Panasonic Repairs? The ONLY place for warranty or out-of-warranty service!

[DigaDo]

This post has been revised to correct out-of-date information. Thank you, Breyean for providing the most current information.

The corporate Panasonic Digital Service Center in Elk Grove Village Illinois promptly and efficiently handles warranty and out-of-warranty repairs for recent model DVD recorders and combo recorders. Breyean reports that due to the short supply of parts Panasonic is consolidating service and repair of older models and HDD/DVD models at the Panasonic Service Center in Elgin Illinois. These are the locations where Panasonic experts have access to the parts necessary to bring a Panasonic recorder back to new or better than new functional condition.

For service/repair within the warranty period call Panasonic Customer Service at 1-800-211-7262. If Customer Service determines that your recent or current model recorder requires replacement/exchange with the same or a similar model refurbished recorder they will provide you with a confirmation/RMA and shipping information for the Panasonic Customer Service Center in McAllen Texas.

For exchanging out of warranty products Customer Service will provide a product exchange quotation that includes return shipping from McAllen Texas.

The McAllen Texas facility does not repair recorders; the McAllen facility is for product exchanges only.

Do not allow Customer Service to talk you into taking your Panasonic to a local repair shop. If necessary, insist upon service/repair at the Panasonic Digital Service Center in Elk Grove Village Illinois, or product exchange through the Panasonic Customer Service Center in McAllen Texas.

Panasonic continues to offer an out-of-warranty $130 flat-rate repair for recorders. The flat-rate includes all parts and labor and return shipping from their facilities in Elk Grove Village and Elgin Illinois. Call 1-888-439-2676 for more information concerning the $130 flat-rate repair and the shipping procedure for out-of-warranty products.

The $130 flat-rate repair is a bargain that extends the useful life of desirable or high end models, especially those with hard drives.

This is the contact information for the corporate Panasonic Service Centers in Elk Grove and Elgin Illinois:

Panasonic Camera and Digital Service Center
1590 Touhy Ave
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007

1-888-439-2676

Panasonic Service Center
410 B Airport Rd.
Elgin, IL 60123

1-847-468-5543

Some Panasonic owners have reported that it is necessary to insist upon the $130 flat-rate repair in order to initiate that process. Some Panasonic owners have found it necessary to return their recorder without a Return Authorization.

If Panasonic attempts to have you to agree to an "estimate," then any work will be performed at the full price for parts and labor, potentially a very expensive repair.

The flat-rate is exactly that, your total cost will be $130.

In the event that Panasonic implements the flat-rate repair process through a telephone contact they may take your credit card information and charge the $130 up front or after the machine has been received. In that case they may provide, through an email or fax, a Return Authorization with shipping information or an emailed link to a bar code for use at an UPS Store.

For warranty or out-of-warranty repair be sure to use the original Panasonic packaging or provide your own packaging to avoid shipping complications at the UPS store. (A CD Freaks poster reported that shipping through the "Panasonic Account" could not be used if it was necessary to purchase packaging at the UPS store.)

With your Panasonic recorder include a letter that briefly describes the recorder's problem(s). That letter should clearly state that you want the $130 flat-rate repair and that you are enclosing the $130 payment. Keep photocopies of all these documents and your check/money order.

Avoid local repair shops. These shops may service many brands, specializing in none. They many not have a service manual or access to the correct parts for your Panasonic recorder. Local shops may charge whatever they please to service or repair Panasonic recorders. If parts are necessary be prepared to wait for an extended period. Some parts may no longer be ordered by local shops. I have read many posts (on this and other forums) from those learning this lesson the hard way.

[Zeros and Ones]

DigaDo, do you know if Panasonic is still providing the $130 flat-rate repair option?

[DigaDo]

Originally Posted by Zeros and Ones

DigaDo, do you know if Panasonic is still providing the $130 flat-rate repair option?

See this post and those that follow it for the most recent report concerning the $130 flat-rate repair:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...6#post15423726

[Church AV Guy]

Originally Posted by Zeros and Ones

DigaDo, do you know if Panasonic is still providing the $130 flat-rate repair option?

They did as of December 15th or so.

