Pioneer VSX-521-k / 821-k / 921-k / 1021-k - Power-On problems?

I'm posting to try to find the common denominator with these models power failure issue. The entire family in this line seems to have the same problem: the power button is pushed - the unit comes on - the unit powers itself off after about 5 seconds.

I have read reports (here and elsewhere) of the same issue in the following models:
VSX-521-k
VSX-821-k
VSX-921-k
VSX-1021-k

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What I know so far...

- It's not the main fuse. This is located at the top of the "STANDBY ASSEMBLY" in the left rear corner. It should be visible using a flashlight without removing the cover.

- The Service Manual ( downloadable from electrotanya ) Lists a error log that can be run (if you're quick) and a reset procedure.
* error detection count - (from OFF/STANDBY state) press & hold [PRESET <–] &[ STANDBY/ON] buttons. Release when the unit powers on. each press of [ENTER] key display a protection error count. DC errors / OVERload error / TEMPerature errors
* error reset- (from OFF/STANDBY state) press & hold the [ALC/STANDARD SURR] & [STANDBY/ON] buttons. Release when the unit powers on. The unit will display "CLEAR?" press [ENTER] to reset error and error logs. The unit will respond with "OK".

- There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to when the failure occurs. Some have had it happen within three months of new - most after warranty is gone. One unlucky individual had it happen while under warranty; had it repaired and it failed in the exact same manner within two months. Some have had it happen on power-on, others after extended use.

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What I want to know...

- Was yours repaired successfuly? If so did the shop tell you what was replaced?

- Circumstances of failure? What was going on when it first failed? There might be a rhyme or reason we haven't found yet.

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A lot of people have had this problem. If we can ID the problem we can keep from getting scammed by a repair shop, or possible repair them ourselves. Not everyone is comfortable with or capable of poking around in the guts of their receiver, but an informed consumer can help save time for a reputable shop to affect a repair.

Jim

Hi Treadted2

Which model do you have?

If I understand correctly - the receiver powers off when the TV is turned on. How is it connected? Does it do the same thing if you turn the TV on first? (I know that sounds obvious, but for some hardware if can make a difference.)

Jim

Treadted2

It sounds like your TV is doing something the receiver doesn't like during it's power-up. It could be noise, excessive current draw, or any of a couple of different things. The HDMI boards in these receivers apparently have some issues, too. There are several reports of problems when everything runs through the HDMI ports. If your TV has any other inputs try using them. You may get the same picture quality. More info and advice (from people that know more about HDMI than I do) can be found by searching "HDMI" + model number (ie: "vsx-521"). Try all the other model numbers.

The same thing can happen to a computer if the preipherals aren't powered up first... well... except that it won't power itself down. I suppose an exceptionally "noisy" device could crash it


BTW, this isn't exactly the problem I'm looking for input about. You're in luck there!!!

The problem I'm seeing is the receiver shuts itself off every time it's powered on even with nothing attached to it. There are currently 1/2 dozen of them on eBay right now "for parts or repair" with the same exact problem.

treadted2

Did you know that there is a firmware upgrade for your receiver?
Edited by thx1138a - 12/30/12 at 9:26pm

Treadted2,

Glad to be of assistance (if I was any ?). I'm also glad that you don't have the problem I'm looking for. I don't mind off-topic (slightly) discussion - after all, I came here for help. (Well... by the title your question was actually on-topic.)

Besides I hate seeing people ask for help and then get ignored. Someone did ask the very same question I'm asking in one of the "Official" threads and they were completely ignored.

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I'm not sure that a better shielded cable is the answer. Shielding is used to prevent radiated noice (static / EMF) . Noise picked up by the cable would be there all the time. Noise usually shows up as lines or static on the picture or buzzing in the audio. Noise from the cable is different from noise created by the TV. The TV's start-up (like a computer boot-up) may be creating noise out the HDMI port that 'confuses' the receiver. A better cable won't help this.

Something else to check... When I first got started with audio equipment, I liked everything nice and neat. I bundled all the excess cable up with twist ties. Looked great, but, every one of those neat & tidy coils of cable was acting like a small transformer. To see the effect in action, all you need is an extension cord and a cheap compass. Coil the cord up on the floor; plug it into the wall; set the compass in the middle. Plug something with a motor (drill, fan, etc) into the cord. When you turn on the device it should make the compass spin or at least change it's indication. (practical app from a military EMF reduction class). Keeping the power cables away from the AV signal cables can help. If you really want to find out if a shielded cable would help, you can make a temporary shield using scotch tape and tin foil. Cut the tin foil into strips and wrap the cable like tape on an automotive wiring harness. The foil has to touch the metal chassis of at least one of the devices. DO NOT use this as a permanent install unless the foil is covered with electrical tape over it's entire length. It will look really redneck, but it will tell you whether a shielded cable will make ANY difference at all.

OK enough BLAH, BLAH, Blah from me
Jim

STANDBY ASSEMBLY is NOT the problem !!

Jim

@MisterW...

High volume / overheat doesn't seem to be factor. I have a VSX-521k & a VSX-821k. The 821 was sold to me as having a bad HDMI board. I bought it to swap the standby assembly (board with fuse on it) into the 521, but now I'm thinking I may just swap the HDMI boards and use the 821. I haven't tested the 821's HDMI inputs/output because I'll have to tear apart my current system to get an HDMI source. Given the problems some have had trying to get the HDMI setup and working, the 821 might not have anything wrong with it.

On the original topic: I'm starting to see reports that the 2012 VSX522k - VSX-1022k series are starting to have similar failures .

PIONEER if you're listening... This is NOT how you win fans or loyal customers.

Jim

No solution yet !

I am going through the service manual checks, but it's slow going with the unit still fully assembled. The manual assumes you have it apart with special jumper cables reconnecting all the parts. I have disassembled it far enough to check for visibly defective parts (burnt diode or resistor, blown cap), but found nothing obvious. I had to put it back together to perform the voltage checks in the service manual.

I'm still hoping somebody who has had theirs repaired by a shop will chime in with what the shop said was bad.