Sanyo M9990 - Left VU doesn't work

First off, it isn't frozen. Works fine in record mode. It only wiggles slightly in play mode. Once upon a time it magically started working again but no such luck now. I've looked through the unit for two hours for bad connections but can't find anything. The record/play switch has been thoroughly cleaned, as has the pilot lamp switch. I'd like to get it working nice for a trip this weekend, so a service manual-by-mail won't get here in time.

Any thoughts on what else to check?

Can get the manual here, if you know how to read a schematic.:

http://www.analogalley.com/osccart/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=51&products_id=348

Cool, got it. Thanks!

I'll report back if I figure it out.

Hmmm... looking at the schematic, the meter gets it's signal from the speakers but the signal passes through the record bar. Do you concur? This might be an easy fix. Try deoxit the record bar.

It does. I tried that twice. No luck. I'm going to hook up the scope.