When your Sony camcorder is displaying an error code or error message it can be confusing and frustrating.
You may be asking yourself.
Did I do something wrong?
Can I fix it myself?
Is my camcorder really broken?
The answer to this is simple. If your Sony camcorder displays a tape transport or mechanical error code always try resetting the camcorder. This is done by removing the battery or ac power, wait 10 seconds, reapply the battery or ac power and try again. If it still goes into error try another tape. The camcorder will not always display an exact error code. Sometimes you may see an error message such as, “Reinsert the cassette”, on the LCD screen. This is the camcorders way of saying, “Take the tape out and try again.” Try reloading the same tape as well as a new tape. If the camcorder is still going into error this means it is time to send it in for service or repair.
The camcorder may also sometimes display a “Reattach Power Source.” This is the camcorders way of saying,”Try resetting my system,so I can try again.” Many people mistaken this error and think they have a problem with the battery or ac adapter. This is not true and has nothing to do with your battery or ac adapter. Reset the camcorder by removing the battery or ac power, wait 10 second, reapply the battery or ac power. If the error reappears the unit needs to be serviced or repaired.
Here is a list of Sony error codes for mechanical problems, tape transport problems and lens or focus problems.
Sony Error Code: C:21:00
This is a condensation, moisture or dew error. Just because this error code displays does not mean that the camcorder has actually experienced condensation, moisture or dew. It can also be a defective sensor causing the camcorder to go into a false error. If you think that the camcorder was really exposed to these elements you can try allowing the camcorder to “dry out” for one hour before trying again. Simply let the camcorder sit for an hour in the unload position and then try again. Make sure to try a different tape. If the problem is still there, it is probably a bad sensor. Never try cleaning the sensor it will damage the dew sensor. Also, never try drying the camcorder out with a hair drier, this can damage the plastic parts of the tape transport.
Sony Error Code: C:22:00
This is a head cleaning error and your video heads may need to be cleaned. The camcorder has no way of actually knowing that the video heads are dirty. The camcorder can detect that there is a problem with the picture quality and it may be caused by a dirty or clogged video head. Sometimes the camcorder may display a “Needs Head Cleaning” error instead of the C:22:00 error. This can also happen if there is a problem with the tape, such as a worn or defective tape. You can try running a head cleaner tape once or twice but if it does not clear the problem do not continue to use the head cleaning tape. The head cleaner tape could end up damaging the camcorder video heads if used excessively.
Sony Error Code: C:31:10 C:32:10 C:31:11 C:32:11
These error codes are very similar to each other. They mean that there is a problem with the tape loading or unloading out of the camcorder. Try resetting the camcorder. This is done by removing the battery or ac power, wait 10 seconds, reapply the battery or ac power and try again. If the error message continues, it is time to send the camcorder in for service. Also try a different tape.
Sony Error Code: C:31:20 C:32:20 C:31:22 C:32:22
These error codes are very similar to each other. They mean that there is a problem with the take up reel. The tape up reel is responsible for “taking up the tape slack” as the tape is running. Try resetting the camcorder. This is done by removing the battery or ac power, wait 10 seconds, reapply the battery or ac power and try again. Don’t forget to try a different tape. If the camcorder is still not working it is time to send the camcorder in for service or repair.
Sony Error Code: C:31:21 C:32:21 C:31:23 C:32:23
These error codes are also very similar to each other. They mean that there is a problem with the supply reel. The supply reel is responsible for “supplying tape” as the tape is running. Try resetting the camcorder. This is done by removing the battery or ac power, wait 10 seconds, reapply the battery or ac power and try again. Don’t forget to try a different tape. If the camcorder is still not working it is time to send the video camera in for service or repair.
Sony Error Code: C:31:30 and C:32:30
These error codes will display when there is a problem with the capstan motor. Just because this error code comes up that does not mean that the capstan motor is defective. It simply means that the motor is not able to perform properly. This might be due to a bad capstan motor or something in the tape path interfering with the capstan motor’s ability to run properly. It can also be an electronic problem with the system servo circuit.
Sony Error Code: C:31:40 C:32:40 C:31:42 C:32:42
These error codes indicate a problem with the video head drum assembly’s ability to spin properly. The video head drum assembly is made up of two parts the upper drum and lower drum. The upper drum is the part that reads and lays the information down on the tape path. It is the part that usually wears when we say that the video heads are worn and need to be replaced. The lower drum is the motor that is responsible for spinning the video heads. If these error codes are displayed it has nothing to do with the upper drum, it is a problem with the lower drum. This can be caused by a defective lower drum, or something in the tape path causing the video head drum not to spin properly. It can also be an electronic problem with the system servo circuit. Running a head cleaner tape will not fix this problem. Make sure you have tried more then one tape and if the problem persist it is time to send your Sony video camera in for repair.
]
Sony Error Code: C:32:60 E:61:10 E:61:11 E:61:30 E:62:00 E:62:01 E:62:02 E:62:03 E:62:10 E:62:11 E:62:12 E:62:20
These Sony error codes indicate that the camcorder has a problem with the lens or optical assembly. If the camcorder goes into one of these errors the only thing that you can try in resetting the camcorder and try again. This is done by removing the battery or ac power, wait 10 second, reapply the battery or ac power and try again. If the camcorder is still not working it is time to send the camcorder in for service.
Important final thoughts. These error codes can sometimes be intermittent and deceive you into believing that the problem has gone away. Just because the error code has gone away, does not mean that the problem is gone. The error code displays when the camcorder detects a problem, this is a good thing. It is the camcorders way of warning you that something is wrong. The video camera will not always detect that there is a problem and warn you. Anytime you experience an error code be cautious during your next couple of jobs. Keep your eye on the camcorder. Now would not be a good time to go on an important shoot with no back up camera. Also, always use extreme caution when testing your camcorder after it has displayed an error code. Do not put any valuable tapes into a camcorder that is displaying an error. The tape could get stuck or worse the camcorder could eat or damage the tape.
We are always just a phone call away, If you have any questions about Sony camcorder repair please call us anytime.
