I have a 9 VAP that I purchased in 1986, I cherish this radio for it has given me nothing but good service. If I were you I would send it in for servicing along with a detailed letter of the problems you are having. The VAP was truly a radio built ahead of it's time, almost 20 years later, the 9Z isn't really that much more sophistocated.

Keep up the excellent work Futaba

Frank A Rega