Help with JVC HR-S9500U automatically shutting down in a few seconds.

[Schizophretard]

This is my first post and I'll appreciate any help. I was looking for an S-VHS VCR to use to play classic games from RF to s-video and so my wife can enjoy her VHS tapes. I didn't want a piece of crap so I Googled for the best S-VHS VCR. I came across a link to Lordsmurf's VCR Buying Guide on another site and this one. I compared the VCRs on Ebay to the one's on the list and settled for JVC HR-S9500U. I received it, watched Splash, and was amazed at how the picture looked.

The next day it started automatically shutting down after a few seconds. I thought it had to do with the AUTO flashing on the display. I told the seller and he told me it was the clock trying to automatically set the time. He told me to set it manually but he didn't understand that I didn't have access to anything because it would shut off after a few seconds. I noticed that the AUTO eventually turns to --:-- and read something online about putting in a tape when that happens. I tried that and it didn't work. Later I tried again but I put in the tape very slowly. I made sure I didn't force it in but let VCR pull it in. It worked. The video started to play and I manually set the clock. I turned it off, the time stayed, I put in tapes, they played, and I figured all was well.

The next day I was at work and my wife tried to play a movie. She said she fast forwarded the tape to the end and let it rewind back to the front to make sure the tape was tight before playing. She played it and a few minutes later it automatically shut down. When I got home I tested it. The clock was still functioning but it was having the same problem as before. If I put in a tape it only stays powered for a few seconds. If I push power it only stays powered for a few seconds. If a tape is in I can't push power then eject to get it out. I have to just push eject, it powers up, ejects, and then shuts down. I thought it really had nothing to do with the clock auto setting. I unplugged it for a while because I thought I could somehow start over that way. It didn't work.

Anyway, The seller is willing to do a complete refund but I already paid another seller for the remote. I would get my money back but I would losing the money I invested in the remote and I would really like to get it fixed. I shared my concern with the seller and he said I could get it fixed, show him the receipt, and he would cover the cost up to a specific amount. I thought that was fair but I don't know where to get it fixed. Could I find a VCR repair person in the Indianapolis area? Do I have someone online do it? Is it a simple fix that someone can walk me though? I just don't know what is causing the problem and how to go about fixing it. Please help. Thanks.

[Krispy Kritter]

Hit the yellow pages. Sounds like a power circuit issue. In any case, you'll need a certified tech to open it up and investigate. A decent shop will charge a fee to look at it ($35-50), but will apply that fee towards the bill if it can be repaired.

[lordsmurf]

he told me it was the clock trying to automatically set the time.

Seller = dumbass. My clock hasn't been set in probably 10 years. Nothing to do with power.

and read something online about putting in a tape when that happens.

NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! Unless you want to learn how to manually remove tapes. (NOT FUN!)

I thought that was fair but I don't know where to get it fixed. Could I find a VCR repair person in the Indianapolis area?

Look for a JVC AUTHORIZED service tech, at either a local indy shop or the official JVC shop.
Don't go just anywhere.

The problem sounds like mechanical error in the transport. That will force the system to lock up in this manner. Take it apart, and take photos. I can be found here, as well as at http://www.digitalFAQ.com/forum (and I reply faster there). There are experienced JVC users on both sites. It could be something as simple as aged rubber bands or lack of good greasing.

[Schizophretard]

Hit the yellow pages. Sounds like a power circuit issue. In any case, you'll need a certified tech to open it up and investigate. A decent shop will charge a fee to look at it ($35-50), but will apply that fee towards the bill if it can be repaired.

Finding a VCR repair person in the yellow pages reminds me of a thread on Atariage about a guy taking a Sears Video Arcade to the customer service desk at Sears asking about getting it repaired. It will be nice if it is that simple. I was just under the impression that all the places I would find would work on flat panel "TVs" , Blu-ray players, and would laugh at me for bringing in a VCR. It's good to know that there are still places I can go.

If it is a power circuit issue or even something else then what is the most possible I would have to pay to get it fixed? Thanks.

[Schizophretard]

he told me it was the clock trying to automatically set the time.

Seller = dumbass. My clock hasn't been set in probably 10 years. Nothing to do with power.

and read something online about putting in a tape when that happens.

NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! Unless you want to learn how to manually remove tapes. (NOT FUN!)

I thought that was fair but I don't know where to get it fixed. Could I find a VCR repair person in the Indianapolis area?

Look for a JVC AUTHORIZED service tech, at either a local indy shop or the official JVC shop.
Don't go just anywhere.

The problem sounds like mechanical error in the transport. That will force the system to lock up in this manner. Take it apart, and take photos. I can be found here, as well as at http://www.digitalFAQ.com/forum (and I reply faster there). There are experienced JVC users on both sites. It could be something as simple as aged rubber bands or lack of good greasing.

To be fair buyer=dumbass. I thought there was a correlation between the AUTO flashing and it turning off. I just confused him about the problem. I realized that this dumbass needs more expert help and that brought me here.

Yeah, from what I remember, removing a tape manually wasn't fun. The steps were opening up the VCR, destroying the tape trying to get it out, and then also destroying the VCR with a hammer.

I went to JVC's site, used the service center locator, typed in the model number, typed in my address, and this is what popped up:

JEANNIES SUPER SHOP
5015 US HWY 41 SOUTH
TERRE HAUTE, IN 47802
(812) 299-3508
49.38 miles

So, would my best bet be to call them up, explain the problem, and then make a 50 mile journey to the promised land?

If you are correct about it being a mechanical error in the transport then what would you consider a fair price to pay for repairs? How long should it take to fix?

Is there anywhere specific I should be taking pictures? Thanks.