Victrola Record Player Blinking Red Light? (Easy Fix!)

Victrola Record player blinking red light, and you’re worried? Well, relax and keep reading!

The red light on a Victrola record player simply shows something has gone wrong with the turntable.

Sadly, the range of possibilities is wide, which means that you need to perform a thorough check of everything that might be involved to decipher the issue.

We’ve prepared a list of things to check to find the reason for the red light:

Let’s unwrap these steps in detail!

Victrola Record Player Blinking Red Light – (Working Fixes!)

Note: Have you tried turning the Victrola record player Off and On?

1. Test if Victrola Platter is Spinning

When you see a red light on your Victrola record player, one of the first things to check is the platter’s motion.

This is one of the primary reasons why a red light would continuously blink.

To perform this test correctly, follow the instructions:

• First, put the record player on PHONO mode.
• Then, you must turn off the auto-stop switch.
• At this point, the platter will spin continuously.

If your platter starts and stops spinning, there are a couple of possibilities! 

You’re either using the wrong voltage for your Victrola turntable, the adapter is faulty or your power supply is insufficient.

• If the platter is not spinning, it’s unlikely to be a voltage issue, it’s more likely for the motor to be jammed, or the belt is not in place.

Quick Tip: If your platter starts and stops, verify that there are no obstructions!

2. Check If You Use Correct Voltage

The Victrola record player requires exactly a 5V power supply. Not 6V, not 9V, exactly 5V.

This is extremely important, otherwise, the suitcase-styled Victrola will flash in red and stop spinning.

So, if you’re using a replacement power adapter/cord, it’s essential to verify that you’re using an adapter with an input between 100–240 Volts and an output of exactly 5V.

In addition, we recommend checking whether the power adapter is correctly fitted into the outlet and whether the connector is properly plugged in. 

Warning: Avoid using power strips/dividers or power surge protectors at all costs, and connect the power adapter of your turntable directly to the outlet.

3. Replace Power Adapter or Supply

The Victrola record player is very “caprice” in regard to power supply, hence a malfunction in the power adapter or outlet will definitely bring up the red light.

There are two things you need to attempt right away:

• Plug your turntable to a different outlet (directly).
• If you have a replacement 5V adapter test with it.

If your Victrola record player’s red light disappears when connected to a different wall outlet, the problem is in your socket.

If not, however, the fault could be due to a power adapter malfunction. If you have no power adapter replacement, continue reading…

4. Verify that the Motor is Spinning

Sometimes, when the Victrola record player is flashing red light, the issue is not in the power supply instead it could be an obstruction motor.

To inspect the motor, you need to move the tonearm aside, gently remove the platter, and check whether something is jamming the motor.

To lift off the platter, you need to remove the small ring holding the platter on the spindle (you can use a tiny screwdriver).

Then the motor is going to be on the right of the spindle, having a bronze look. At this point, you need to power on the turntable and check if this pole is spinning.

If your motor is not spinning, here are some of the possibilities to check for:

• Hair wrapped around the spindle 
• Dust accumulation on the platter
• Foreign objects under the platter

Also, try to manually spin the platter and listen for unusual sounds!

Note: When you remove the platter the belt will come off, which is normal so in the next step you’ll learn how to properly install it.

5. Readjust a Misplaced Motor Belt

Another common reason for the red light on your Victrola record player is a misplaced belt. 

Now that you’ve removed the platter you have the opportunity to adjust the belt, which might solve all your problems and stop the blinking red light. 

However, this is a delicate procedure, so we’ll guide you through the steps:

1. Start with unplugging the Victrola turntable from the power.
2. Remove the little ring at the base of the platter and spindle.
3. This will allow you to lift the platter and the belt will be there.
4. To position the belt, you must wrap it around the platter ring.
5. The belt must be firmly stretched around the platter’s ring.
6. Next, flip the platter around and hover it over the turntable.
7. Pinch and stretch out the belt from the right side of the ring.
8. Put the stretched part of your belt over the motor’s spinner.
9. Warning: At this point, you don’t want to overstretch the belt.
10. Finally, you need to gently put the platter back on the spindle.

Hence, the belt remains on the inner ring of the platter, mildly stretching on one side to grab the spinning pole of the motor on the right. That’s it. Test whether the platter is now spinning freely.

Note: If your belt is worn out and loose, the platter will spin in a wavy manner, which can also be the reason for the red light.

6. Verify the Tonearm is Not Faulty

If you still see the red light on your Victrola record player, it’s possible that there is something wrong with the tonearm.

• The platter of the Victrola record player will not start spinning unless the tonearm is hovering over it, and is detected.

This is a very thoughtful feature that ensures that the platter is only going to spin when the record is about to be played.

So if you see a red blinking light and the platter is not spinning, move the tonearm and verify that it is hovering over the platter.

Important: If you can’t move the tonearm, you need to push on the swing guard to release it.

Victrola Motor FAQs

Q: Why is My Victrola Motor Not Spinning?
A: If your Victrola turntable motor spindle is not rotating with a working 5V power supply and the tonearm is hovering above the platter, this is probably a hardware-related problem. This involves a blown fuse or something else defective in the main board.

Q: What to Do If the Victrola Belt Comes Loose?
A: If the belt cannot firmly wrap around the inner ring of the platter, you need a replacement that is very cheap. You can get a replacement Victrola kit of around 6 belts for ~$10 (more or less).