[brown435]

I contacted the 1-888-439-2676 for more information concerning the $130 flat-rate repair and the shipping procedure for out-of-warranty products.

They declared they are a Panasonic service center but do not perform plasma repairs nor plasma warranties.

They directed me to another number in Elgin Illinois 847-468-5543.

Left a message and see if they call back.

[DigaDo]

Originally Posted by brown435

I contacted the 1-888-439-2676 for more information concerning the $130 flat-rate repair and the shipping procedure for out-of-warranty products.

They declared they are a Panasonic service center but do not perform plasma repairs nor plasma warranties.

They directed me to another number in Elgin Illinois 847-468-5543.

Left a message and see if they call back.

Thank you for providing that information.

The Elgin Illinois facility was the main corporate Service Center back in August 2006 when I had a warranty claim with my first DMR-ES30V combo recorder.

Subsequently, the department handling DVD recorder repairs was moved fifteen miles or so to Elk Grove Village Illinois.

[brown435]

Sears in home warranty is $349 for 3 years.

Been told by Sears they will come out annually and inspect / clean the interior of the Panasonic Plasma TV.

Told their Sears technicians are authorized repairmen for Panasonic Plasmas.

Was told they will "calibrate" the set at least annually for general maintenance and if it is out of spec they will repair or replace the Plasma TV.

[DigaDo]

Originally Posted by DigaDo

The corporate Panasonic Service Centers in . . . Illinois handle warranty and out-of-warranty repairs in a prompt and efficient manner. They are the Panasonic experts with access to the parts necessary to bring a Panasonic back to new or better than new functional condition . . .

Avoid "Panasonic Authorized Service" locations that service many brands, specializing in none. They many not have a service manual or parts for your product. They may charge whatever they please to service or repair out-of-warranty products. If parts are needed be prepared to wait for an extended period. Some parts may no longer be ordered by "authorized" shops. I have read many posts (on this and other forums) from those learning this lesson the hard way.

As someone believing that the entrepreneur is an important part of our society I've had mixed feelings about the second part of the above advice. A person with a problematic Panasonic is naturally inclined to seek out the local businessman to repair a Panasonic.

The first problem comes when a local business seldom has experience servicing/repairing Panasonic DVD recorders, especially the high-end HDD/DVD models that require specialized experience/training/resources.

The next problem comes with limited parts availability and highly inflated parts costs to local repair shops and the general public through the Panasonic Service and Technology Company in Kent Washington.

The next problem comes from Panasonic's Customer Service (New Jersey or other locations) keeping information concerning the $130 flat-rate repair through the Panasonic Elk Grove Village or Elgin Service Centers under their hat.

The bargain $130 flat-rate repair is only available to those that know to request it or take it upon themselves to send their machines, including their letter of explanation and $130 payment, directly to the Panasonic Service Centers in Elk Grove Village or Elgin Illinois.

It would be much better for Panasonic to give the best, most complete information to all their customers. As it is, only a relative few Panasonic owners are aware of the flat-rate repair. Those owners are the ones finding their way to AVS and other forums where the flat-rate "inside information" is freely exchanged. It is up to the "informed" to spread the word so that many of the "uninformed" may benefit.

[ringmaster316]

Will they do service for Canadians?

On ebay a guy is charging $145 US(including shipping both ways) to fix Panny E85h he is in the windy city i believe

same place?

[DigaDo]

Originally Posted by ringmaster316

Will they do service for Canadians?

On ebay a guy is charging $145 US(including shipping both ways) to fix Panny E85h he is in the windy city i believe

same place?

Call the corporate Panasonic Digital Service Center in Elk Grove Village Illinois at 1-888-439-2676 for information concerning service to Canadian addresses. Report your findings.

Elk Grove Village is just northwest of Chicago's O'Hare airport. Panasonic does not advertise the $130 flat-rate repair.

Some guy, any guy, on eBay is not the same as the corporate Panasonic Digital Service Center. You take your chances when dealing with a private party.

I just found an eBay listing for an $145.99 repair for the "Please Wait" hangup with a DMR-E85H. That listing shows an Arlington Texas location. That particular repair is a power supply electrolytic capacitor replacement requiring a $2 generic part and around an hour's labor.

