General Diagnosis - Cassette Tape

Cassette Tape Player Cleaning:

MOTOR SPEED
There is a two minute time period marked in this section of tape for the purpose of checking the cassette tape motor speed. This portion of the diagnostic tape can be used to verify or resolve problems when a customer complains that the audio from the cassette tape sounds abnormal. In some cases, improper tape motor speed can cause audio abnormalities. If the time taken for this test is between one minute and fifty-six seconds to two minutes and one second, the tape motor speed is within tolerance.

CASSETTE TAPE PLAYER CLEANING AND CASSETTE CARE
Cassette players are very susceptible to dirt and magnetized equipment. The following should be inspected as part of any diagnosis:
^ Cleanliness of the capstan (the small wheel inside the radio that supports the tape) and the head. Since both can be reached through the tape door, they should be cleaned before proceeding with any problem diagnosis.
^ To clean the head and capstan, a cassette tape cleaning cartridge is included with Saturn Special tool number SA9412G, Diagnostic Tape/Tape Head Cleaning Kit.
^ If the head is magnetized, every cassette played in the player will be degraded or possibly erased.
^ Cassette size. Tapes over 90 minutes in length (both sides total) are too thin for this equipment and could become jammed, torn, or cause damage to the equipment.

CASSETTE TAPE PLAYER CLEANING
As stated in the Saturn Owner's Handbook, Saturn cassette players have a "CLEAN" indicator on the display which activates after approximately 30 hours of cassette play. The recommended cassette tape cleaning cartridge is a scrubbing type tape head cleaning cartridge. The preferred tape head cleaner and cleaning solution refill is available as part of the Audio System Diagnostic Kit. It is also recommended that the tape head cleaner be replaced if the felt pads appear soiled and worn.

When using the scrubbing type head cleaning cartridge, the following procedure should be used:
1. Apply two drops of cleaning solution (included with cassette tape cleaning cartridge) to each felt pad on the head cleaning cartridge.
2. Insert cartridge into cassette tape player.
3. Due to internal sensing by the cassette tape player for cut or binding tape, the cassette tape cleaning cartridge ejects after approximately five seconds.
4. Re-insert the cassette tape cleaning cartridge at least four additional times.
5. Press and hold the "Eject" button for five seconds to reset the "CLEAN" indicator.
6. Remove cleaning cartridge and store in original package to prevent contamination or damage.
7. Allow at least three minutes to dry after cleaning before using cassette tape player.