Tape compartment stuck & will not open!

dead battery --debris --incorrect tape --improper loading

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.

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

There may be slack in the tape cassette - try tightening the tape

You should take the tape deck out of the dash. Most aftermarket ones have two pairs of holes that you can insert long nails into to disconnect it from the dash. Unplug all the wires and open it up. It has probably eaten the tape and you will have to cut it and pull the strands off the capstan to get the cassette housing out. A pair of forceps, tweezers, and wooden handled cotton swaps and rubbing alcohol are helpful for cleaning and removing the strands of broken 3 7/8 ips tape.

That is exactly what a typical M-Load mechanism is supposed to do. Once the VHS tape cassette is inserted, cassette housing cover will be flipped up and two arms will pull tape out of cassette housing to wrap tape around cylindrical spinning head housing that contains video heads and, if VHS HI-FI, audio heads as well. When stop or eject button is pressed, arms will retract and tape will wind back into cassette housing. What type of problem are you experiencing with unit? It may have nothing to do with M-load engaging tape around head cylinder.

Cat. No. 44-626 used to be available at Radio Shack but no more.

http://www.tracertek.com/new-cassette-tape-shells


This might work..

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/geekslutz-forum/31114-cassette-repair-kit.html

"Splice the broken end to the take up reel of a newly bought cassette that you can open.
open the new cassette,
trash the interior
If you can't move the old reels to the new mechanism:
tape one side of the broken cassette's tape to the new take up reel
close the new cassette (do not open or break the old cassette if it's not already done)
insert a pencil into the gizmo on the take up reel on the new cassette,
reel up the old cassettes tape into the new cassette
re open the new cassette
splice the other end to the new cassette's gizmo
close the new cassette
record the contents to digital"

This machine uses the Brother TZ tape, which is available in a variety of colors and three widths (1/4" (6mm), 3/8" (9mm) and 1/2" (12mm)). A TZ tape is supplied with this machine.

1 Press in on the rough area at the top end of the machine and fold open the back cover. Should be the exact process as loading batteries.

2 If a tape cassette is already installed, remove it by pulling it
straight up.

3 If the ink ribbon in the other tape cassette is loose, use your finger to wind the toothed wheel in the direction of the arrow on the cassette until there is no slack in the ribbon. Also, make sure that the end of the tape feeds under the tape guides. Note: If you are using a new tape cassette provided with a stopper, be sure to remove the stopper.

4 Insert the tape cassette firmly into the compartment, making sure that the entire back of the cassette contacts the bottom of the compartment. Note: When inserting a tape cassette, make sure that the inner ribbon does not catch on the corner of the metal guide.

5 Securely close the back cover, making sure that it snaps into place.

6 Feed the tape by holding down CODE and pressing PRINT once, and then push in the tape cutter lever to cut the tape.

You can also get a copy of the user's guide here.

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Use camera without tape

Loading unit problem is a common mechanical problem in camcorders. To remedy the problem, trained tech need to disassemble the mechanical system around the loading and replace few broken gears (plastics) and adjust it. Repair cost may run close to half of the new camcorder. If you really got to repair this camera for some sentimental reason or for special needs otherwise better to invest the repair charge into a new camcorder.

The most frequent cause of this type situation is not having a power source attached, or a depleted battery pack. Once the power source is available, some models require manually unlatching and opening the cassette compartment cover. When the cover is fully open, the videocassette will eject automatically. Please try the following procedures. 1. Attach the power source to the camcorder correctly or use a fully-charged battery pack. 2. Fully-open the cassette compartment cover until it stops while sliding and holding the OPEN/EJECT switch. The videocassette will eject automatically after a few seconds. If the videocassette still will not eject, seek assistance from a Canon Service Facility.