Sony Support

Article ID : 00028568 / Last Modified : 03/29/2019Print

Cassette Player Doesn't Play, Fast-forward, Rewind, or Record Tapes

    Follow the steps below to resolve these issues:

    Check the Audio Cassette Tape

    1. Make sure the cassette tape is compatible with your device.

      Note: Some cassette players won't play High Bias or Metal tapes.

    2. Remove the tape from the cassette compartment.

      WARNING! There is a risk of hardware damage when you force to remove a stuck tape from the cassette compartment.

    3. Use a pen or pencil to turn the cassette reel and reduce tape slack.

      How to turn the audio cassette reel to reduce tape slack.

    4. Reinsert the tape into the cassette compartment on the player.
    5. Attempt to play, fast-forward, or rewind the tape.

    Check the Cassette Player

    1. Remove the tape from the cassette compartment.
    2. Clean the tape player head and drive mechanism. Use a dry cotton swab to clean the surface of the pinch roller, play/recording head and erase-head

      Pinch roller, Play/Recording head, and Erase-head

      Note:

      • If the heads are still dirty, use a cotton swab moistened with cleaning fluid.
      • Dry head-cleaning tape is another option to clean the tape heads.
      • Refer to the instruction manual for proper cleaning procedures. Manuals are posted on your model support page.

    3. Reinsert tape and close the cover.
    4. Press the TAPE button then hit the PLAY button

    Note:

    Other Things to Check

    If the player still doesn't work after following the steps above:

    • Power reset the player. Unplug the power cord or remove all the batteries from the player and let it sit for a minute. Then, perform steps 3 and 4 again.

      Note: If your device runs on batteries, make sure to use fresh or fully charged rechargeable batteries.

    • Try to play the tape on a different player. If the tape still won't play on a different player, the tape is faulty.
    • Test the player with a different tape. If the player won't play other tapes, repair may be required.  Go to Product Repair.