Panasonic AG-1970's front panel doesn't work

[fravel]

My Panasonic AG-1970's front panel doesn't work. After two years of little use, it refuses to activate the functions of it's front panel, manually or by the remote, which is a universal type one. If a tape is inserted it powers up and plays it all right but can't stop, rewind, record or eject it or power up or down via the panel. The only way to stop it is by disconnecting the power cord and waiting about an hour and then try to activate the eject button while powering up. Sometimes it works after several tries. The LEDs work fine. Any help will be highly appreciated.

[lowellriggsiam]

If you know what you are doing, unplug the unit and open it look and see if a few of the capicitors are browning, or poped (looking not so cynildrical), meanwhile check the fuses. Other known causes the remote could be continually emmiting a signal, one of the buttons on the pannel could be jammed (locked), or the TV/VCR button could be a broken state.

[buckethead]

If this is a swing down type of front panel like the ag-1980, my money is on the ribbon cable which connects the front panel to the main chassis.

[fravel]

Thanks to both of you. Will try all and let you know. Happy New Year!