How To | Remove "Protect Error" on a Sony receiver 

Hi all. I find this helps my Sony when it goes into protect mode. After being stored for a long time it has a tendency to collect moisture. Sony might just have a built in moisture sensor. I could be wrong. I also moved it away from the windows. Use a hairdryer on full heat for a couple minutes. Just blow through the vents, no need to open and get it warm. Works for me

Even with the speakers disconnected the protect mode is still present

Very very helpful thank you !!!!!!

I have a DA3200ES. I've tried the steps on here multiple times the last two days and nothing works. I've unplugged all speakers from it and left it unplugged for an hour or more come back and it still goes into protection mode without ever plugging the speakers back in. I've unplugged other devices that were using it for power. The only thing I have not unplugged are the different components because it'll be very hard to get back there and put everything back in. This worked fine about 2 months ago I haven't used it since then because it's upstairs in a game room I don't use that often. The speakers are all the same stuff I've used the last couple of years. There's been no changes.

All Sony receivers do this eventually. Usually it means that a pair of output transistors are starting to fail.

It worked, after almost throwing it away I got it up and running. Mine (this exact model) would shut down after moving volume up to 25. I also had to go and change settings to large speakers and mess around with some stuff. Hope this helps anyone that is going through this nightmare. These are very expensive electronics, it could be very frustrating having to purchase a new one out of the blue.

Unfortunately my experience is that the STR-DN1050 has other issues, usually with its HDMI output failing. The latest firmware release last year at least finally got this unit to stop generating lots of heat in standby. Sony used to design and vet their stuff better.

I have a STR-DE475 receiver, one of the low end models. It started flashing PROTECT recently a few seconds after powering it up even with no speakers connected. I blew out all the dust and it kept flashing PROTECT. The SOUND FIELD button for AFD was lit, I pressed MODE which put it into SURROUND mode. The flashing PROTECT stopped. Powered it off then on and it did not start flashing PROTECT. Pressed the 2CH button and PROTECT started flashing again. Powered it off then on again and pressed AFD and it did not start flashing PROTECT anymore. Going to hook up some speakers and see how it goes, I will update this post if I finally figure out a solution.

Saludos amigo, Desde Republica Dominicana. Tengo uno de estos Sony STR DH540 y se autoprotege 7 segundos despues de encenderlo. Agradeceria y hasta pagaria porque encienda normalmente y si descubriera el fallo tecnico. Dios lo bendiga.

Dear Sony, I use Shake-X1D, the protector 01 often appears; sometimes, it lasts aroud few songs, sometimes about a song, or some even just turn it on then protect appears. I tried to unplugged the ac power, but it still exist! So, what wrong with it?

Mine is a model STR-DE635 which I've had at least 25 years. It has played many, many hours of both music and movies. This problem began occurring in the last year and now it won't hardly play anything. It has served me well for many years so I can't complain if it quits on me. But I'll try these various measures I've seen in the video and read in the comments.

STR Da300es goes into protector 22 with nothing plugged in within seconds of turning on. is there anyway to fix it?

I have tried all those things multiple times and my Sony STRDH190 still goes to protect mode. I am taking it back to Best Buy today and never buying another Sony component.

My Sony dav-dz680 worked fine 1 year ago. Has not been used since - my son wanted to use it and we are stuck with between demo mode and protect/push start - no speakers attached - have tried all in the video

Upgraded my receiver to dh590 . It keeps turning off after 30-45 minutes of use . I believe it’s over heating it’s really hot to touch when this happens. Speakers are all 8ohm speaker . Sad that Sony can’t put a cooling fan inside

Pretty bad when finding the fix is quicker and more accurate in the comments than watching a 1 minute corporation fix video

What model amplifier is that?

Thank you! That fixed my issue! Life saver!

Con el modelo STR-K685 la solucion es facil prendes el equipo y simultaneamente presionas las teclas "display" y "movie" mantener apretado unos segundos y se soluciona ojala les ayude !

Mine is almost new, was working good for a while and then the protect appears and no sound! I’ve tried everything and still have the same problem!

After having it disconnected for 3 or 4 days, it went back to work without having done anything to it. I am placing it in a better ventilated place and removed the self turn-off timer limit because protector mode happened after equipment turned off automatically.

My STR-DN1080 suddenly start to show the protected mode and this not work at all. Removed all speakers. blown all dust (if any), also use a multimeter to check my power sources and all ar ok, but unfortunately my warranty expires 2 1/2 month ago. Maybe this is the strategy to buy another one

Ht-m55 Protector mode for 1month. Please help to resolve

Can I run four 8 ohm speakers on this thing?

