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Error Code C:31:40

hi man how are u would u like help
i don't know what to do
Sony_DCR-TRV145. . . When a DV tape is in the camera, an error message flashes with the code: C:31:40. When there is no tape, the error does not appear. I have cleaned the inside of my camera, tried different tapes, disconnected the battery, etc etc etc. yet this message will not go away and I cannot use my camera. Do you have any suggestions as to what I can do to fix my problem?

simoni
Wed, 18 Jan 2006 17:46:16 -0800

Quite a few users are having luck by smacking their camcorders. Take a look at this thread and see for yourself: Error Code C:31:23?

Chieh Cheng
Wed, 18 Jan 2006 23:56:42 -0800

Hi had the same problem with a Sony Hi8 from 1998 (c:31:40). The camera was useless.

Ar several forums I found out how to solve it. Hit your camera several times with a flat hand (bottom, tape side). Its strange but my problem was solved. On internet I found maybe 10 or 15 other people who did the same. For all of them this worked fine !

Eric

Eric
Wed, 22 Feb 2006 11:56:29 -0800

Worked for me... Thanks.. I was bout to pay some service shop do fix it but didn't think it was worth it and checked the net..

BootyBucks.net
Thu, 26 Oct 2006 18:32:45 -0700

I can't believe it but smacking it worked. The recorder kept flashing this code for weeks and I had tried everything in the manual. Nothing worked. Each time that I put in the tape, it wouldn't close and the error flashed. I took out the tape and closed it and smacked the bottom 10-15 times. It worked like a charm! Now we can tape my son's first trip to see Santa. Yippee!

April A.
Sun, 17 Dec 2006 17:52:47 -0800

Sony DCR-HC42 with the same exact problem.
"Whack-a-Cam" worked! Had to do it twice. Seems like something must be stuck in some gears or something. I'm thinking a regular blowing out with some canned air might prevent this.

Miclipse
Tue, 19 Dec 2006 20:59:13 -0800

Error C:31:40 is "FG fault when starting drum". Sony advises to load the tape again. So all of you out there who have been "smacking" your camcorders, do yourselves a favor and stop doing that. You're only making matters worse. One of these days someone is going to knock the tape head out of alignment and end up spending $$ for something that could have been an easy fix.

Adam
Sun, 24 Dec 2006 22:42:37 -0800

Well, smacking it worked for me, I guess the head WAS out of alignment and at least for now it works. I agree if you have to do this every time obviously it's not going to work forever, but hopefully it somehow got out of alignment and a slap on bottom corrected it for good!
I'm happy.

Kevin
Mon, 25 Dec 2006 08:15:46 -0800

Worked for me too. Thank god.

Patrick
Fri, 05 Jan 2007 22:13:24 -0800

As a professional camera operator with both operator and maintenance tech experience going back to my first 3/4inch vo1600 and betamax 7200 in the late 70s the hitachi sk90 that is responsible for my slouching posture to this day I can tell you one of the dirty little secrets of the hardcore pros is whacking the camera intelligently and judiciously is a common field remedy. If you don't want to look unprofessional carry a small plastic or rubber mallet like the doctor might use on your knee but the flat of your hand is a much better tool. Lubricants dry out in the heat connections expand and contract contamination migrates into the camera with the tape too many more variables to mention here. Bottom line whacking can often dislodge a stuck component in the loading mechanism etc. On a recent episode of a toprated network home makeover show I secretly whacked a pd150 (that was used inside the home under demolition) to make it give up a tape that it wouldn't eject it went right back into combat and performed flawlessly through endless hours of 24/7 shooting. As for error codes they are no more accurate than windows error messages you can get a head drum error code if the loading mech doesn't finish threading the tape. Some of the worst repair jobs I have ever had to deal with were from people who baby their equipment use your gear frequently like your muscles they like it. But never hit your camera in anger just like the real world it doesn't fix anything.

fred nugent
Mon, 08 Jan 2007 00:24:47 -0800

It worked! Unbelievable! Thanks!

