Volkswagen Repair: Tape deck on 2001 Jetta, goodyear tire and auto, vw jetta

Question
Hi,

A two-part question (sort of) for a 2001 VW Jetta with a four cylinder:

The first question is -- is there an easy way to get a stuck CD/tape adapter out of the tape deck?    The auto-eject button on our radio won't spit the tape out and the radio gives me a "Tape Error" message when I press it.  The adapter does act as if it's going to come out when I push the button, but it seems like something is holding it back. I know that for some tape decks there's a manual eject with a paper clip, screwdriver, etc. Does the Jetta tape deck have something similar?

The second part of the question is that recently the battery has been run down a few times -- could the radio/tape deck be a main contributor to the drain or is it a relatively low-draw accessory?

Thanks,
Ben

Answer
Ben, thank you for your question.  

On the first part of your question.  This is truly a tough question.  I have not heard of any manual eject but you might want to call your local VW dealer and ask the service manager or the tech that has been there the longest time.  One idea that I have used in the past, but hate to do, is to use a screwdriver and a pair of needle nosed pliers to fish the cassette out.  If you are wondering, it does tear up the cassette badly, but MIGHT still be usable.  But this is a last resort operation, though. It is definitely not my first choice!

The second part of your question is a LITTLE easier.  The battery drain could well from the radio. There are literally dozens of low current draw devices and components that can be at fault also. Many times a slow drain will come from the clock, the light under the hood (believe it or not, usually a bad switch), sometimes the computer on board is having problems.  One way to find out is to take it to a repair shop with the OBD II computer analyzer and have them check it.  Other places that I can think of are Firestone and Goodyear Tire and auto centers are equipped to do that.  Electrical drains are some of the most difficult problems to find and troubleshoot.  I personally spent 3 days tracking down an electrical drain on a 1967 Jeep P/U that turned out to be an aftermarket clock that was installed.  A true nightmare.  
Hope that helps