Tape keeps changing direction when cold

[Ev__]

The standard Renault cassette head unit in my Mk1 172 is rather troublesome when its cold inside the car. If I attempt to play a cassette it just keeps flipping direction back and forth, back and forth. Its fine on warmer days, or when the temperature inside the car has warmed up a bit, though.

Is this a common problem with these head units, does anyone know?

If it isnt I may try to pick up a cheap identical (but working) unit second-hand. (Im not really bothered about upgrading, by the way, as I dont listen to music in the car that much - just the odd taped radio show and the CD changer or iPod-plus-iTrip for longer journeys.)

 

[Liam]

never heard of that problem never used to do it with mine, tried a tape cleaning kit?

 

[Ev__]

Ive run a tape cleaner on it, not that there was any point, though, because the problem presumably lies with the spool mechanisms. I guess theyre a bit stiff so are assuming that theyve reached the end of the tape when the havent. Hence flip, flip, flip, flip...

 

[dangermouse_se]

Yeah sounds right. In the cold everything gets tighter/stiffer and hence your problem.