AG-1980 suddenly only plays HiFi tapes in linear mono?

[FF3D]

Out of nowhere, one of my AG-1980s - which has played flawlessly for over a year, and in recent days - will only play back tapes in linear mono.

The audio meters are active, but the L and R squares are not lit (indicating linear mono mode, as would happen if I played a mono tape).

I have tested this with multiple HiFi VHS tapes, all of which now play back in mono on this deck. They still play fine in HiFi on my other AG-1980.

UPDATE - I tested with a high quality store bought SP HiFi movie tape - again, video is perfect, audio is linear mono.

Video is unaffected.

I opened the unit, cleaned the audio head, nothing seemed to be present and nothing changed after cleaning.

I feel like there might be some easy fix to this which I'm overlooking. I checked all the switches to see if they were off their normal positions, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Thanks in advance if anyone has any advice.

[Dougmc]

The hi fi audio is on the video tape cylinder with video heads assembly.
The linear audio is on the stationary head.
So I interpret you only cleaned the linear head.

[FF3D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dougmc

The hi fi audio is on the video tape cylinder with video heads assembly.
The linear audio is on the stationary head.
So I interpret you only cleaned the linear head.

Ahh, you're right. I haven't cleaned the video heads yet, I will do that now. (I've done it in the past, just not since this happened)

Thank you.

[FF3D]

HiFi is back after cleaning the video heads! You have no idea how relieved I am.

Thanks again, Dougmc!

[Dougmc]

Gteat...
Enjoy...
Stay safe!!!÷