E-03 is a warning that there is a fault with the cassette "take up" spindle, this in most cases is caused by a faulty sticking cassette so another should be tried, however if that doesnt fix the problem then its the take up drive spindle that is at fault, this possibly over slipping due to contamination from the tape lubricants used by using non JVC branded tapes (if having been used) TDK and Maxell being particular offenders in this respect, as only JVC - Panasonic or Fuji brand tapes are recommended for use in JVC mechanisms. Although blowing air (from hairdryer on cool setting) into the mechanism can sometimes help, in many instances the case has to be dismantled to gain access to the mechanism for diagnosis purposes.