Tape adapter stuck in radio causing problems...

[Zap]

I've been using a tape adapter in the '97 and recently it appears to be stuck in the radio, and nothing gets it to eject. The radio comes on as if there were not a tape present, and it says no tape when I press the eject or tape buttons.

This has been like this for part of a week, as I didn't have time to mess with it. Didn't drive the car over the weekend and Monday morning the battery was dead! I presume this is likely responsible, as I've never had any problems with the car starting whatsoever.

Any suggestions are appreciated. I am guessing I need to go dig up the radio keys, but once I'm in is it straightforward?

Thanks!

 

[Izzmo]

Well, if you don't care about the tape [adapter], then just yank it out.

There is no other way of really doing this as you cannot see the tape or anywhere inside the EATC when you take it out.

 

[Zap]

I tried prying the tape out of the deck, but it just won't budge. It is at least partially lowered into place, like it should be playing.

 

[Izzmo]

Thinking about it, how does the tape lock in place? I'm not sure if there is a locking mechanism in the back or front, but essentially, the tape slides in and then sits down into place..

So, have you tried sticking a small needle of sorts under the front of the tape itself and trying to pry it up and out?

The only thing that could really happen (and like I said.. the tape it most likely done for.. or the adapter.. w/e), is that the EATC still has it's prongs in the tape itself and the "tape" part of the tape will come unfolded once you do actually get it out.

Also.. hopefully prying it out won't damage anything else in the EATC (unless the tape is "activated"). If it is activated and you pry it out, most likely you will damage some components of the tape deck and damage it completely. Hopefully this does not happen though.

 

[nothingtoseehere]

Remove the football with coat hanger or removal tools, look at back of football, there is a gear or lever that will release the tape.

 

[Izzmo]

Remove the football with coat hanger or removal tools, look at back of football, there is a gear or lever that will release the tape.

Nice find! I never knew that.

 

[Zap]

Well, I removed the football but I don't see any gear or lever. There is a metal cover over the radio area that looks like it could be removed. Is it behind that?

I can't look at the moment, as I don't appear to have the very small torx bit that is needed in my tools.

 

[Izzmo]

If you don't see anything, that would probably be the best bet.

 

[Zap]

Well, it was a roundabout fix, but I removed all the torx screws and the face plate loosens up a bit. For whatever reason, at that point the eject motor sprung back to life and spit the tape out just fine. It looks like I've solved the problem!