I have had a Sony STR-DE698 for 5 years and recently turned it on and a note on the display saying PROTECT. What happened and what can I do to resolve issue

Hi,

Protect is an error code for short and or overload. This will appear once the processor sense a malfunction either on the power supply or on the load (high chance is the output IC). DIY steps are as follow to determine where the fault is : 1. Allow the unit to cool down for an hour. Give proper ventilation and keep away all obstruction from the vent to have a sufficient air flow. 2. Disconnect one at a time the speakers, inputs, from the unit while powering it on.

If the unit back to normal again then you've confirmed that any of the above caused the error code. If #1 is the caused, you have to check also the exhaust fan, clean it as much as possible, replaced if faulty. If #2 is the caused (speaker) check the wire and speakers for short, (input) check the RCA cord for short or replaced if necessary.

If the above simple fix didn't cure the error code, you can try the next steps if you are an electronicsenthusiast. Now after removing the cover, you have to concentrate first on the power supply board. Look for bulged electrolytic capacitor. Leaky capacitor will affect the regulation of the supply and will trigger the error code. Look for dry joints. Check it also in the pre-amplifier stage, main output board where a big heat sink is located. Next disable the output amplifier stage by disconnecting the supply. If the unit come out, make some re-soldering on the board, spot the cold solder and dry joints and then try to connect again. If the error code appear again, high chance that your output IC is faulty but still to be confirmed. Using the disoldering pump and soldering iron pull-out the output IC from the board then try the unit. If the error code disappear, confirmed that your IC is faulty.After trying the abovesteps-by-steps guide and still the symptoms persist this is the time for you to send it to repair shop. Remember that your unit has a lot of parts and only some basic steps have done, leave the expert to troubleshoot the entire unit.

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