2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Tape Deck Surgery

[Mike Ellis]

The in-dash cassette tape deck on my '97 (regular system, not Infinity) gave up the ghost on the way to Colorado this week, all it will do now is continually "click-click-click" as if it is trying to change sides. Any ideas how I can go about fixing this beast, or suggestions on what to look for inside as far as broke parts?



If a repair is not worth the effort, what would you recommend for a replacement that will fit nicely in the dash? I prefer a tape deck, but I might go for a CD player instead if I can get one that will play CDs burned on my computer... .

 

[Extreme1]

Go ahead and remove it, open it up and check it out. These are fairly simple and if it isn't obvious (and easy to fix), replace it. Take a look at the "Pay it forward" section, most guys that remove these are willing to give them away. Someone might even PM you about a freebie after reading this.



I stuck with a factory unit and upgraded from the radio/tape player Infinity unit to the CD/tape/radio Infinity unit. I stuck with it because it gets loud enough and I like the huge buttons because they're easy to hit on rough roads. My Infinity unit (from a salvage yard out of a '00 Dakota) does play burned CDs but I recall reading that not all if them do.



There are a lot of other options out there, try a search on stereo's and you will probably be busy reading for a little while.

 

[C. Harlan]

Just bite the bullet, and get an aftermarket CD/MP3/XM tuner... I love mine, and I have over 250 music files on one CD! The XM makes it nice, because if you want to listen to the radio, and want something different, there is always a channel. . The only thing about our trucks is that you will have to get an adaptor kit for the aftermarket stereos, due to the fact that the size of the Factory is 1. 5 Din, and most aftermarket stereos are 1. 0 Din. My stereo is 1. 3 Din, but folds out from the 1. 0 sized unit mounted inside the dash. . Just keep in mind though, that you get what you pay for, meaning that if you try to go cheap with an aftermarket unit, it will catch up with you down the road! Just my little opinion there!



-Chris-

 

[MWBrooks]

I've got to agree. Dump the stocker. My truck came stock with the Infinity premium sound system (AM/FM/tape/CD controller). I added an Alpine 6 disc changer. I had constant problems trying to get the deck to acknowledge the changer. It was hit and miss. I finally upgraded the deck to an Alpine unit and all is well. I still have the stock speakers and love them but my experience has been that stock sound systems are way overpriced. Don't throw good money at bad! Go aftermarket.





Mike