Dale
Tue, 09 Jan 2007 11:49:22 -0800

Yesssss this VX200 camera was not working for aprox. a year. I smacked it for 5 or 6 times and it is working again! Unbelievable!
On other forums people are desperate about not finding a solution for the C:31:40 code. Now i found it here tonight.
I am so happy!

Reintje
Thu, 18 Jan 2007 19:47:42 -0800

This is bizarre but I took my camera in to the shop and they couldn're reproduce the problem. At home it kept on happening. I decided to try and give it a smack. Just a light one. IT WORKED!

scottie
Wed, 31 Jan 2007 19:34:44 -0800

Yes!!! I just made all of these tapes in India and wanted to see them. The audio/video was choppy. But after three solid smacks, IT WORKS AGAIN. Thank you.

Santhi
Fri, 09 Feb 2007 17:58:13 -0800

Tried it with my DCR-PC3E several times - first gently then harder...
No success :(((

Vince
Tue, 27 Feb 2007 14:55:40 -0800

It worked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XIE XIE

Joco Pan From China
Tue, 13 Mar 2007 00:53:18 -0800

Unbelievable..
Sony DCR-HC90,
smacked it 15 times on the bottom lightly as mentioned in this thread.

WORKS AGAIN!

Rip
Tue, 27 Mar 2007 14:41:17 -0800

Had to do it twice(10 taps each) 2nd. time a little more than "light" works so far.Thank you disgrunteled Sony technician.Sony HDR-FX1

Bret in Belize
Wed, 28 Mar 2007 14:07:12 -0800

Wow! Worked.
Use dcrtrv330 with my high school kids.
Smacked one a couple of times(firmly) and it works!

MS in ND
Wed, 04 Apr 2007 09:14:35 -0700

ive tryed this nocking it and taking the battery out and it hasnt worked for me.....i have a sony pd150, can anyone give me and help?

jordan
Thu, 05 Apr 2007 18:44:54 -0700

Hi!

I have an old but still realy good DCR-PC5E. I had the C:31:40 problem. As it would cost a fortune to get fixed I decided to check the net and found this site! Hiting the camera didn't work but using a hair dryer and gently touch the video head fixed the problem!

Thanks a lot for the good advice!
// viking

Viking in Sweden
Wed, 25 Apr 2007 15:19:43 -0700

WOW!
It worked for me too!
Woohoo

Cheezomlet
Wed, 02 May 2007 04:08:32 -0700

Well I have a Sony DCR-VX2100 camcorder; I think it doesn't like the smacking very well because I've been smacking it for the last six months without success. I guess I am going to send it in for repair. Bottom line, smacking didn't work for me.

Benoit Nyonga
Wed, 02 May 2007 09:38:58 -0700

wow. my new favorite site- I had just called repair and they were gonna charge me $570 bucks...dang...

Corey
Thu, 03 May 2007 09:59:36 -0700

i've got the sony DCR-TRV430E, it keeps tellin me the same error code, and the cam also makes a weird noise from the inside of the camera, when a tape is in.
I'v been recommended on several websites to give it a nice "smack" or some more. I've been smacking the cam for some days, i even throwed it of the table.
no succes.
One website told me to fill the inside of the cam with hot air. from an hair dryer.
No succes
WHAT TO DO

rhino
Fri, 04 May 2007 10:23:38 -0700

I am amazed and befuddled. I can't believe it worked!!!!
You don't know what we went through to recover our precious moments from our 8mm's.
I cleaned the camera. We were quoted rediculous amounts of money for service.
I just wished I would've found this tasty tip before spending $800 on a new camera!

Nothin' like fixin' it old school.

MYOHMY
Fri, 04 May 2007 21:28:07 -0700

JA JA Ja i cant beleive it, i read this after a few days of trying to solve my problem... code 21 33 in my mini dv hc 30 and as i understood i hit it gently in the tape door, and its working now, ja ja ja thanks its unbelivable!!! excues me for my english!!! Thanks, i saved a lot of pesos!

