i have a gf 9696 all working but i have tp press one of the tape buttons down for the radio to work any idears please paul

proper cleaning and re lubing of the selector switch and the rec/playback switch for starters paul . . hope you fix it !

It happened the same with my JVC RC838.
That happens because power path goes trough the source selector switch (some contact) and also is routed across the power switch of the tape mechanism. Because the last is more strong, usually ends doing "all the work" when the source selector hangs ...

In my JVC 838, JVC was so clever putting the power switch outside the source selector (a dedicated switch) but moved all together with the same key. Tha relieved the source switch to delivers high currents with its thin contacts.

Like Royal said, cleaning the source selector would be enough.

Check the POWER on/off switch.
Mine had got a bad contact. I had it totally disassembled in many small parts for cleaning and lubricating. It`s a very special switch, be careful!

Inside this switch...