F04 is mechanism stuck or sticking half way.
Usually due to damaged plastic parts on underside of mechanism. Most common causes, in order..
1) Usually, split loading motor 'coupling', (not visible - as it's inside the loading motor's worm gear) but simple to replace.
Otherwise...
2) Damaged teeth to main cam gear or sub cam gear.
3) Warped or damaged main slide lever (flat sliding plate at bottom of mech).
4) Faulty or misaligned mode switch.
When replacing any of the above, the mechanism must be kept in or restored to specific mechanical alignment or the mech. will get jammed.
None are difficult repairs, but expect a service cost of approx. £35 and £65 (in order listed).
( 1) is so simple, you may find an independent repairer will do this for less than £35. So, tell them the fault code and model and ask for their estimate first, you may be suprised.
(PS. A new Panasonic VCR is < £100.)
Cobweb, January 2007