I have a STR-D790 which failed after being in storage for 10 years. Nothing brings it back. It's not worth a lot, but I'd like to get it working if it's not much trouble. Unplugging and speaker config make no difference.

DA5800es in Protect mode, unit seemed to get hot after playing high volume for a period of time.....unplugged overnight, plugged it in same "Protector", speakers 8 ohms, speaker wires not frayed, power conditioner is fine, everything else comes on that is plugged into the power conditioner.......never had a problem with overheating though it was a warm day........so if it got hot went into Protector mode, how to reset........really frustrating. Sony can you be of Help.....paid dearly for the unit and want to get it going again, if it is in Protector mode it did its job.......how to reset? Thank you a Sony enthusisast.....

Mine is about 30 years old. You know. Before the internet existed. So I think the hardware like a capacitor, circuit board or glue deterioration may be the issue. Probably time to buy a new one.

Bonjour mon sonny STR-DB2000 est protéger sur code check 11! Comment faire pour deverouiller ?

That's nice🔥

My sony MHC-v6D highlights the error Protector 04 kindly assist

Sir i have a sony mhc v44d it is showing protect 4 because of fluctuations still in my home there is fluctuations this problem of sony will be automatically removed or we need a help of engineer or my system is gone forever

Can i jsut take out the physical protect switch or fuse?

Same issue. Tried every step multiple times without any fix. It'll work for a variable amount of time and then shut off again. Nothing else in my entertainment center having issues.

Same Protect Error on Sony STR-DH540. Nothing attached, power on and after several seconds the unit displays the Protect error. Tested all output transistors, all values are within normal range. I pretty much have a canoe anchor at this point. Trying a Yamaha receiver now, no issues with the Yamaha.

i know this an old video but i have an older Sony unit with the same problem. But it only happens when watching an .MKV file via VLC from a computer

Hola amigos de Sony y usuarios. Compre un Sony HTR540 y al encenderlo me sale Standby por unos 3 segundos y se apaga. Lo lleve a un tecnico en Republica Dominicana y no sabe repararlo. Podrian ayudarme a usar por primera vez mi Sony HDMI ?

Even in a huge cabinet with an added fan, it keeps throwing an overheat warning and turning off. Stupid. Any way to disable this?

My sony dh 550 has a orange light over power button and will not power on. Please advise

I did factory reset and now it is stuck on CLEARING. It got bricked.. Any advice? :/

I set it to 65 and it keeps shutting off what do i do

Sony Hd720 Protect on screen. Ive tried everything recommended. I then realized that i am missing the red clip in back of reciever where positive speaker wire goes, could that be the issue? And is this a fix i can do myself? Oh and also, i never hooked up speakers. Bought it from a friend and it was working fine when we turned it on. Then few days later i know i put hdmi’s in wrong slots (I put Apple 4k box into out and Tv in One of the hdmi in slots) so took them off and tried again in proper slots & that is when protect came on screen. Thanks in advance

Mine keeps turning off suround and going to ARC then going back to surround.

what if you have a different sony speaker will it still apply

I have an older Sony str de515. I tried all the suggestions. It would work for a little while and then go into “protect” mode again. I even disconnected all input and output attachments with the same results. With everything disconnected I turned it on and it stayed on with no “protect” message until I used the remote to adjust the volume. It immediately went into protect. There are no Sony stores anymore so I will have to take it to a generic repair shop. I know it’s old but to replace it with a receiver with a phono preamp as this has will cost over $700.

I have a Sony n5200w home cinema set, Blu Ray player with included speakers, front center speaker started crackling and then stopped working so I turned it off. Next day I got this message and haven't been able to use it ever since. Disconnected all cables, made sure it's entirely free of dust and has proper ventilation, nothing works. Have had it 2.5 years so warranty is probably void. Any ideas?

My STR-DN1080 switched off yesterday and now it’s dead, no power/no standby light etc. Changed fuses etc and still nothing? Any ideas what will cause this?

My Sony home theater it's keeping says protect error 0 3

Nope, all you are doing is stalling! if you let it set it will fix its self, i put a fan on top, mine ONLY happen on cold power up!

