VHS plays for 5 to 10 seconds then power switches off

Thanks. Any idea if this can be fixed? Thanks. Any idea if this can be fixed?

Toshiba RDXV60
I know this is an oldish post but I've spent ages searching for an answer to this all too common thing of the VHS tape stopping the whole machine after a few seconds but I have managed to cure the problem!
It seems to be caused by a sensor not receiving the correct signal as the tape reels turn. The machine thinks that there could be tape spilling inside the mechanism so shuts it down to avoid damage. The fault is usually caused by a buildup of dust/dirt on the sensor, stopping the light emitted from the infrared LED's from being picked up.
Very easy to fix! If you unplug the machine and remove the outer casing, the VHS deck is easy to get at. Looking down into the deck, you'll see a small, clear plastic pillar roughly in the centre and forward of the pinch wheel. It is held in place by a single cross head screw. Carefully remove the screw and lift the plastic pillar up and out. Using a cotton bud, gently clean the whole pillar with some tape head cleaner or surgical spirit and allow to dry.
If you look down through the hole where the pillar has been removed from, there is a small clear lens underneath. This should also be carefully cleaned with a cotton bud and spirit.
Directly in front of the same hole is a small plastic cog between to larger ones; this is the revolutions counter which 'activates' the lens you have just cleaned. The cog is not 'solid' and has two cutaways in it. If you gently turn the cog, you will see a small hole as a cutaway uncovers it. With care, you can gently push a cotton bud down the hole to clean a component beneath it.
Whilst the cover is off, it's worth cleaning all the other metal pillars and moving components of the tape drive train but DO NOT touch the video head - too easy to get grease and oils from your hands on it.
Replace the clear plastic pillar with its single cross head screw, screw the casing back on and you're good to go! Toshiba RDXV60 I know this is an oldish post but I've spent ages searching for an answer to this all too common thing of the VHS tape stopping the whole machine after a few seconds but I have managed to cure the problem! It seems to be caused by a sensor not receiving the correct signal as the tape reels turn. The machine thinks that there could be tape spilling inside the mechanism so shuts it down to avoid damage. The fault is usually caused by a buildup of dust/dirt on the sensor, stopping the light emitted from the infrared LED's from being picked up. Very easy to fix! If you unplug the machine and remove the outer casing, the VHS deck is easy to get at. Looking down into the deck, you'll see a small, clear plastic pillar roughly in the centre and forward of the pinch wheel. It is held in place by a single cross head screw. Carefully remove the screw and lift the plastic pillar up and out. Using a cotton bud, gently clean the whole pillar with some tape head cleaner or surgical spirit and allow to dry. If you look down through the hole where the pillar has been removed from, there is a small clear lens underneath. This should also be carefully cleaned with a cotton bud and spirit. Directly in front of the same hole is a small plastic cog between to larger ones; this is the revolutions counter which 'activates' the lens you have just cleaned. The cog is not 'solid' and has two cutaways in it. If you gently turn the cog, you will see a small hole as a cutaway uncovers it. With care, you can gently push a cotton bud down the hole to clean a component beneath it. Whilst the cover is off, it's worth cleaning all the other metal pillars and moving components of the tape drive train but DO NOT touch the video head - too easy to get grease and oils from your hands on it. Replace the clear plastic pillar with its single cross head screw, screw the casing back on and you're good to go!

Thanks Nigel. I will attempt to clean the VHS part of the machine as you describe. The digital TV receiver has also stopped working - first lines across the picture, then it wouldn't store channels and I had to re-tune every time I switched it on and then it couldn't tune into any channels, so only the DVD works now but hopefully by following your advice I can get the VHS part of the machine back working. Thanks. Thanks Nigel. I will attempt to clean the VHS part of the machine as you describe. The digital TV receiver has also stopped working - first lines across the picture, then it wouldn't store channels and I had to re-tune every time I switched it on and then it couldn't tune into any channels, so only the DVD works now but hopefully by following your advice I can get the VHS part of the machine back working. Thanks.

the above solution worked for me. thanks Nigel the above solution worked for me. thanks Nigel