8-Track stopped working '79 Firebird

[najia786]

Hello! The 8-track stopped playing this afternoon on my Firebird and before I take it to the mechanic, I'm wondering if there's something that I can check before spending the money at the shop. Perhaps a loose wire or something that could be a quick fix? Thank you in advance from this novice!
Pic of my car for attention!

[b_hill_86]

78+ would’ve been all one unit. That diagram is for the 77 and earlier console mounted tape decks

[b_hill_86]

It’s a nice diagram though lol. I saved that one for myself.

[firebirdparts]

There are no external wires that would distinguish between 8 track operation and radio operation (all internal).  If inserting an 8 track makes the radio go silent, my first thought would be the drive belt.  8 track players used a really small rubber drive belt.  There might be a way to troubleshoot this further, but I don't know.

There are plenty of people refurbishing these things.