Getting E2 error flashing on vcr and can't rewind tape or anything.Don't have user manual to see what that error means.

I don't know what this error code means but I have managed to remove tapes which stuck in a VCR and cannot be ejected. Whether you do this is purely up to you, but it's usually possible to remove the casing (carefully!) so that you can get to the tape-handling section. Then it's a matter of gentle probing & trial and error to get the machine to release its hold on the tape. Look for a series of mechanically linked parts which are driven by motor but activated by a microswitch tripped by action of inserting the tape. Just don't strain the linkages and if you remove anything make a note of where it came from.

Try different tape if prob. is only on 1 tape ffwd then rew.then play

E2 means: Loading motor locked in the unload direction. Usually(not always) happens with a going bad VCR tape on the rewind. Tape is becoming too difficult to rewind and/or VCR is getting tired. Eject tape. Discard tape as soon as practical, new tapes are cheap. To clear: Hold power on/off button for 8 seconds.

NEED A NEW IDLER.

There schould be a release buuton on the rear of the machine. It's usually recessed and may be difficult to see. Press this with the yip if a ballpoint pen and extract the tape. If the tape is wrapped around the record/playback heads your only option is to remove the top cover and manually remove the tape. Sounds difficult but if you take your time it's not too bad a job.

There is either some damage to the mechanism or the mode switch is faulty. If you know what to look for taking the top cover off might show what part of the mechanism is damaged.
If it is the mode switch then it will need to be replaced. This can't be done without the service manual as the vcr needs to be set up. And they are never set up in the eject position.

if the tape has snagged inside, the only way to get it out is to take the top of the vcr off and manually remove it. very simple procedure. only use your fingers and not anything sharp. have you tried rewinding the tape (from STOP mode) sometimes tapes can end up being wound very tight which would have the same effect. if you can rewind do so, then fast forward until tape stops, repeat this a few times this should loosen the tape.

Hi again,

Dunno what happened, but I just lost the Chat Window.

Just had the same E2 come up on my HSU-445. The only thing we could figure out was to try a different tape than the one that was in there when the error came up. That seemed to do the trick. Not sure how long that will work. Good luck.

Something might've been broken in the forced tape removal. VCR tape carriage (the cassette unit) assemblies are rather delicate, easily broken, in contrast to the units in early VCRs (from the '80s or early '90s). Use of force in tape removal... can break stuff, or perhaps get the gear timing fouled up. Take the top cover off, look for broken pieces of this assembly. If this assembly has gears on the right side, this obviously means it is gear driven. Timing is set by lining up marks on the gears, in most cases. Setting this might be tricky- service literature will tell you how to set this, and in what mode the marks line up.