Pioneer VSX-D514

Find the transistor which drives the relay, and see if it's base is being driven. Sounds like it may be bad. This might explain why the voltage to the coil drops a bit when it should power-on.

Mark Z.

I would like to try a new relay driver transistor, but I can only find it at Pioneer parts. It's only a @1.22, but they want almost $6 for S&H.

That is crazy. Anyway...

According to the Schematic, it contains two bias resistors.

I know I could check the transistor with my meter but that doesn't help in the circuit (breakdown under load). Plus I have the funcky bias resistors inside the transistor.

Do you know of a way to do a quick test on this without having a replacement transistor?

Do know of a cross for this transistor: KRC101M ? A suitable cross would be great.

It would seem Pioneer is as bad as Sony (or worse) at using hard to find parts.

Here's the datasheet:

Thanks Jimmy

Yeah, those so-called "digital" transistors are IMO a joke.

If you have any general purpose NPN transistor like a 2N3904, you can just add the two resistors and be done.

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Well, the thing to do is measure the voltages. It either works or it doesn't. Digital transistors are easy. Normally the emitter side is at ground. If there's 5 volts or whatever to the base, the collector should go low. If it doesn't, the transistor is bad. Probably best to suck it up and order the Pioneer part. By the time you source a replacement, you've already burned up that 6.00 and more.

Mark Z.

Good idea

Thanks for the reply! Jimmy

I checked the relay transistor again and is seems kinda odd.

The collector shows about 18v. The base shows about -.3 or -1.2 if I press the power button. The voltage fluctuates.

The emitter has about the same readings as the base. *he scratches his head*

Does this sound like a ground problem or a system control problem?

I just want to be sure I haven't missed anything b4 I order a new relay trans.

Thanks Jimmy

Sounds like you're definitely at least having a problem getting a good ground reference for your measurements. I have seen a bad eyelet at the power transformer cause similar issues on a Pioneer. The emitter of the relay drive transistor should have direct continuity to the center leg of the positive 5 volt regulator. The receiver chassis should be at ground potential, as well. The PDF is about 7 meg. Can you take an attachment of that size?

Mark Z

Yes, my mail box will hold it. They would be great to check out.

send it to:

snipped-for-privacy@removethis.comcast.net

Thanks Jimmy

First off, Thanks again for the SM.

I took the unit apart to check for bad solder connections and for cracks. All looks good.

I plugged it up and the relay(s) clicked.I put it back together enough to power it on(I thought anyway) No display or response from the power button. But is was doing more tht before.

So, I continued putting it back together and plugged it up (no click like b4), pressed the power button and it powered on. Of course after a few seconds it shows AMP ERR.

As you may know, it will power down after a few seconds if it detects an error. So it is either DC on the outputs or some other problem.

I was thinking it remembers the last power down state (if there is an error and it shuts itself down) it will not come back on until it loses memory(resets).

Also, the power packs that Pioneer makes and sells are NOT cheap!

PAC010A: $29.99 and the PAC011A: $34.98. That's from Pacificsemi.com.

Do you know of place that sells these any cheaper? At those prices, it may not be feasible to repair this unit.

What are you thoughts on this?

Thanks Jimmy

Some recent Pioneer models have to have the protection state cancelled by holding certain buttons while powering ON, or something like that, even after the defective output IC is replaced. Yeah, the cost of the IC's is a bummer, but there's really no alternative. I'll see if I can find the protection cancel info, but you may be hosed on this one due to the parts cost.

Mark Z.

Press and hold ENTER and ADVANCED SURROUND simultaneously for at least 2 seconds. This will cancel the protection error condition. If it trips again, probably an output IC is blown.

Mark Z.

I will try the reset and see what happens.

Why would this info not be in SM?

Thank You Jimmy

Good question. An oversight perhaps.

Mark Z.

It would seem an oversight on the my part.

It helps when I look over the whole SM.

Jimmy