Playing a Cassette Tape

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The longer side with the tape visible should face to the right. If the ignition and the radio are on, the tape can be inserted and will begin playing. If you hear nothing or hear a garbled sound, the tape may not be in squarely. Press EJECT to remove the tape and start over.

While the tape is playing, use the VOLUME, FADE, BAL, BASS and TREB controls just as you do for the radio. Other controls may have different functions when a tape is inserted. The display will show an arrow to show which side of the tape is playing.

If you want to insert a tape when the ignition or radio is off, first press EJECT or RECALL. Note that the cassette tape adapter kits for portable compact disc players will work in the cassette tape player.

The tape bias is set automatically.

If E and a number appear on the radio display, the tape will not play because of an error.

E10: The tape is tight and the player cannot turn the tape hubs. Remove the tape. Hold the tape with the open end down and try to turn the right hub counterclockwise with a pencil. Turn the tape over and repeat if the hubs do not turn easily, the tape may be damaged and should not be used in the player. Try a new tape to make sure the player is working properly.
E11: The tape is broken. Try a new tape.

PREV (1): Press this button to search for the previous selection on the tape. The tape must have at least three seconds of silence between each selection for PREV to work. The sound will mute while seeking.

NEXT (2): Press this button to search for the next selection on the tape. The tape must have at least three seconds of silence between each selection for the NEXT to work. The sound will mute while seeking.

The SEEK left and right arrows will also find the previous and next selections on the tape.

<<(3): Press this button to reverse the tape rapidly. Press it again to return to playing speed. The radio will play while the tape reverses.

(4): Press this button to advance quickly to another part of the tape. Press the button again to return to playing speed. The radio will play while the tape advances.

SIDE (5) Press this button to change the side of the tape that is playing.

DOLBY (6) Press this button to reduce the background noise. The display will show either OFF or ON for a few seconds when you press the button.

Dolby® Noise Reduction is manufactured under a license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

EJECT: Press this button to remove the tape. The radio will play. If you leave a cassette tape in the player while listening to the radio, it may become warm.

CLN: If this message appears on the display, the cassette tape player needs to be cleaned. It will still play tapes, but you should clean it as soon as possible to prevent damage to the tapes and player. Refer to Tape Player and Cassette Care in this section. After you clean the player, press and hold EJECT for five seconds to reset the CLN indicator. The radio will display - to show the indicator was reset.