This repair has been discussed in this and several other threads:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1055111

[Church AV Guy]

Originally Posted by ringmaster316

Will they do service for Canadians?

On ebay a guy is charging $145 US(including shipping both ways) to fix Panny E85h he is in the windy city i believe

same place?

My EH55 was purchased in Canada by my wife's uncle. In the box, the instructions said to send it Elk Grove, IL for repair, so yes, I'm sure that they service people with a Canadian address. I would call them anyway just to be sure, but I sincerely doubt you have anything to worry about. Be sure you INSIST on the $130 flat rate repair.

[ringmaster316]

Originally Posted by DigaDo

Call the corporate Panasonic Digital Service Center in Elk Grove Village Illinois at 1-888-439-2676 for information concerning service to Canadian addresses. Report your findings.

Elk Grove Village is just northwest of Chicago's O'Hare airport. Panasonic does not advertise the $130 flat-rate repair.

Some guy, any guy, on eBay is not the same as the corporate Panasonic Digital Service Center. You take your chances when dealing with a private party.

I just found an eBay listing for an $145.99 repair for the "Please Wait" hangup with a DMR-E85H. That listing shows an Arlington Texas location. That particular repair is a power supply electrolytic capacitor replacement requiring a $2 generic part and around an hour's labor.

This repair has been discussed in this and several other threads:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1055111

yeah it's that guy...he has a very high rating so he must know what he is doing...

he called him and he said he could fix all 3 of my panny units in 2 days(he only needs 2 days per unit)

[DigaDo]

Originally Posted by ringmaster316

yeah it's that guy...he has a very high rating so he must know what he is doing...

he called him and he said he could fix all 3 of my panny units in 2 days(he only needs 2 days per unit)

I have a very limited knowledge of electronics and only very basic soldering skills, yet I've successfully replaced capacitors in several Panasonics in my immediate family. Do I work on Panasonics outside my immediate family? No, because I have other time-consuming interests, I have no diagnostic equipment and I might make a mistake damaging someone else's machine.

I will rephrase my earlier advice:

A capacitor replacement takes one hour, mainly for machine disassembly and reassembly, requires a $2 capacitor and involves unsoldering and resoldering two pins.

The complication comes when some other problem is present that may require parts priced at $786 (for private repair shops and the general public).

Ask the Arlington Texas fellow what he’ll do about that.

Beginning with the owner’s letter describing the machine's problems, the corporate Panasonic Service Centers in Elk Grove Village or Elgin run diagnostic routines to determine what is required to return each unit to full functionality. Then the Panasonic experts do whatever is necessary to return the machine to new or better than new functional condition, all for $130 (including return shipping) a bargain!

Or, you may take your chances with the Arlington Texas fellow. It's as simple as that. You decide.

[jjeff]

Not that I don't trust Jamiejoo but I'd really like one more conformation before giving up on the flat rate repair. Panasonic has been rather cagey on that offer and at times it's taken several tries to get it. It would be a sad day indeed if it was over

[Church AV Guy]

Originally Posted by jjeff

Not that I don't trust Jamiejoo but I'd really like one more conformation before giving up on the flat rate repair. Panasonic has been rather cagey on that offer and at times it's taken several tries to get it. It would be a sad day indeed if it was over

I really agree tht the loss of the $130 flat rate repair would be a disaster for us. Maybe the result of the economy? The line that has me the most concerned is,

I had read the post about the $130 before I called them. I was told that this is no longer available, and that the repair center is not in Illinois anymore; it is in Texas and is called McAllen Service Center.

This would imply that Panasonic is farming out their repairs now, rather than doing them themselves. On the other hand, this may all be a big mistake.

[DigaDo]

Originally Posted by Church AV Guy

I really agree tht the loss of the $130 flat rate repair would be a disaster for us. Maybe the result of the economy? The line that has me the most concerned is,
This would imply that Panasonic is farming out their repairs now, rather than doing them themselves. On the other hand, this may all be a big mistake.

I attempted to call the Panasonic Customer Service Center in McAllen Texas. There were recorded announcements but I was unable to speak with a live person.

