Screen won't light up in recording mode. the screen says to take off lens cap.

It could one of a few problems:

1. The viewfinder is pulled out and "PRIORITY" is set to "FINDER".

Push the viewfinder back in or set "PRIORITY" to "LCD".

2. The LCD monitor's brightness setting is too dark.

Adjust the brightness of the LCD monitor.

3. If the monitor is tilted upward 180 degrees, open the monitor fully.

Download the manual for more info:
JVC GR D290 Manual

Go in menu go to bracketing /flash then set for TTL
you should work to test leave lens cap on push button on left side with lightning bolt on it.

This is usually caused by a defective CCD image sensor and can be repaired fairly inexpensively. However, it's not a user serviceable problem and will need to be repaired qualified service technician.

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It sounds like you may have the the camera in manual mode or that the Iris may be turned down. I am not sure if you model has an Iris control so make sure it is not in manual mode.

Well the cheapest way is to go into record mode, cap the lens with the black lens cap and record a 'black' picture on the tape. This will erase all the pictures on the tape and leave you with a 'black' screen on the whole tape.

Replace the CCD base Assy on the optical block assy.

You may have lost your image sensor.

1. Take lens cap off.
2. Look in lens make sure there is nothing on or blocking lens.
3. Find bright room & see if image comes up.
4. Make sure your in video record mode.
5. If you have eyepiece lens look to make sure it is off. {Most cams will not let you use both at same time.}
6. Still no image try recording on blank disk then play back see if image is recording.

If that does not work MSG back.

PLease see http://www.fixya.com/support/t131881-sony_cam_recorder_wont_record for more information on this i have had the same problem, faulty CCD image processor chip.

Assuming you don't see any video through the viewfinder, it could be that the CCD has died on that camcorder. It happens, though not frequently.

If the video though the viewfinder is clear, there might be some sensor on the lens ring to indicate a lens cap, or an automatic lens cap not properly disengaging when put in record mode. 

it is a common problem with them. sony has a recall on ccd imager for this model. call sony and they will fix it for free