Sony MDP-500 Laserdisc shutdown problem.


My laserdisc has recently stopped working. It used to be fine but now
it will not power-on completely.

When I hit the power button on the front or on the remote, it turns on
and turns off almost immediately. I hear a click when it turns on and
another click when it shuts down, maybe 1-1.5 seconds later.

I also took the cover off and I can see the laser move out about 1/4"
and then back again in concert with the clicks.

This model apparently has another problem with the loading gears on the
right side of the player, but this doesn't seem to be the cause of the
power-cycling problem. The gears look like they are working fine, and I
can move them by hand. Also, the gear problem is supposed to cause a
shutdown about 30 seconds after powering on, where this player turns
off almost immediately.

.