My sony vhs player starts and then immediately stops with scrambled picture

There could be several reasons why your Sony VHS player is starting and then immediately stopping with a scrambled picture. Here are a few things you can try:

1. Check the VHS tape: It's possible that the VHS tape itself is damaged or dirty, causing the player to stop and the picture to become scrambled. Try cleaning the tape or using a different one to see if that solves the issue.
2. Clean the player: Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate inside the VHS player, which can cause it to malfunction. Try cleaning the player with a soft cloth and compressed air to remove any debris that may be causing the issue.
3. Check the connections: Make sure that all the cables are properly connected to the player and the TV. Sometimes loose or faulty connections can cause the player to stop working or display a scrambled picture.
4. Check the settings: Make sure that the player is set to the correct mode (VHS playback, for example) and that the tracking is set correctly. Adjusting the tracking can help to improve the picture quality and prevent it from becoming scrambled.