Panasonic DMR-E55 DVD Recorder went from perfect to complete shutdown. (we did have an earthquake and huricane since it was last used approx 1 month ago). No power even when you bypass the fuse. Is there a battery anywhere that may need to be replaced? also dont have service manual--is there a resource online i can look up?

SOURCE: DVD recorder DMR-E55

Describe "self check" mode?...accordianman

SOURCE: Panasonic DMR-E55 DVD Recorder

Ok guys, you asked for a fix for the DMR E55 Self Checking cycle. Here goes.
In 99% of cases this is caused by a faulty regulator on the main power board. The power board is located on the right hand side of the unit. The regulator is IC001 which is mounted on a thin metal strip which acts as a totally inadequate heatsink. This means that this component constantly works at temperatures beyond its tolerance. Because of this it usually lasts a couple of years and then starts causing problems. The Self Checking syndrome is typical. If the regulator burns out completely, it can take other components with it, blow fuses and scorch the circuit board.
If you are competent in using a soldering iron with care, order an STRG 6353 regulator. These can be obtained online from a number of suppliers. Disconnect your DMR E55 from the power source and remove the lid.
Next, remove the fixing screws from the circuit board on the right where the regulator is located. Carefully remove the multi connector on the left side of the board. Remove the screw above the power connector on the rear of the unit. The power board can now be removed from the cabinet. Using a small pair of wire cutters, clip all five pins from the old regulator as close the the top of the board as possible. Undo the screw securing it to the heatsink and remove the old regulator which can now be thrown away.
Next, using your soldering iron, remove what's left of the pins from the printed board and with a solder sucker or desoldering braid, clear the holes ready to accept your new regulator. Be careful because if you over heat the print it can lift away from the board.
Use a little heatsink compound on the back of your new regulator, poke the pins through the circuit board and then secure it to the heatsink. I usually fit an extra heatsink on these units which helps to reduce heat and prolong the life of the new component.
Next, resolder the 5 pins on the print side of the board. Use a magnifying glass and make sure you haven't missed anything or bridged connections in error and caused short circuits.
Now put the board back. This can be a little trick but it's easy enough if you take care. Replace all the screws and carefully reconnect the multi connector.
If you have followed this correctly, switch the unit back on, pop in a DVD and give it a try. Unless you are very unlucky, You DMR E55 will no longer repeatedly self check and will operate correctly. Whilst it saddens me to hear that some of you guys would toss your DMR E55s into the trash can for such an easily repairable problem, please do not attempt this unless you are confident in your own ability.
Finally, do check that the fan operates but remember it is temperature controlled and will not activate until it is needed. Do not assume it is faulty because you do not see it working straight away. I have repaired lots of DMR E55s and I have never found a single fan or fan control circuit to be faulty. That's not to say it can't fail. good luck...

Mike C

• 112 Answers
• Posted on Apr 20, 2009

SOURCE: Panasonic DMR E55 Won't record AT&T U-Verse programs!

Make sure you only use the correct type of discs: DVD-RAM or DVD-R for recording and DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, Video CD, CD-Audio (CD-DA) and CD-R/RW (MP3, CD-DA, Video CD formatted discs) for playback.

DVD-RAM disks are in plentiful supply on eBay, both new and used. Keep an eye open and you should pick them up, new, for less than £1 Sterling each!

I am unclear, though, what you mean about recording to and from the VCR. The DMR-E55 doesn't have a VCR facility, just DVD.

Mike C

• 112 Answers
• Posted on Apr 24, 2009

SOURCE: panasonic dmr-e55 won't work, just says "hold" on display

HOLD or X HOLD? If the latter - which is most likely - then the Child Lock has been activated! Press and hold ENTER and RETURN simultaneously until HOLD disappears!

Ginko

• 19396 Answers
• Posted on Aug 25, 2009

SOURCE: PANASONIC DMR-E55 DVD RECORDER

Try first unplugging unit from main, and holding the cancel button.

If that does not work try the following:
Hold at the same time the stop button on the main unit and key >10 on the remote control at the same time for about 5 seconds, until you get the word "initialised" on display. This will reset the unit to factory settings.