Canon PowerShot SX160 IS Troubleshooting

No matter what you do, you can't get the battery door to close completely.

If the battery door won't lock into place, it is possible that the lock is already activated. If you lift the battery door back open, you will see a small exposed piece of plastic that can be adjusted by the slide switch on the outside of the door. Slide the lock back until the plastic retreats, and you will be able to close the door. You may have to hold the switch open while closing the door to ensure it does not accidentally slide back into the locked position prematurely.

Brand new batteries will only last a few minutes inside the camera before it shuts off.

One possible cause is that the batteries being used are simply not strong enough for the camera. The best solution to this problem is to replace you current AA batteries with lithium batteries. They will provide the necessary voltage for your camera and will last longer than your standard batteries.

If the battery door is slightly ajar, the connection between the battery and the connection cables may not be properly aligned. Ensure that the door is closed completely so that the battery power is being accessed appropriately and efficiently.

An error message appears on the screen and the lens will not retract.

If you notice that the camera lens motor will not extend or contract the first thing you should do is reboot your camera. By simply turning the camera off, the lens may retract and reset. This should allow the lens to properly extend when the camera is turned back on. If this does not work here are some other helpful tips to clear dirt and grime. Remove the 2 AA batteries from the back of the camera and wait a few minutes. Blow compressed air around the gaps in the lens using a computer duster can or an air compressor to free any trapped particles that may be in the extension mechanism. If air does not work try using a thin piece of paper to wiggle free any visible traces of grit,

If a fall is what caused the lens to stop working, one possibility is that the lens itself is stuck at an angle, which prevents it from properly opening or closing. Using your hand, gently pull the lens forward until you hear it click into place and it appears to be straight. When you turn the camera off, the lens should now successfully retract.

The LCD will not turn on.

The camera may have encountered an error in an attempt to boot the screen. This issue may be from errors in the camera’s memory. Attempt to reboot the camera to see if the screen becomes operational.

If the LCD is cracked or shattered, the only thing you can do is replace it entirely. This link will provide a step by step guide that shows you how to replace the screen.

The shutter button will not press down or presses down too easily and a picture is not produced.

If the button will not press down, it might be stuck due to corrosion. Follow the steps to replace the button, and once the area is exposed, gently clean away and debris.

The button may need to be entirely replaced if it is not working effectively. Follow the steps in this guide to learn how to replace the shutter button.

The camera’s auto-focus feature will not activate or becomes grainy when in use.

If Auto-Focus appears grainy, you may be in the wrong shooting mode. Look for a flashing “Camera Shake” icon that will help indicate when to switch shooting modes. To do this 1. Press the <MENU> button 2. Locate and enter the [Shooting] tab 3. Select the mode “Continuous” for the IS mode.

If you are not using “Macros mode” make sure to turn it off by pressing the <Macro> button.

The camera’s dedicated flash feature will not activate or produce a flash

If the camera’s dedicated flash initiates but does not produce an actual flash, the problem may be with the bulb. Replacing the bulb is the best course of action for a situation like this.

If the camera’s dedicated external flash is not burnt out then it may indicate a faulty connection to the flash. To fix this connection, you must follow the instructions on the Outer Case Replacement. After following this guide, connections to the flash are visible and re-connection or soldering may take place.

The camera’s format wheel is either stuck or is too loose when in operation

If the camera’s top command dial will not rotate or operate like it should, there may be a build up of dirt or grime. Using a thin piece of paper try to push it around the edges of the command dial to free up an grime that may be causing a blockage. Attempt to move it around more than casual usage in an attempt to wiggle loose parts back into the right area or remove blockage.

If the command dial is moving freely but unable to select or target settings on your camera, then a more detailed repair will be needed. The replacement of bearings on the underside of the command dial may be a solution to your problem if the dial is unresponsive. Please follow the Format Wheel Replacement guide for more detailed instructions.