AM/FM Car Stereo (120-1990) Care and Maintenance Faxback Doc. # 7849 Your realistic AM/FM Stereo Car Cassette Player is an example of superior design and craftsmanship. The following suggestions will help you care for the stereo so you can enjoy it for years. Keep the stereo dry. If it does get wet, wipe it dry immediately. Liquids can contain minerals that can corrode the electronic circuits. Handle the stereo gently and carefully. Dropping it can damage the circuit boards and case and can cause the stereo to work improperly. Keep the stereo away from dust and dirt, which can cause premature wear of parts. Wipe the stereo with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking new. Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, or strong detergents to clean the stereo. Modifying or tampering with the stereo's internal parts can cause a malfunction and might invalidate your stereo's warranty and void your FCC authorization to operate it. If your stereo is not operating as it should, take it to your local Radio Shack store for assistance. CLEANING THE TAPE-HANDLING PARTS Clean the tape head after every 20 hours of playing time. Insert a special head-cleaning cassette (such as Cat. No. 44-1162), and let it run for a few minutes to remove any foreign matter. DEMAGNETIZING THE PLAYBACK HEAD Demagnetize the playback head after every 10 hours of use. Insert a special head-demagnetizer cassette (such as Cat. No. 44-1165) and let it run for a few seconds. LOOSENING TAPE TENSION If you play a cassette tape several times, the tape can become tightly wound on either hub. This can cause distortion. To restore the correct tension, fast-forward to the end of the tape. Then completely rewind the tape. REPLACING A FUSE If the stereo does not work, you might need to replace the red power wire's fuse. If the clock does not appear on the display when the ignition is off, you might need to replace the red/white continuous power wire's fuse. Note: Also check your vehicle's fuses. Use the following steps to change a fuse. Warning: Before you begin, turn off the stereo and your vehicle's ignition. 1. Remove the stereo from the dash. 2. Push and twist the fuse holder so it springs apart. 3. If the fuse is blown, replace it. Use only a standard 1 1/4-inch fuse with the proper rating. The red power wire's fuse must be 3.0 amps, and the red/white continuous power wire's fuse must be 1.0 amps. 4. Reassemble the fuse holder by inserting the fuse and pushing and twisting the two parts until they snap together. 5. Replace the stereo in the dash. (br/all-10/20/94)