape player much, and the last time I used it was about six months ago and it seemed to be playing the tape slowly so perhaps the motor was close to dying.  At this point, I just want to hear my radio again and I'll give up on listening to tapes.  I suspect there is some type of mechanism that detects a tape is inserted and thus disables the radio's sound and lets the sound from the tape reach the speakers.  Seems this mechanism still thinks a tape is in.  Or something is shorted in the whole unit?  Any help would be appreciated.

Regards,

Mark B.

Answer
Mark,
Please give me the complete model number off the case of the stereo. In many stereos with a tape deck they will use a mechanical switch to change from radio to tape audio. With the tape section not loading a tape the deck may be half way loaded and it won't allow the radio to function, have sound output.


TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net