My TV's VCR has stopped working?

Question

I know VCR's are dated, but this is an old TV they let me have for my bedroom. VCR is built-in, and the controls are built-in too.

Anyways a few days ago I had this problem: Whenever I turned the TV on the VCR would start rewinding the tape and after a few seconds both would turn off. I couldn't Eject or Play the tape.

I unplugged the TV and now it stays on when I turn it on. However the VCR has stopped altogether and won't give me back my tape either. Ideas?

Answer 1

Probably Funai-made. Clean the MODE switch.



Scott: I love to see people trying to play their VHS tapes on their DVD players.

Answer 2

Sounds like your VCR didn't come out of the load mode. The guides may be still advanced somewhat & aren't coming back all the way to allow you to eject the tape. Depending on the unit, it may be as simple as a loading belt. It may also be a worn or jumped gear.

There were a few models however, common to have the belt slip.

Unless you are familiar with the inside of a VCR & TV for that matter, it may be a difficult to find the belt. But if you are able to get it apart & watch it unwind, you'll see a very small belt (11/2- 2 inches in diameter) slipping.

That would be where I'd start looking anyways.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Try the following. Turn off the TV. Turn it on, and IMMEDIATELY press the Eject button on the VCR part. If it even tries to eject but fails, then repeat that, and after pressing eject, push the door of the player in (careful not to get your finger stuck). The might let it eject your tape. If that doesn't work, then you have to open up the entire unit to get your tape back. Then don't use the VCR again after that.



It's possible to fix VCR's, but generally not worth it. If you must have a tape player, then look on craigslist in the free section. Usually someone has one. Failing that, there will generally be one for $5 in the electronics section, or at a garage sale.

Answer 4

Get it to operate as a television and forget about the built in VCR. Combo unit's were never a good thing. Now you see why. And no, it's not worth fixing when you can pick up a DVD player for less than $100 which will give you better quality on play back.