Hey everyone. I just recieved an older Pioneer PL-X5 turntable from my uncle. It's a very odd looking turntable, so I'm not sure how to fix it. Anyways, it seems to be broken, but I don't think it's ever even been used. Can a unit go bad by just sitting on a shelf? When I press the start button, the tray won't slide all the way out without me helping it. Also, the platter will not spin. The unit powers on and seems to do everything alright aside from those two functions . Is this just a dying motor or a belt? I'm not sure what could cause the platter to not spin other that those two.

Also, the arm doesn't swing out of the unit for all records, but I feel like this might be because of the tray not sliding out right.

Steve, January 2008

Hi I recently got my hands on a PL-X5 at a yard sale for a $1. I love it, except its having issues. It won't come out at all; whether i press the start/stop, whether the door is open, whether the trigger on the turn table is pressed down, it only is reversing and will not come out. But the table it self just keeps spinning. Any ideas on what the issue could be? I already replaced the two belts.

Tony, August 2022

I just picked one of these up in full working condition except that the door on the front is missing. The door allows for proper operation as when it is open, it holds down a switch which allows the turntable to come out and run, If anyone has a broken PL-X5 the would like to sell to me for parts, or if they would like to sell a door for a PL-X5, or if you know where I can get a non working unit or a door for one of these please email me at kwm321 {at} gmail {dot} com

Kenny, December 2011

How can a belt be fitted to a pl-x5 turntable and where can you get one?

Ross, February 2011

to both steve and John... if you happen to be checking this post let me fill you in

First the tray is only supposed to come out a little more than halfway

second, the spinning problem
the table will not spin if...

the belt has gone bad
if a turntable sits on a shelf for a long time the belts can literally turn to powder especially in hot attics or a garage

if there is no record on the table...
there is a switch/ button on the table next to the center pin that triggers the table to spin

that is what I have to add although, it is unlikely that either one of you have checked this post in some time I myself have taken apart my Pl-X5 on many seperate occasions and have replaced everything from the needle to one of the gears inside that moves the table in and out so post again if you are still having problems

Robert, September 2010

Hi Steve,
If you read this, as I suspect you may have 'given up' on getting a reply!
However, further to my first post, I've 'sorted' my T/T. The main fault was broken turntable drive belt and,additionally the 45 adaptor disc was trapped under the sliding table and may have been jamming or restricting movement of the table. Changing the belt is not exactly easy as the top cover of the table has to be removed and that only after other dismantling which I'll not describe here as you might not ever read this.
If you would like the full details please mail me at,
john(at)jrhazell.freeserve.co.uk
Regards,
John.

John Hazell., April 2008

Hello,
I have just this evening acquired one of the same units with similar fault, - the tray comes (partly?) out but the arm 'stays put'.
I notice that the belt is loose fallen off the drive pulley I expect.
I'll take the case off tomorrow for a detailed inspection, and look for clues.
My expectation is that the arm will only move out when the tray is fully extended,- a switch operated by the tray supplying the power to the arm motor or maybe providing a 'go' signal for the arm motor controller circuit. I doubt the belt being off would affect any of this as you would need the tray out to fit a belt.
In answer to your specific question.
Some components (electrolytic capacitors) can deteriorate over time and will affect an electronic circuit, possibly generate some smoke and 'bangs' though the latter unlikely on transistorised electronics.
Drive belts can perish, switch contacts and plug/socket connections can corrode/tarnish with time often cured by operating the switch or unplugging/replugging plugs + using a little WD40 or specialised switch cleaning fluid on the suspect component. That's just about it, spills of sugary liquid onto the printed circuit board (PCB) call for carefull cleaning before power is applied!
Please post any usefull 'stuff' you have acquired, I'll re-post when I've more to report.

John Hazell., April 2008