How to Fix a VCR
While video cassette recorders (VCRs) are a somewhat-obsolete technology today, they are still used in millions of homes and are inexpensively available at many second-hand stores.
Repairing a VCR is not particularly difficult, but it does require a little know-how. There are many parts that can be fixed or replaced at home, but there are a few electrical components that are very difficult to diagnose and/or repair without professional equipment. The links in the Reference section provide detailed instructions to supplement the basic diagnosis and repair procedures offered here.
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Things You'll Need
- Small screwdriver(s)
- Small pliers or a pick
- Denatured alcohol
- Vacuum cleaner
- Cotton swabs
- Clean cloth
- Light oil
- Lubricating grease
Instructions
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Diagnostic Tips and Basic VCR Repairs
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Make sure the electrical outlet is live if the VCR will not power on. Next, in order, test the power cord, power switch and internal fuse. Fuses are usually found inside the unit near the cord inlet and/or a power supply and are usually clearly marked. They can be tested with a multimeter. If none of these are faulty, you likely have a damaged power supply and should replace the VCR.
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2
Clean or replace faulty belts if the VCR does not record or play back. If this does not fix it, inspect/repair/replace the idler. The idler is basically the motor for the reel in the tape and is either gear-driven or rubber tire-driven; both systems tend to break down with age. Replacing the tires may solve the problem, but often the idler assembly must be replaced.
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3
Replace the record safety switch if the VCR will play back, but will not record. The switch is mechanically actuated by the record safety tab on the videocassette, If the record safety tab has been removed (by the user to protect the tape from being recorded over), then the switch won't activate the recording process. In most VCRs, the switch is in the front assembly or tape basket, and will need to be replaced as a unit.
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Test and replace the playback switch (located in one of the CPU units) if necessary. Clean the logic switch, and, if necessary, have a faulty one serviced or replaced. Logic switches are electronic components and sometimes lose conductivity due to dirt and dust accumulating.
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5
Remove and inspect the tape basket assembly (where you insert videocassettes) for stuck gears, etc., if the videocassette is jammed or will not fully eject. Inspect and replace belts as necessary and straighten the tape basket if it is twisted or dented. The tape basket assembly can be unscrewed and removed.
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Tips & Warnings
VCRs can be purchased inexpensively at second-hand stores, pawn shops, garage sales, etc., so it is often better to simply replace them.
Most experts say cleaning the video heads by running a "head cleaning" tape through periodically is of minimal value. To clean the heads adequately, you need to open up the VCR and manually clean the heads, rollers, and gaskets with alcohol and a cotton swab.
References
- Photo Credit death of vcr tapes image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