Then I called Panasonic Customer Service. I was placed on hold after telling the associate that I was seeking information regarding out-of-warranty repairs for DVD recorders through the Panasonic Customer Service Center in McAllen Texas. I was transferred to Technical Assistance. After waiting on hold around fifty minutes I was able to speak with someone. I repeated my inquiry. The associate described an exchange process for warranty or out-of-warranty DVD recorders. She said that they do not repair the customer's machine but exchange it for a refurbished machine of the same model, if available, or a similar model if the same model is not available. She mentioned sending a copy of the receipt (probably for warranty exchanges) and including with the returned machine a brief description of the machine's problems. She needed to know what state I was in and the model number of the machine I wished to return for exchange. I told her that I had a non-functional DMR-ES46V and I live in Oregon. She quoted a DMR-ES46V exchange to an Oregon address at $140, including shipping. She confirmed that there isn't a single flat-rate that applies to all models shipped to all locations. She then said that if I want to do an exchange someone would call me back within thirty minutes. I declined.

[RichardT]

To the poster on CDFREAKS, or anyone else, who wants to retrieve from the HDD but DVD is not working, could they borrow dvdr and connect via s-video & audio? Wouldn't be high-speed, but even a no-hdd recorder could be used to salvage some valued footage. (I'm not a cdfreaks member.)

[DigaDo]

Originally Posted by Church AV Guy

This would imply that Panasonic is farming out their repairs now, rather than doing them themselves.

McAllen Texas appears to be within two miles of the Mexican border. Here is the contact information for the Panasonic Customer Service Center facility in McAllen Texas:

PANASONIC CUSTOMER SERVICE CEN 4900 B #12 GEORGE MCVAY DRIVE MC ALLEN TX 78503 (800) 211-7262

Perhaps Panasonic has combined its Mexican refurbishing operation with this Customer Service Center.

Both of my refurbished Panasonics came in sealed brown Panasonic boxes that had a sticker that included "Refurbished in Mexico" just below the words "Manufactured in Malaysia."

[RichardT]

Repair Center closure. Bummer.

[Church AV Guy]

Originally Posted by DigaDo

...The associate described an exchange process for warranty or out-of-warranty DVD recorders. She said that they do not repair the customer's machine but exchange it for a refurbished machine of the same model, if available, or a similar model if the same model is not available.

How will this work with impossible to find machines like the EH75? I also assume that this would imply that any content on a hard drive would be lost in the exchange process. One of the best things about Panasonic DVD recorders has just been killed by Panasonic themselves I fear. Sigh...

[Dartman]

I doubt they care anymore as they only make very basic recorders now so who cares about older models that they won't make anything on in repairs. They don't really seem to want to sell recorders anymore anyways so they're giving up and the hell with any of us with older gear they made.
Lets hope they don't go the same way with their better TV's and things. I remember for a brief period when the first decent almost flat TV was their Gao tv. I bought a few and really liked them, one is still working well for my boss over 10 years later.

[Chingu808]

Wow, if this is true that they stopped the $130 Flat Rate Repair service. I think I am just going to sign up for a 2 year extention on my Customer Care Exteneded Warranty Plan that Panasonic is offering me for my DMR-E500H Dvd Recorder. The original 3 year extended warranty plan ends in July and they are offering me a 1 year plan for $59.95 or 2 year for $89.95. Think I will take the 2 year plan and that will cover me to July of 2011. I was just going to pass on this offer and get service with the $130 Flat Rate. But I guess that will not be a option.

So what does that mean for folks who have older Panny dvd recorders that are not under warranty any more. I know about 10-15 people here who have E80 E85, E95, E75 that already had them serviced/repaired under the $130 Flat Rate Repair service. We here are the Korean Drama Capitol of the USA. We get most of our Korean Dramas with subtitles. So these folks really use and need a HD. They copy episodes to their HD's and then edit out commercials and burn 3-6 episodes depending on length of each episode to a dvd-r/+r. They and me need a HD.

[Dartman]

I guess if you can't do it yourself your SOL. I have a E80h here myself that I all ready had to crack open when the burner locked and I couldn't remember the code to force the door to open.
Sounds like it will cost you more money and probably get stuck with a inferior replacement seeing how I don't think they're going to have any of the older models in to refurb.

