Section 15-01: Radio and Tape Chassis
1993 Mustang Workshop Manual
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

Cassette Tape Player

Insert the tape cassette, open edge to the right, to play (radio on, ignition in RUN or ACC position). Adjust volume, tone and speaker balance as for radio programs. At the end of the tape, the cassette automatically reverses and plays the other side of the tape. At any time the tape transport mechanism can be changed to play the other side of the tape by pressing the REVERSE button.

The Dolby® System is a noise reduction system manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. Dolby® and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

 CAUTION: Before turning off radio or the ignition of vehicle, always eject any cassette being played. Leaving the tape mechanism stopped while a tape is engaged can result in damage to the tape, pinch roller or capstan.

 

Operating Precautions

When inserting a tape cassette into the tape slot, it should be firmly pushed in and down to ensure that it is properly seated. To play a full tape, insert the cassette so the empty hub of the cassette goes into the slot first.

Do not leave a tape cassette engaged in the tape player slot when not in use. Remove it completely to permit the slot door to close and keep out airborne dirt. Disengaging the cassette from the tape playback head in this manner will also prevent a flat spot from developing on the capstan roller.

Take care to protect the open edge of the cassette from damage, dirt, oil and grease. When not in use, store cassettes in their protective cases with hub locks in place. Otherwise, there will be a risk of having the tape loosen on its hubs, which could cause the tape to spill or jam in the player. If a cassette is found with loose tape, ensure it is rewound firmly around the hubs before using it. Never try to open a cassette or try to pull the tape out of it. To avoid tape damage, do not use cassettes that have been soiled by liquid spills.

 

Cassette Irregularities

Cassette tapes can vary in performance and size, resulting in occasional concerns with certain specific cassettes.

If any one cassette gives continual trouble because of this, it is best to discontinue use.

For best results, use cassette tapes with no more than 90 minutes of playing time. The thinness of the tapes used in C120 and C180 cassettes makes the tape more likely to stretch and break. A stretched tape will result in poor sound quality.

Tape Player Will Not Accept Cartridge, Eats Tape, Plays Too Fast or Too Slow, Etc. (AM and FM Operating Properly)

 

Temperature Extremes

Do not expose tape cassettes to intense sunlight or other temperature extremes. If they do become exposed to high or low temperatures, allow each cassette to reach a moderate temperature before playing. During cold weather, it is advisable to take cassettes indoors overnight to protect them.

In extremely cold weather, the tape player may need a few minutes to warm up before delivering full sound quality.