hi folks, I’ve had a million Toyota’s so I’m fairly versed... I’m into 80’s/early 90’s cars and a bit of a weirdo when it comes to keeping or returning them to stock condition. I have a basically new 1993 4Runner that is completely stock except the stereo. It’s been unusually complicated trying to replace the crappy pioneer CD player with the CD/Cassette stereo that originally came in this model 4Runner. First of all, that particular stereo was rare as most models just came with the cassette and cubby below. Then a few of the stereos adapt to the tiny factory amp and other identical stereos don’t. I’ve purchased 6 Oem Toyota cassette/CD stereos that have varied slightly in design and all of them have had failed cassette players in some way even if stated otherwise. I’ve purchased two from a stereo reman specialist and just returned the first because the cassette clicked loudly while playing music. The second has arrived and also clicks loudly. I’m wondering if it’s at all possible that I am under powering or mis-wiring the unit or some other issue that is causing the cassette portion to click during playback? On this particular stereo, it is from a 1997 4Runner so I have bypassed the amp. Everything sounds great and works perfectly except the cassette players. Any thoughts?

It’s only in the head unit itself, sounds rotational with the tape. Seems unusual that it would be the same in multiple stereos. I’ve tried numerous cassettes.

I currently have 7 early 90’s Toyota stereos that won’t work in some way. Two are unusual 14 pin connections and I have 4 that are all the same aside from two of them go to the amp and two of them don’t. I will try to test all of them and see if I can find one that works. I get a little lost inside the tape compartment, not sure what to make of all the little levers and springs etc. I will check back for input.