Jorge
Mon, 07 May 2007 15:41:13 -0700

I am officially a member of the "C:31:40 Smackers Club". I have a Sony DCR TRV 330 and it tried pulling the 31:40 fast one. But the palm of my hand changed its mind pretty quick. I love getting back at electronics. Don't you?

As an aside, my camera started giving me "the number" when it got jarred a bit. It was in a padded bag but slipped out of my hand and fell maybe a foot to the carpeted floor. So apparently one good jar deserves another. It took a few attempts but it worked.

Bob
Mon, 07 May 2007 17:33:09 -0700

It really does work! I was getting the C:31:40: error on a Sony DCR/TRV520, I took it to Best Buy and they said it was not worth fixing and that it would cost at least $60 to look at and probably several hundred more to fix. I found this site, smacked the bottom of my camera and I am back in business!!!

peanujt
Sun, 20 May 2007 17:08:07 -0700

The smacking doesn't work! I have a Sony mini-DV-cam (DSR-PD150) and it's giving me the C:31:40 message. I've hit it from every angle, but it doesn't seem to do any good. How hard are you supposed to smack it? I'm afraid it'll break, (or I might have broken it already). I tried to take a glance at the headers and the stuff inside. I even slightly wiggled two loose headers with the end of a pencil. *PLEASE* help me on this! It's really getting on my nerves! I desperately need to use the camera!

Hessam
Fri, 25 May 2007 02:10:58 -0700

I have a cd trv46. it's an older camera and didn't want to spend money on a tech. my italian father in law always fixed his tv by hitting it. i laugh no more.

brady
Sun, 27 May 2007 14:56:43 -0700

I have a DCR-TRV 280. For months on end my camera would give me the "Reinsert the tape" message. So I take the tape out, reinsert it, and of course it doesn't work, it just didn't go back down with the tape in, but with it out it works. But then on some random day it would work, then break, and the cycle would repeat itself. so instead of sending it in i decided to just hit it. It WORKED! It's amazing.

jj
Wed, 30 May 2007 20:14:18 -0700

I had the 31:40 error showing on my VX2100e, took the advise and slapped it, 31:40 error disappeared but now have 32:11 error? Anyone have any ideas?

JB
Wed, 06 Jun 2007 04:16:13 -0700

it worked man! hahahahahahahaha i cant freakin believe it i was sceptical at first but it all went well. alrighty....
open tape housing
Remove tape and close again
turn camera upside down
hit the bottom of the tape housing with force 3 times
insert tape and try

wadeo
Thu, 28 Jun 2007 01:28:04 -0700

remember to hit it with an open hand!

wadeo
Thu, 28 Jun 2007 01:28:59 -0700

works fine, thank you very much !!!

stieffen
Thu, 28 Jun 2007 12:09:41 -0700

My wife just kissed me for finding this forum/solution... because it worked for us too!!!

THANKS SO MUCH!

astonished
Wed, 04 Jul 2007 22:44:03 -0700

I dont get this error instntly (DCR-TRV900), only after like 5-10 mins of use (recording or playback) but it gets annoyin, Im gonna try this smacking method. To the people that have fixed their cameras doing this, what am i expecting here> for some piece of dirt to fall off? put pieces back into place or what? or just sheer luck? Anywys wish me luck.!

Andlgx
Sat, 07 Jul 2007 16:35:59 -0700

What a star! Just been quoted £220 for investigation & repair. After finding this, gave it a few hits & looks like it's working fine again. Cheers!

Big Al
Mon, 16 Jul 2007 15:33:19 -0500

i got c: 31 23 and c: 31 :40 with my 4 years old dcr tvr27e
it was the tape , i changed the tape with brand new one ...works

sertac
Fri, 27 Jul 2007 07:18:32 +0000

Thanks for the great "money saving" advice...changing tapes, batteries and cleaning didn't work for me...10 smacks and I'm good to go...

