The service was quick and simple, finding the service manual easy and it appears to be the original with colour schematics. It contained the info I was after and so sorted the problem.
I have copied it to CD and attached the envelope to the inside back cover of the owners manual. Good manual and excelent service. Robin Wood, Wood Electronics, New Zealand.
Nice to have the service manual for the Sony DCR-TRV345E now. The document is of excellent quality.
Text excerpt from page 8 (click to view)
TEST MODE
This model has a test mode function in the disassembled condition.
Screw
TP701 Screw
TEST
1. How to use the test mode: � Short the test land in the MAIN C.B. � Auto-stop function is not detected by micro-computer while test mode is active. Note: Make sure that the test land is opened after the test mode is de-activated. (Auto-stop function is not available with shorted land condition.) 2. How to disassemble the circuit board. � Removes the soldering part in the MAIN C.B . � Removes two screws.