Audio Systems: Tape Player/ No power, bench test, tape decks

Question
    Hello,
    I have a 93 Ford Explorer. The factory radio tuner works but the cassette does nothing when inserted. I pulled it and took the top off and a piece of plastic fell out from somewhere inside the radio. It was a rod 1/8 inch diameter and 2 inches long slightly tapered. I don't know where it came from, I just bought this truck. I thought the problem was solved. Hooked it up and still does nothing. No rewind/fastfwd, no eject, no tape moter noise. But the radio part works great. Do you have a suggestion other than the $ 30 bench test at the local shop.
    Thank You for any help.

Answer
James,
please give me the complete model number off the stereo so I can look up the service info for the tape deck. With the service info for the tape deck I can see where the plastic part belongs, if it even belongs in the tape deck? On many of these early Ford tape decks, when you insert a tape into the front it will drop down to the play position and activate a mechanical switch to turn on the tape motor. The model number will help me with some possible repair options that you may be able do yourself.

TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net