Bob Mc
Sun, 05 Aug 2007 21:52:15 +0000

I am a private investigator and have had and currently have about 8 of the Sony cameras. I just fixed my trv-530 tonight. Constantly got 31:40 to where I couldn't trust any longer. I removed every screw in the cameras body, banged it around a few times, put it back together and hard as I try can not make it not work. Thanks for the advice. I didn't read about banging bottom until after taking apart. Thanks for the great and money saving advice.

Steve
Sat, 18 Aug 2007 03:49:38 +0000

It worked for me too. Thanks everybody.

Another satsified user
Sun, 19 Aug 2007 15:14:35 +0000

I can't believe it!!! Smacked it 10 times on the tape door and out popped the stuck tape. Wish I would have read this thread two hours ago!!
Amazing.

Chuck O
Tue, 21 Aug 2007 23:30:04 +0000

I am shocked. It worked for me too.

I have the SONY VX2100 and use it for my media training business. It worked the last time I had it out, then at my next training stop, it started flashing that. Fortunately the team I was visiting allowed me to use thier camera. I was off to my next training today when I went to a camera shop, they couldn't figure it out, and I entered into Google. This forum came up, and I was very skeptical, but desperate. I whacked it 15 times for good measure and to vent frustration, and I'll be damned...it's working.

Thanks all!

Kevin
Fri, 24 Aug 2007 18:00:06 +0000

Sony DCR-HC42. Five whacks.

Jeff
Tue, 18 Sep 2007 02:26:53 +0000

Sony DCR-TRV340
smakcing it works for me too, however I have to do it almost evertime I turn off my camera and want to to turn it back on.

Ben Muzzer
Thu, 27 Sep 2007 17:19:48 +0000

Slaping TRV 210E 3times series of three..... And worked out well.

Besalel
Sat, 06 Oct 2007 17:08:00 +0000

I cant believe it. It really worked! I thought this was some kind of joke but I figured " what could I loose" the camera is broken anyway. Thanks alot!

Eli
Sun, 14 Oct 2007 16:59:51 +0000

I was incredulous when I read all these comments about smacking the bottom of the camera, but I tried it, and it worked!! Thanks everyone.

Happy girl
Mon, 15 Oct 2007 21:31:29 +0000

Holy Cow...2 smacks and it worked....

Edi
Sat, 20 Oct 2007 09:26:27 +0000

Haha I found this camcorder next to a wall! Sony DCR-TR7000E and it works,
and so i got some Hi8 tapes and got this C:31... msg
Looked online, found this page and smack!
Worked! Thank you internet :)

Luke Mundy
Thu, 25 Oct 2007 14:37:36 +0000

TRV330 Error Code 31:40
Worked all day trying to fix the problem with the help of the manual
Finaly, checked online for some advise.

***10 gentle smacks...guess what...IT WORKED!!!!

Many thanks!!!! That made my day......!!!

Ralf
Sun, 28 Oct 2007 23:15:06 +0000

I had this c:31:40 problem recently with a Sony z1. Guess what? IT WORKED.
10 smacks were enough.
I'll try it with my wife as well ;-)

Rudy from Belgium
Tue, 13 Nov 2007 09:18:28 +0000

Isn't this cool. Worked for me too. Thanks to the Sony camera we've made the world a much smaller place :)

Linda from US
Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:35:54 +0000

wow....bad cam gets smacked.....
works fine now....

dangerous
Sat, 08 Dec 2007 20:06:01 +0000

2year old SONY HCR-42 on clearance $200.00......

Access to Google to find this site at work $0.00......

Calming a hysterical wife over the phone by telling her she can hit the
malfunctioning camera several times, getting it to work so she can
film our 4 year olds Christmas Show at school....PRICELESS!!!!!!!

rick
Fri, 14 Dec 2007 14:49:54 +0000

ho un problema con la mia splendida videocamera sony DCR PC9E.
funziona tutto senza cassetta, appena la inserisco mi da errore c:31:40 !!!
Per favore qualcuno mi puo' aiutare, a risolvere il problema !!!!

raffaele
Thu, 07 Feb 2008 19:14:01 +0000

A DSR250 just arrived with the dreaded C:31:40 error message. I'll post results as soon as i finish fixing it.
Just so you know, a 250P is a professional cam, not your average-dubious-homemade-movie-handycam type of thingamajig.

