Timer flashes constantly and vcr wont work

Other RCA VCRs have had problems with flashing timer lights. Those could be fixed with service from an electronics repair person if it doesn't stop even after being unplugged for a while. But, try leaving it unplugged for a few hours. If that doesn't work, the electronics repair might be the way to go, or get a different VCR on eBay or from the local thrift store for pretty cheap.

Generally the timer flashing means that ethier a programme for recording is set to record or wrong information is added. You need to check the timer record menu to see if a recording is schedule. I suggest you might need to get a remote for the model or get a universal one. Placing a blank tape in a powering down, should see the timer stop, but if a recording schedule is there it will still be on. The only way to clear it (without the remote) might to let it record! You don't give the make or model so I can't say anymore.

Hello Sean,

Here is a link you may find usefull

http://www.universal-remote.net/rca.html

Hope this helps you out

Cheers Little Dish Fitter.

Try this: (actually found in user manual...)

Pro-Tect Plus™ (Child Lock) Feature

This feature is useful to tamper proof your timer recordings from unwanted changes

and/or protect the VCR from mis-operation by other users in the household.

To Lock the VCR

Press and hold POWER or VCR on the remote for

approximately six seconds to turn on the Pro-Tect Plusª

feature.

SAFE appears in the VCR front panel to let you know the

feature is activated.

To Unlock the VCR

Press and hold VCR button on the remote for approximately

six seconds to unlock the VCR.
I hope this information allows you to resolve this issue.
If I have helped you, please help me, and rate this suggestion the highest FixYa rating. (Two Thumbs Up) If you cannot rate this post with the highest rating, then please comment to this post and I will try to help you further.

[http://voxrightnow.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/voxrightnow.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1769&p_created=1209688350&p_sid=6-sdxLAj&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9ODE4LDgxOCZwX3Byb2RzPTE1OCZwX2NhdHM9MCZwX3B2PTEuMTU4JnBfY3Y9JnBfc2VhcmNoX3R5cGU9YW5zd2Vycy5zZWFyY2hfbmwmcF9wYWdlPTEmcF9zZWFyY2hfdGV4dD1yY2Egc3lzdGVtIDUgcmVtb3RlIGNvbnRyb2w*&p_li=&p_topview=1] follow this web link it will take you to the RCA customer support web page for programming universal remote controls and lists codes under system components. The television codes for the universal remote are listed under TV. This web page should be able to help you solve your problems with the programming of the universal remote control and give you the codes needed to use it with the components in your system. Thank you for using FixYa and have a nice day!

I just found this website -

http://remotefinder.rca.com/default.aspx?site=rca

See if that gives you the right code...

Pro-Tect Plus™ Locking Feature
To disable VCR usage or to protect set timer recordings, the unit can be locked so that the
buttons on the VCR or remote control don’t work.
• To Lock: Press and hold either the remote control’s ON•OFF or VCR button until SAFE
appears in the display to indicate Pro-Tect Plus is active. SAFE also appears if the VCR is
turned on while the feature is activated.
• To Unlock: Press and hold either the remote control’s ON•OFF or VCR button until SAFE
disappears from the front panel display. Unlocking is the only way to use the VCR.

Do you have a "universal" remote or a "learning" one. What brand and model is the remote? The learning remote must have the original one to properly program the codes you need....accordianman

http://www.ofausa.com/product_support.php
click on type
and download manual

I just had this same problem. I thought that the timer was stuck and was the reason why the VCR wouldn't play. I just moved and thought the unit got broken in the move. However, I think it was just not hooked up properly to the TV. I unplugged it, plugged it back in, and got it hooked up properly and it started working again (I tested the connection with a DVD player first). The flashing timer light went off as soon as I reset the clock. It seems odd that having it not hooked up properly should stop the VCR from playing, but that is what seemed to happen in my case. Hope this helps.