Canon PowerShot A550 Troubleshooting

“The camera does not turn on or says to change the batteries.”

Make sure your batteries are compatible with your camera. Use only new AA-sized Alkaline batteries or Canon AA-sized NiMH batteries.

If proper batteries are used but your camera still does not turn on, then your batteries may be placed in improperly. Try reloading your batteries in the right alignment, - with – and + with +.

If proper batteries are used and in proper placement, but you still get no response from your camera, try checking to make sure that your memory card slot/battery cover is properly closed. This allows the batteries to be in full contact with the camera, which should allow your camera to work if there are no other eternal battery problems.

You’ve tried all the steps mentioned above but when you do manage to turn the camera on, it shows a low battery message and asks you to change the batteries.

If this is the problem you are facing, this problem can be resolved by replacing the internal battery.

"The camera does not flash when a picture is taken"

Make sure the flash is not turned off by checking the camera's flash settings. The flash will be turned on once a lightning bolt is displayed on the screen.

If all your settings are correct and the camera still does not flash, then the flash motherboard may need to be replaced.

Take apart your camera, order a replacement flash logic board, and then enjoy a nice cup of tea while you wait for delivery. Once the unit arrives, you will be ready to replace the flash logic board.

"The lens error message won't stop popping up when you turn on your camera."

If the camera's batteries die completely while the lens is still open, the camera may show a lens error message when new batteries are installed. Try removing the memory card and then install the new batteries. If you turn the camera on with the card removed, it may come back to life reset. If it then says Error E30, slip the memory card back in and then try turning it on again.

If you use a camera case, the gunk or fibers from it may accumulate inside the camera, interfering with the lens extension mechanism. Try blowing compressed air in the gaps around the lens barrels with a hair dryer on the "no heat" setting or using a thin piece of paper or sewing needle to dislodge the particles. Be careful not to scratch your lens barrel with the needle or probing too deep.

Try turning the display off and then turnin g the camera off and then back on. This will cause the power from the display to the motor and possibly give the lens an extra push to fully extend or retract.

If you dropped your camera with the lens extended, then they might be misaligned. Try placing the camera flat on its back, pointed at the ceiling. Hold the shutter button down and press the power on button at the same time. The camera should autofocus and hopefully move the lens barrel guide pins back into their slots.

If the lens is bent or crooked, you may have to open the camera up to force the lens back into its proper slot. Refer to Camerarepair.Blogspot.Com for further instructions.

" The card error message pops up when you turn on your camera and you can't save your pictures."

Make sure your memory card is compatible with your camera. If your camera was made in 2007 or before, it will only be compatible with a 2GB SD card. If your camera was made in 2008 or later, it will accept 2GB SD or SDHC cards that range from 2-32GB.

Sometimes the locking or protecting function on the card can be turned on if the locking switch has been accidentally slid down. To fix this problem:

• Remove the card from the camera

• Locate the white lock switch on the side of the memory card

• Move the lock switch to the top position

• Reinsert card into the device

Check to make sure your card is functioning correctly by inserting it into another camera. If the card does not work, it is normally due to a failed memory module in the card, which cannot be repaired. If the card does work in another camera, proceed to the next option.

If you open the memory card slot of your camera, you should be able to see a little copper spring or steel lever switch visible on the left side of the slot. In order to fix this, use a sewing needle or toothpick to push the metal piece back toward the bottom of the memory card slot. Be careful not to warp the metal piece. If this does not solve the issue, try bending the metal slightly more up or down in order to restore contact with the memory card.

If this does not work, the memory card reader in your camera may be damaged. You will need to replace the memory card reader.

" The function keys to the right of the LCD screen do not work"

There may be sand, dirt, or liquid that has penetrated the outside covers and has now gummed up the keys. To fix this problem clean the function keys.

If the function keys are clean but the keys still do not register, the unit that recognizes the function key command may be damaged. The function key motherboard will need to be replaced.

If your LCD screen was dropped, it may be broken. This may be identified by a crack when the device is turned on or the screen may not light up at all. You should replace the LCD screen.