Nikky Fade
Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:56:34 +0000

Thanks I just got done cleaning my trv 520 trying to fix the problem but after smacking it on the bottom it worked great.

Jon Kiger
Thu, 21 Feb 2008 10:07:17 +0000

I have a Sony DCR HC42E which was showing the error message C:31:40. I was about to send the camcorder to Sony, thereby agreeing to pay £176 to have it fixed, when all it needed was a good smack! I didn't believe it at first but thought it was worth a go. It didn't work with the tape in but I took the tape out and whacked it on the bottom 5 or 6 times with my hand and now it works again. Brilliant.

Damo
Mon, 03 Mar 2008 20:45:08 +0000

That shit doesn't work. It sure doesn't work for me. The best solution? Stop buying goddamn sony cameras.

someone
Thu, 06 Mar 2008 02:33:26 +0000

IT REALLY WORKS but you have to hit it a bunch of times i almost bought a new camera i wazs so upset when it broke thank u so much for posting it rlly rlly helped

this relly works!!!!
Wed, 12 Mar 2008 04:13:48 +0000

Amen! My Sony TRV280 was ejecting tapes, but couldn't load it back! After reading this post I smacked it few times and it works like a charm! Thanks guys! Now I can sell it on Ebay!!! :)

dovbendov
Sat, 15 Mar 2008 14:22:38 +0000

Man, I smacked it a few times and it works. I had to take it twice to a rapairman, every time it worked for about 3 months. Than it stopped and the bloody error appeared again. Now I am a proud smacker:D hehehe:D I live in POland and I spent about 400zlotys for the rapairs (about 200$) and all I needed was a little smack! The guy replaced 3/4 of the inside, but the solution is so simple:D But I don't think the cam will work forever, so we have to come up with annother solution. I tried to look at the mechanizm that ejects the tape, but You cannot see everything without tearing everything apart. Suggestion - throw Your cammera away and buy annother one (not Sony)

jaca
Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:31:51 +0000

It worked!! Here with my uncle over from the States, he was bullling that all the shops here are closed for the bank holiday, but it works!!!!

Aoife
Tue, 18 Mar 2008 18:32:40 +0000

The C31:40 error drove me crazy for sometime now. I tried everything I could think of. I read few postings on the net about some humidity issues, so I kept the tape door open for hours without any luck and then I came across this listing, but at first I was like, no way this could work. but then I thought to my self, what the heck, what am I going to lose, I was ready to send it to a Sony service center so I smacked the cam with the bottom of my hand for like 15 times and holly cow, it worked!!!!!...
Thank you all for saving me a trip to the service center and save me $$$ ...

lazysoul
Tue, 25 Mar 2008 22:43:33 +0000

I have a DCR-PC103E Sony MiniDV Handycam. It started showing the C:31:40 code just a couple of day into our summer holiday last year. Result: no summer holiday video. It would let me eject the tape but would never take the tape back in properly. So you could not reload the tape as Sony suggests, in order to solve the problem. Likewise, new tapes didn't work, nothing worked. Then, the camera started working again, miraculously. Then it was back to C:31:40. Tape in and out, battery on and off. Cleaned inside. Still failed to work. Several weeks later, picked it up out of the blue and it miraculously worked. Christmas: camera's back on C:31:40 again - no video of kids at Christmas....

I was just about to get a quote from a repair place when I came across your site. Slapping it with the tape still inserted did nothing. Just more C:31:40 messages. However, after slapping it with the tape ejected it worked fine. I am soooooooooo pleased. If only I had known this a year ago!!!! Just five gentle steady slaps on the bottom and it's as good as new again.

Thank you thank you thank you.

Mel
Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:34:27 +0000

Unbelievable
C:31:40 code made me crazy for weeks with my DCR-HC90E.
I tried everything: Batteries out, blow out with dry air, handle everything smoothly.... nothing worked.
After 10 smacks with inserted casette it worked fine!
Thank you very much!!!

