VCR plays then freezes and shuts down
 

I picked up an s-vhs vcr as a project and when I put a tape in a picture shows up, then the unit pauses (holding on the image), then stops and shuts off (goes into normal standby, not loses power entirely).
When I put the tape in it plays automatically and when it stops, I can eject the tape without issue.

I took the top of the unit and cleaned the heads, but it didn't seem to need it as the pad I used came back without any oil/grease on it. When I tried to use the unit after it did the same thing.

Nothing sounds off (no grinding or other odd sounds), everything seems normal until I try to play a tape (I use this tape as my go-to to test VCR's and I know it plays). Could this be just a mode switch thing or is it a different issue entirely?

I would try another tape to rule out a tape issue, But it could be anything really you have to have the skills to troubleshoot these complicated machines. If you do, may as well clean the mode switch at least to get it off the list of things to check, plus it's good to have it cleaned anyway.

What model is it? If it's a JVC with dynamic drum, that or something similar is usually caused by DD malfunction. Main risk to the repair is damaging the ribbon that comes off of the drum when plugging it in or unplugging it. I do refurb those if you don't want to risk damaging the machine, just PM me for details. If it's not a dynamic drum machine, could also be IR sensors that tell the machine the reels are moving as it'll shut down if it thinks the reels should be moving but can't detect that they are. Those sensors aren't made anymore, so you basically would need to source them from a different machine if that's the problem.

It is a PANASONIC AG-3200(P), it looks like a rebranded JVC HR-S3900U but dark grey instead of black. I did try another tape and got the same result.