What would make a VCR fast forward when you hit play?

[TeamGeek6]

" master switch or rheostat for controling the play speed"

Yepper! Changing that switch will goof it up to extreme, thats called the "mode switch" and it controls the synch of the tape deck. Change that and the tape speed will go to zero.

The red and black wires are either power to the front load motor (if the tape holder has a motor) or a limit switch. If theres no motor on the tape holder, then the drive comes from below the deck and the timing is messed up. If its not pulling the tape out, then the computer thinks the cassette is not loaded.

That fancy state switch should have an index mark, usually an arrow to indicate home position. See if its aligned, the tape holder may be keyed to it.

I lost count of the number of VCRs Ive worked on at several thousand. Some of those Japanese units are absolute nightmares to get back in time, especially Panasonics.

OWners manual wont cover this stuff.

And, speaking of fixing VCRs, heres the magic tip for cleaning heads - use paint thinner (toluene or acetone) and a Q-tip, itll dissolve anything that gets on the head, including grease and tape residue.

[AZ250R]

And, speaking of fixing VCRs, heres the magic tip for cleaning heads - use paint thinner (toluene or acetone) and a Q-tip, itll dissolve anything that gets on the head, including grease and tape residue.

Nail polish remover, the real stuff, works good too. Just be real careful of the heads, they have tiny coils that can be damaged easily. Only lightly brush them side to side the way they glide over the tape, never up and down.

Sorry I saw this thread late... I used to fix this stuff @ an audio video store. You've most likely really screwed up the timing, and it's a real pain to fix. However, I'd put good money on it that the original problem is just that the belt you see on the bottom of the thing just needed replaced!
I'm serious, with most belt driven tape drive devices that belt gets a tad old and streached and messes with ALL of its features. Keeps the timing gears, that you F'd all up, from engaging all the way to the play setting. If you can get it back in timing just get the right belt and you may get er fixed.

[TeamGeek6]

Yep, good point about not breaking the head, makes one unhappy to snag a Q tip and bust it off. Been there, broken that

[3 weelin geezer]

When all the obvious reasons have been explored try the not so obvious. You FATfingered it.