[Rammitinski]

They won't. None of those models have been around for ages. An HDD/VHS/DVD model will most likely be replaced by the EZ28 (first choice), because that's the closest thing to it.

And I'd imagine they'll offer that or the EZ28 for a replacement for an HDD/DVD model (or whatever they have laying around or can get their hands on).

Also, I would check that they'll actually be willing or able to repair your older models before springing on any kind of extention of your extended warranty (like call the service center directly and ask). It would be kind of senseless to spend the money if they're just going to replace it with the EZ28 (or whatever).

Personally, if they just offered me money, I'd much rather have that than an EZ28.

[jjeff]

I'm kind of bummed too, yesterday I bought Panasonic #9(I think, I'm beginning to lose track) a shinny new looking EH-50 I just couldn't pass it up, $110 at a pawn shop, I still can't hold a candle to Digado's DVDR collection though
Part of the reasoning (even though it's a 4 year old model) was if it ever needed major service I could get it going for $130, that theory may be bad now Anyway it works like a champ and was cleaner than any of my DVDRs must have been in a somewhat enclosed cabinet in a very clean house(mine are mostly in a glass open backed cabinet). The spindle was hardly dirty and I doubt it was ever serviced. My plan was to put in my friendly neighbors house that has cable. I figured I'd finally be able to get lossless copies from RAM discs burnt at his house(I currently have a ES-15 their which won't allow me lossless dubs to my EH-55). I was also hoping for TVGOS but unfortunately it's been over 24hrs and only no listings so far Maybe Comcrap isn't sending it out locally I'll give it a few more days before I give up. My OTA EH-55 hasn't got any updates since the analog shutoff so it's probably time to start thinking about the Pal
Currently I've got most of mine hooked up and working, I'm going to have to take some out of rotation or whatever Digado says. My remote table looks downright ridiculous there stacked 3 tall, no one else in the house has a clue, but that's what the Sony players are for

[DigaDo]

Originally Posted by Church AV Guy

How will this work with impossible to find machines like the EH75? I also assume that this would imply that any content on a hard drive would be lost in the exchange process. One of the best things about Panasonic DVD recorders has just been killed by Panasonic themselves I fear. Sigh...

I'll be busy all day tomorrow so I'll be unable to seek answers to the questions that have been raised in recent posts.

One of the Panasonic associates I spoke with yesterday suggested that getting through to a live person requires repeated pressing of the 0 (zero). After spending well more an hour on the phone with three (or four) different Panasonic locations my battery was giving out so I didn't make a second attempt to reach a live person at the Panasonic Customer Service Center in Texas.

Perhaps someone with real patience might reach a live person that might provide the answers.

PANASONIC CUSTOMER SERVICE CEN 4900 B #12 GEORGE MCVAY DRIVE MC ALLEN TX 78503 (800) 211-7262

[Rammitinski]

Originally Posted by jjeff

My OTA EH-55 hasn't got any updates since the analog shutoff so it's probably time to start thinking about the Pal

No luck through late last night here with the Pal and the EH55.

(By the way, I just spent a ton on that new EH55 not long ago, remember? So don't feel bad.)

[Mike99]

A few months ago I was in the Panasonic Service Center in Elk Grove. As mentioned in an earlier thread, I had a difficult time finding it because the big name on the front of the building was "Bigston Media Services". IIRC the Panny employee I spoke with said Bigston did repair work for several companies. Perhaps Bigston hired some of the Panny techs. If so, they may be able to repair the DVDRs.

[jjeff]

The problem is the parts and cost of those parts. $400+ for a DVD drive It's amazing Elk Grove could do it as long as they did, it sure couldn't have been a money maker.

[cbrillow]

Ouch. This is disturbing news, indeed.

Here are a couple of other scenarios not yet mentioned:

1) I have a treasured EH75 with another year remaining on my extended warranty. Suppose I have to send it in and they are no longer repairing them, but replacing with an 'equivalent' model that doesn't have all the features that attracted me to my current unit? Then I'm not getting what I've already paid for -- repair of MY unit. Not a pleasant prospect.

2) I send in my EH75 and they replace it with some inferior refurbed P.O.S., then they later refurb MY unit and send it to some other lucky dog as a replacement for his machine. That would really suck.