My one is str de335 it was still show protect

My Sony str dh590 keeps turning on and of it stays on for about two minutes and the display is not working

My sony stereo shows "protect 03" first then I cool it down overnight and then it shows "protect 06" and now it shows "protect 01" may I know what is this ?

My Sony STR-DN1070 doesn;'t say protect it says clearing and does nothing.it was $600 not throwing out the window. Please help

Str de375 protect help

Nothing works for HT-S700RF sadly

Same issue here and nothing...going on my 4th try... this is rough!

I have a Sony music player and it is in protect mode how to start in normal mode

My receiver turns off on its own, whenever I am gaming with my headphones on, is there a way to fix this issue ?

If the issue is still unresolved ditch the Sony amp and buy a Kenwood amp, my Sony amp went into protect mode, was left unplugged for a month, took it apart and cleaned all the dust out, still protect mode. Brought a Kenwood amp that was older and never had a problem, refuse to buy Sony now.

I have Sony strda5800es My problem not solving at all.

Mine does not work for all of that it just keep saying protect then turns of when I try to turn up the volume if anyone can help it would be appreciated

My str-ks2000 says e2p init

I have that problem

Mine just goes into protection mode with no load on

So, it has no home solution... or the best way to fix it, is to buy another brand. Only sony has this issue.

how to fix Sony STR KM 5500 auto trip

I had the same problem guys for quite long. This time it didn't want to work. Guess what I did; I opened it up, I discovered lots of dust in, I took a pent brush to brush off the dust and my wife advised me to take her hair blower and blow where the brush could not reach, but I ended up blowing all over the box. After finishing blowing, I plugged it back and amazingly, it started working after 4 long months. OPEN IT, CLEAN THE DUST, BLOW AND START USING

Thanks for the useless suggestions! But I did fixed the problem! Step 1. fill bathtub with at least 6 inches of water Step 2. Have an extension cord plugged into the receiver but not plugged into the 110V outlet yet. Step 3 and final step slowly and carefully submerged receiver into the tub and then plug in extension cord for at least 5 seconds. No more than that! PROTECTION message gone! Apparently all of the circuits in this unit are waterproof except for the PROTECTION circuit. By submerging the receiver into the water and energizing it it disables the message.! Along with one small detail..Guess!! LOL

But it still happens when everything is cold and there is no heat at all. Are Sony making Japanese amplifiers or North Korean amplifiers?????????????

My home button dose not work

dissapointed of sony , i have long time without using it... because this protect mode on. at least sony should repair it for free, is a problem in most of their receivers, shoul i spend in a fix?. i tried everything, he tratado todo del video y no funciona y ahora debo gastar en un tecnico?

Wtf is the point if I can’t turn the volume up.

Не помогло

Sony products are very poor.. this stupid protect thing they have on the units is almost deliberate or they lack engineers to engineer a good product. You don't get this "Protect" thing with other manufactures. I will never buy a SONY product again and I urge you to follow suit as it can cause unnecessary cost.

I have a STR 989 700 watts ....what a joke it protects out at 55 if I dont hook more than 3 speakers up it will MAX...can it be made to be a closed circut... looks like another one for the dumpster.JUNK.

Move to curve then bash in with large object. Vow to never buy something as stupid again.

You will continue to have problems if you don;t use Sony speakers, it's just a way they have of promoting their brand. I keep having problems with my high end speaker system even though my speakers are well within the recommended range, the system goes into Protect mode. I think they're trying to Protect their profits.

It's only 1:43 long but 0:25 in I'm thinking about skipping and looking for another fix. Get the fuck on with it already!

Receiver Sony never again!!

People most of the time it’s dust inside the receiver wich need to get cleaned out with a brush

Z

Lol get external cooling fan

'Consult your nearest Sony dealer'. Thanks for nothing.

I have an used sony boombox in perfect condition that I will have to throw out because of this idiotic little glitch. Best solution is to refuse to purchase these over-engineered pieces of shit that can develop nonsensical electronic errors that cannot easily be repaired and encourage you to throw out an otherwise perfectly good unit (so that you go buy another one, of course!). May the engineers who design this garbage rot in hell.

receiver is a big disappointment continues to error protect any any volume level useless junk!!.

Before buying this I shoulda took the money and threw it in the yard and let it blow around the neighborhood. I would have gotten more entertainment.

I need to change the digital card of my str dh740 receiver. Does anyone know where to buy? Part number Y8288408A. Thanks.

My 3rd Sony reciever to go in 6 months DONT WASTE YOU FUCKING MONEY SONY IS JUNK