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You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Home Appliances > TV/VCR/Stereo Troubleshooting > VCR trouble- Emerson Model# EVW401A
Expert: cleggsan
Date: 10/3/2008
Subject: VCR trouble- Emerson Model# EVW401A
Question
Hi,
I'm having some trouble with my VCR and I'm hoping you might have a quick solution. It's an Emerson model # EVW401A VCR. Just this morning, I turned on my VCR and tried to play a tape. The VCR turned itself off and began flashing lights, all the while no ejecting the tape. Thinking that the tape ribbon was stuck, I removed the top lid of the VCR and manually removed the ribbon which allowed the tape to slide right out. However, now as soon as I turn the machine on, the VCR shuts itself off and the "tape in" button continually flashes. When I then tried to put another tape in, the tape only goes in half way and then stops. I've unplugged the VCR and manually tried to push the tape in, but it gets to a point and stops, like it's stuck or like something is blocking the tape, but i don't see anything blocking it though. I'm afraid to push harder on the tape to slide it in because then I think I'll really break something. I'm not sure what's going on. I think the problem is only on the right side because when I try pushing the tape in, the left side seems to want to go in, but something on the right side stops it from going all the way in. I'm not sure how VCRS work, so could you please tell me what exactly is supposed to happen once you slide the tape in, and also is there anyway for me to fix this myself without chucking it in the trash (it worked completely fine yesterday) or bothering to get it repaired (it's an older model and not worth the price.) Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!
Answer
Sorry, but vcr machines are very seldom a good investment for repair. Why? Because they are low value to begin with ($25 and up) while they are very expensive to repair ($65 and up).
In your case, since it happened suddenly rather than gradually, it has probably a broken guide, an adjustment that has slipped out of the way, or more likely, a failed servo IC system. The repair involves checking out the mechanical and electro-mechanical tape handling components and then the electrical and electronic systems.
Finally, it is very difficult to find someone who will repair them. Most technicians find the cost of repair vs the value of the unit to be outside their interest area.
If you want to try to fix it yourself there is a nice web site, no longer updated and maintained, but good for older units, at
www.fixer.com
where you might find some information on your model that will help you get it working again.
Hope this helps.
C
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