P.S.: I had the same issue with an old CD player 15 years ago. Before throwing it away I smacked it 10 times and shaked the whole player like a drink mixer.
After that the player worked fine for 10 more years with no problems.
If I would have had not that experience, I could not believe this. But....

Michael Switzerland
Sun, 20 Apr 2008 12:29:01 +0000

Hi my name is Israel'm Brazilian I'm having a problem in my Cam sony tvr240 The only lower compartment of the tape without the tape and the tape he did not lower! In the display appears the error C 31:40 You can help me or give me someone who can?

Israel Winter
Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:16:58 +0000

I had this error code (c:31:40) for a month, I smacked the camera a few times, but it didn't work immediately, I shook it to see if there was something stuck somewhere, and guess what? the smacking (gently though) got out the little round thing that helps spin the tape, It was stuck somewhere, I got it out and just put it back where it should be. It worked, it really did, but it has to be a very gentle smack so you don't mess up other things. When you smack, turn the camcorder upside down to see if something falls off from it. THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

VICKI
Sun, 04 May 2008 17:07:49 +0000

dcr sc100e, 2 sets of 15 slaps and error 31 42 is gone.
thank you

george lazenbleep
Mon, 05 May 2008 13:45:30 +0000

Just a couple sharp smacks with the tape out and c:31:40 was toast

Mike
Tue, 06 May 2008 01:42:00 +0000

I wacked my sony handycam and it now works!!!!
The head was out of alignment, sony website wanted $200+ to fix it.
I found your website and WACKED IT!! Just two times with a flat hand on the bottom.
You completely SAVED me!

Nancy
Fri, 09 May 2008 14:05:04 +0000

On vacation it stopped working. The tape wouldn't go in..Got home found this. It took a few times on the bottom but IT WORKED. Too bad I didn't see this on vacation. thank you.

thankyou
Fri, 09 May 2008 18:03:45 +0000

Second time I get this problem C:31:40.First time spent around $150 us to get it repaired. I've just come back from Mexico and wanted to see my film. Again the same problem; I'm furious. Went on this site, read the "instructions" slapped it twice behind the battery and twice underneath and .......it works !!!!!!!!
Just cant believe it. Thank you internet !!!!!

chris paris
Tue, 20 May 2008 15:37:39 +0000

smackin the camera then taking out the battery worked great for me

Mikel
Sat, 24 May 2008 01:02:36 +0000

smackin' the underside works. Thanks

Panner
Sat, 24 May 2008 22:02:03 +0000

That's totally messed up! I have a Sony DCR-HC32 with the C:31:40 error. First problem I've had in 3 years. 10 medium whacks on the bottom without the tape in & I'm back in business. Pretty weird.

Dan
Mon, 26 May 2008 04:11:55 +0000

That was very scientific! I made an internet search and the results say that I should smack the device! Worse was yet to come: I smacked it, nothing happened, smacked it again, hey it's working!!! :)))

Hakan
Sat, 07 Jun 2008 08:41:04 +0000

funny.....i did what you guys said....i WHAKCED IT......IT WORKED...THANKS!

ALex
Sat, 28 Jun 2008 03:41:08 +0000

The incredible benefit of the WWW ! I too had an oldish but perfectly servicable SONY DCR-PC5E..until it stopped working at,(Wouldnt you guess), a critical moment when I needed it.... The following day checked on the web, found this site and tried a couple of smacks...with the tape OUT.
IT REALLY WORKS! Thanks to everyone who took time out to record how to do it.

david dore
Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:19:11 +0000

Wow... GOD IS GREAT!!!, I didn't want to do it but my brother convinced me to. I hit it not so hard, not so soft 15 times without the tape and then i put the tape in and it worked!!! i could finally watch some stuff i couln't before. Thank's so much!!! VIVA MARIA.

