A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause the following problems:

Cassette tapes should be stored in their cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight and extreme heat. If not, they may not operate properly or may cause failure of the tape player.

Clean the tape player regularly after every 50 hours of use. The radio may display CLN to indicate that the tape player has been used for 50 hours without resetting the tape clean timer. If this message appears on the display, the cassette tape player needs to be cleaned. It will still play tapes, but should be cleaned as soon as possible to prevent damage to the tapes and/or tape player. If there is a reduction in sound quality, try a known good cassette to see if it is the tape or the tape player at fault. If this other cassette has no improvement in sound quality, clean the tape player.

The recommended cleaning method for the cassette tape player is the use of a scrubbing action, non-abrasive cleaning cassette with pads which scrub the tape head as the hubs of the cleaner cassette turn. The recommended cleaning cassette is GM P/N 12344789.

When using a scrubbing action, non-abrasive cleaning cassette, it is normal for the cassette to eject because the unit is equipped with a cut tape detection feature and a cleaning cassette may appear as a broken tape. To prevent the cleaning cassette from being ejected, use the following steps.

If the vehicle is equipped with an AM-FM stereo with cassette tape player:

1. Turn the ignition to RUN or ACC.
2. Turn the radio on.
3. Insert the scrubbing action cleaning cassette.
4. Within 5 seconds, press and hold the REV and FWD buttons at the same time for 3 seconds. The tape symbol on the display will flash, showing that the cut tape detection feature is no longer active.
5. Eject the cleaning cassette after the manufacturer's recommended cleaning time.

If the vehicle is equipped with an AM-FM stereo with cassette tape player and automatic tone control:

1. Turn the ignition to RUN or ACC.
2. Turn the radio off.
3. Press and hold the TAPE AUX button for 5 seconds. The tape symbol on the display will flash for 2 seconds.
4. Insert the scrubbing action cleaning cassette.
5. Eject the cleaning cassette after the manufacturer's recommended cleaning time.

When the cleaning cassette has been ejected, the cut tape detection feature is active again.

A non-scrubbing action, wet-type cleaner which uses a cassette with a fabric belt to clean the tape head. This type of cleaning cassette will not eject on its own. A non-scrubbing action cleaner may not clean as thoroughly as the scrubbing type cleaner. The use of a non-scrubbing action, dry-type cleaning cassette is not recommended.

After cleaning the player, press and hold EJECT for 5 seconds to reset the CLN indicator. The radio will display - - - to show the indicator was reset.