Harman-Kardon Harman Kardon AVR 520: Troubleshooting Common Problems and Solutions

Troubleshooting Guide

SYMPTOM	CAUSE	SOLUTION
Unit does not function when Main	• No AC Power	• Make certain AC power cord is plugged into
Power Switch is pushed		a live outlet
		• Check to see whether outlet is switch-controlled
Display lights, but no sound	• Intermittent input connections	• Make certain that all input and speaker connections
or picture	• Mute is on	are secure
	• Volume control is down	• Press Mute button
		• Turn up volume control
Unit turns on, but front panel	• Display brightness is turned off	• Follow the instructions in the Display Brightness section
display does not light up		on page 35 so that the display is set to VFD FULL
No sound from any speaker;	• Amplifier is in protection mode	• Check speaker wire connections for shorts at receiver and
light around power switch is red	due to possible short	speaker ends
	• Amplifier is in protection mode	• Contact your local Harman Kardon service depot
	due to internal problems
No sound from surround or	• Incorrect surround mode	• Select a mode other than Stereo
center speakers	• Input is monaural	• There is no surround information from mono sources
	• Incorrect configuration	• Check speaker mode configuration
	• Stereo or Mono program material	• The surround decoder may not create center- or rear-channel
		information from nonencoded programs
Unit does not respond to	• Weak batteries in remote	• Change remote batteries
remote commands	• Wrong device selected	• Press the AVR selector
	• Remote sensor is obscured	• Make certain front panel sensor is visible to remote
		or connect remote sensor
Intermittent buzzing in tuner	• Local interference	• Move unit or antenna away from computers, fluorescent
		lights, motors or other electrical appliances
Letters flash in the channel indicator	• Digital audio feed paused	• Resume play for DVD
display and digital audio stops		• Check that Digital Input is selected

Processor Reset

In the rare case where the unit’s operation or the displays seem abnormal, the cause may involve the erratic operation of the system’s memory or microprocessor.

To correct this problem, first unplug the unit from the AC wall outlet and wait at least three minutes. After the pause, reconnect the AC power cord and check the unit’s operation. If the system still malfunctions, a system reset may clear the problem.

To clear the AVR 520’s entire system memory including tuner presets, output level settings,

delay times and speaker configuration data, first put the unit in Standby by pressing the System Power Control button 2. Next, press and hold the Tone Mode 8 and the FM Mode Selector ^ buttons for three seconds.

The unit will turn on automatically and display the RESET message in the Main Information Display Y. Note that once you have cleared the memory in this manner, it is necessary to reestablish all system configuration settings and tuner presets.

NOTE: Resetting the processor will erase any configuration settings you have made for

speakers, output levels, surround modes, digital input assignments as well as the tuner presets. After a reset the unit will be returned to the factory presets, and all settings for these items must be reentered.

If the system is still operating incorrectly, there may have been an electronic discharge or severe AC line interference that has corrupted the memory or microprocessor.

If these steps do not solve the problem, consult an authorized Harman Kardon service depot.

54TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE