E-03 means that the cassette "take up" spindle is not turning properly and so shuts the camcorders mechanism down to avoid the tape getting doubled up. A faulty cassette is nearly always the cause of the problem, however if a new one does not cure it then the case would have to be dismantled to gain access to the mechanism. It should be said that consistently using non-branded JVC tapes can be the source of this type of problem, TDK and Maxell tapes definitely "not" recommended to be used, JVC - Panasonic or Fuji tapes being the only brands that do not really cause any problems in this respect. (tape lubrication dust)