Audio Systems: Factory stereo in 2002 Ford Escort, defective gears, tape decks

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hi,
I'm having a problem with the cassette player In my 2002 Ford Escort. At first When I put a tape in it would eject it right back out (this was when the player showed that it was on one "side 1"). I tried cleaning the head with a "casstte type" cleaner & it quit ejecting it. Then it started doing it when I put a tape in when it showed the player on "side 2". I tried cleaning the head again with the "casstte" type cleaner, but that didn't work. I then tried a swab with the cleaner on it, but it's still doing it. I can't get the player to switch to "side 1" either. Can you help me?
Dennis      
Answer -
Hello Dennis,
Most likely one of the small reel sensors is faulty. The problem may also be due to a sensor that tells the main controller for the tape deck assembly that a tape is loaded. On many of these tape units I find defective gears that can cause all kinds of problems.

TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net

Hi,
Thanks. Is there any way I can repair this myself?  

Answer
Dennis,
You may be able to repair the tape deck yourself, however to do so you will need the service manual to order parts by the part number. The average cost for service manuals for these stereos is about $50. Most newer stereos with tape decks are not repairable due to not having any repair parts available. The only recourse is to purchase a new tape unit assembly for the stereo at an average cost of $200

TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net