Yamaha RX-397: TROUBLESHOOTING

TROUBLESHOOTING

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Refer to the chart below if this unit does not function properly. If the problem you are experiencing is not listed below or 

if the instructions below do not help, set this unit to the standby mode, disconnect the power cord, and contact the nearest 

authorized YAMAHA dealer or service center.

■

General

TROUBLESHOOTING

Problem

Cause

Remedy

See 

page

This unit fails to turn 

on.

The power supply cord is not connected or 

the plug is not completely inserted.

Connect the power supply cord firmly.

—

The impedance setting is incorrect.

Set the impedance to match your speakers.

10

The protection circuitry has been activated 

because of a short circuit, etc.

Check that the speaker wires are not touching each 

other and then turn the power of this unit back on.

10

The IMPEDANCE SELECTOR switch on 

the rear panel is not set to either end.

Set the IMPEDANCE SELECTOR switch to either 

end when the power of this unit is turned off.

10

This unit has been exposed to a strong 

external electric shock (such as lightning 

or strong static electricity).

Set this unit to the standby mode, disconnect the 

power supply cord, plug it back in after 30 seconds, 

then use it normally.

—

No sound

Incorrect input or output cable 

connections.

Connect the cables properly. If the problem persists, 

the cables may be defective.

9

No appropriate input source has been 

selected.

Select an appropriate input source with the INPUT 

selector on the front panel (or one of the input 

selector buttons on the remote control).

15

The TAPE MONITOR function is turned 

on.

Turn off the TAPE MONITOR function.

3

The SPEAKERS A/B switches are not set 

properly.

Turn on the corresponding SPEAKERS A or 

SPEAKERS B.

15

Speaker connections are not secure.

Secure the connections.

10

The sound suddenly 

goes off.

The protection circuitry has been activated 

because of a short circuit, etc.

Check that the IMPEDANCE SELECTOR setting is 

correct.

10

Check that the speaker wires are not touching each 

other and then turn the power of this unit back on.

10

Only the speaker on 

one side can be 

heard.

Incorrect cable connections.

Connect the cables properly. If the problem persists, 

the cables may be defective.

9

Incorrect setting for the BALANCE 

control.

Set the BALANCE control to the appropriate 

position.

16

There is a lack of bass 

and no ambience.

The + and – wires are connected in 

reverse at the amplifier or the speakers.

Connect the speaker wires to the correct + and – 

phase.

10

A “humming” sound 

can be heard.

Incorrect cable connections.

Connect the audio plugs firmly. If the problem 

persists, the cables may be defective.

9

No connection from the turntable to the 

GND terminal.

Make the GND connection between the turntable and 

this unit.

9

The volume level is 

low while playing a 

record.

The record is being played on a turntable 

with an MC cartridge.

The turntable should be connected to this unit through 

the MC head amplifier.

—

The volume level 

cannot be increased, 

or the sound is 

distorted.

The component connected to the TAPE 

OUT or the MD OUT jacks of this unit is 

turned off.

Turn on the power of the component.

—

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TROUBLESHOOTING

ADDITIONA

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INF

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RMA

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English

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Tuner

The sound is 

degraded when 

listening with the 

headphones 

connected to the CD 

player or the tape 

deck connected to 

this unit.

The power of this unit is turned off, or this 

unit is set to the standby mode.

Turn on the power of this unit.

14

The sound level is 

low.

The LOUDNESS control is functioning.

Set the LOUDNESS control to the FLAT position.

16

The INPUT selector 

will not function 

though it is rotated.

The TAPE MONITOR function is turned 

on.

Turn off the TAPE MONITOR function.

3

Using the BASS, 

TREBLE, BALANCE 

and LOUDNESS 

controls does not 

affect the tonal 

quality.

The PURE DIRECT button is turned on.

The PURE DIRECT button must be turned off to use 

those controls.

16

Problem

Cause

Remedy

See 

page

FM

FM stereo 

reception is 

noisy.

The particular characteristics of the FM 

stereo broadcasts being received may 

cause this problem when the transmitter is 

too far away or the antenna input is poor.

Check the antenna connections.

Try using a high-quality directional FM antenna.

11

Try using the manual tuning method.

21

There is 

distortion, and 

clear reception 

cannot be 

obtained even 

with a good FM 

antenna.

There is multipath interference.

Adjust the antenna position to eliminate the multipath 

interference.

—

The desired 

station cannot 

be tuned in 

with the 

automatic 

tuning method.

The signal is too weak.

Try using a high-quality directional FM antenna.

11

Try using the manual tuning method.

21

Previously 

preset stations 

can no longer 

be tuned in.

This unit has been disconnected for a long 

period.

Preset the stations again.

21

AM

The desired 

station cannot 

be tuned in 

with the 

automatic 

tuning method.

The signal is weak or the antenna 

connections are loose.

Tighten the AM loop antenna connections and orient 

it for the best reception.

—

Try using the manual tuning method.

21

There are 

continuous 

crackling and 

hissing noises.

The noises may result from lightning, 

fluorescent lamps, motors, thermostats or 

other electrical equipment.

Try using an outdoor antenna and a ground wire.

This will help somewhat, but it is difficult to 

eliminate all noise.

—

There are 

buzzing and 

whining noises.

A TV set is being used nearby.

Move this unit away from the TV set.

—

32

TROUBLESHOOTING

■

Remote control

Problem

Cause

Remedy

See 

page

The remote control 

does not work nor 

function properly.

Wrong distance or angle.

The remote control will function within a maximum 

range of 6 m (19.7 ft) and no more than 30 degrees 

off-axis from the front panel.

8

Direct sunlight or lighting (from an 

inverter type of fluorescent lamp, etc.) is 

striking the remote control sensor of this 

unit.

Reposition this unit.

—

The batteries are weak.

Replace all batteries.

8