Although its appreciated that this posting is outdated by being from July 2008 it should be noted by anyone else who may request assistance that model numbers "MUST" always be given as advice can vary considerably dependant on model. In general terms E-04 is normally an indication that there is a problem with data transfer between the video drum and the associated circuitry and sometimes even a heavily contaminated video head can cause this error code to appear, but should this not be applicable then it could indicate a bad connection on the ribbon cable that couples the drum to the PCB, that is excluding the possibility of the actual drum itself being at fault! However another commonly experienced rogue (false)indication of E-04 that frequently shows on a range of "D" followed by three digit models is caused by the mechanism not fully completing an operation, like for example "loading or unloading" and when this happens mechanism position sensors do not send the appropriate signal to the logic circuits which causes it to respond in the way it would if the mechanism was jammed and shuts down the system to save damage. A procedure that many find to be successful is to try pressing "slightly" on any part of the mechanism that moves from one position to another (loading door etc), or a more commonly used crude but highly effective method is "lightly" thumping the bottom of the camcorder with your hand, this usually having to be tried a few times before everything corrects itself, however should a person be unlucky and it does not clear the fault then unfortunately it will require an element of dismantling to enable proper fault finding to be carried out. This "rogue" E-04 is a very common occurrence on the models referred to and so it was mentioned just in case it should apply in any subsequent complaint.

also e03 and e06 seems to mean a problem with the cassette itself the majority of the time, a new cassette usually solves this problem. i would also like to add that i am never buying JVC again, this product has caused more problems and cost me more money to fix it than it was worth.... if anyone reads this please save your money for a better product and also notice that no other camcorder seems to have so many problems.... buy digital it is so much better. i sent these responses because no one else seems to care about error e04 i searched for over two hours and someone suggested to connect it to my computer via usb port (good luck finding that by the way). get the cassette out and reset the camcorder by unplugging it and removing the battery for about an hour

EMERGENCY TAPE EJECT / DOOR OPEN PROCEDURE. This procedure should release to cassette holder door, although of course dependant on the reason for the fault in the first place!, if however the procedure fails its likely because the mechanism is jammed which will necessitate separating the camcorder case to gain access to the mechanism. First take the battery out, and while its out switch the camcorder to "M". Next "HOLD AND KEEP HOLDING" the eject button whilst you reinsert the battery, if you are lucky the tape will eject as soon as the battery is reinstalled due to this action by-passing the "fault located - shut down mechanism" command that is sent from the sensors logic control circuit to the mechanism, i.e: the sensors logic control circuit cannot trigger a shut down signal if there is no power to it, and depending on your luck when you reinstall the battery and power is restored your eject command can sometimes take the lead over the sensors signal being acted upon by the logic control. (The aforementioned procedure may of course require more than one attempt with any subsequent attempts with the power switch on "A" rather than "M")