Audio Systems: troubleshooter, output transistors, voltage measurements

Question
My JVC stereo was turned on then the word PROTECT came up on the front display, now everytime i press the power button all it does is say protect then turnoff. What do I do?

Answer
The protection circuit - a sort of intelligent fuse - has detected a shorted condition in the receiver and turned the set off.

So, do a hard reset and see if it comes back on.  This is done by unplugging the power cord for 30 minutes. Then try it again.

If the reset does not bring it back to life it means there is a permanent shorted condition somewhere in the receiver. It can be many things from any section of the receiver, but the most common is either the power supply or the audio power output transistors.

To find the problem it will require some testing and voltage measurements.  Better take it into a shop for this unless you are technically skilled in using the voltmeter and testing components.

If you have been playing the receiver very loud, and if the protect indicator came on during a loud passage it may reset and come back on.  If it was NOT being played loud and came on it is probably a melt down inside somewhere.  

Let me know the outcome!  Tks.
C