DexterNica
Tue, 22 Jul 2008 05:50:09 +0000

I have a vx2100, showing the error code c31:40, did a search and came here. I thought it was nuts, but being very frustrated, I hit my camera 4 times and it still didn't work. I hit it a few more times, still not working. I hit it harder and a few more times, getting close to 15 hits, and LIKE MAGIC my camera is working fine!! Thanks

El Roberto
Fri, 25 Jul 2008 23:04:37 +0000

Hello today I was in a panic. This message re insert tape showed up on a couple of my camera's before and I was blessed with another one. Now my new camera is digital and I just got the re insert message again. I really need this footage for a client. After reading this help board I thought you guys were playing about smacking the botton of the camera with a flat hand. I said to myself people need to stop joking because this is serious I need my camara. As silly as it sounded I was in a bind so at this point I would have tried anything. I prayed took the tape out smacked it twenty times with a flat hand and now it's working fine!! Thank all of you!!

Joe'i Chancellor
Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:21:56 +0000

am i the only one then?

if have the DCR-HC22E
we bought it on 06/02/2006 for a long vacation but we never went and only used the cam for less then 30 minutes taping (nothing wrong)
but now more than 2 years later, we want to use him for the second time and now he gives also C:31:40
but the problem with my cam is that the insertsleeve will close without a tape but when i put in a tape he only closes half and then the C:31:40 code appears

i did try slapping soft/hard and at all sides of the cam but nothing works!
i really hope that someone nows the awnser for us
we want to use the cam for on of the greatest moments in our life THE BIRTH OF OUR FIRST CHILD and i hope it will be solved soon because se has to give birth within 2 weeks!!

please someone help us

Maurice Kempers
Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:40:16 +0000

Astonishing :S
Such an old fashion handling of machinery still works ;)
Too bad this error appeared during my holiday and unfortunately this trick didn't occur to me.
So only the first day is on tape......
@home i read this solution.....only 5 seconds later i had a fine nice working piece of machinery which provided me pleasure already for the last 9 years....hope it will continue working for another 9 years :P

Ronald
Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:19:07 +0000

AMAZING,playing with this all day trying to get the tape to go in,started surfing the internet and saw this article,one wack and it is working,I have lots of cameras and always take very good care of them and when traveling pack them like they are fragile as an egg,that is why I could not figure why it was not working,I am so careful,OMG,one wack!!!!

Danny
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 21:27:43 +0000

Don't tell the Vulcans.... despite logic, after a month of not working, the 10 wack method worked on my DCR-HC39E managed to retify the non tape load problem and gone now is the error

gordon
Sat, 30 Aug 2008 17:38:22 +0000

I have a hc96. I have been using it for a helmet cam for MX. I was going to use it this weekend and after I got it set up it started to flash c:31:40. I read this forum, removed the tape, closed the door and gave it 4 solid hits to the bottom of the camera with my palm. I opened the door. It made an unusual noise as the tape carrage came up. I put the tape in and it works fine. Thanks!!!

ernie
Mon, 15 Sep 2008 05:52:36 +0000

You have

any. Problems in Sony camera
pleas contact me

sarath c pillai
Wed, 17 Sep 2008 06:00:16 +0000

Wonderful! I also worked for me... Slap (gently) your cam!

ellolo
Sun, 21 Sep 2008 13:57:29 +0000

so...where did you guys hit the camera? the bottom or the tape deck side? and whats the deal with hot air?

vx2k
Mon, 13 Oct 2008 23:16:40 +0000

I also had the C31:40 error code on my DCR-HC42E. Just before I took it to the shop I found this site. 3 gentle smacks on the bottom and the problem was solved! Life would be interesting if women gave an error code when they had a problem and that you could fix it with some gentle smacks on their bottom :-)

Kris
Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:18:39 +0000

OMG - It just worked !!!
OMG - It just worked !!!
OMG - It just worked !!!
OMG - It just worked !!!
OMG - It just worked !!!
OMG - It just worked !!!
OMG - It just worked !!!
OMG - It just worked !!!
OMG - It just worked !!!
OMG - It just worked !!!
OMG - It just worked !!!
OMG - It just worked !!!
OMG - It just worked !!!
OMG - It just worked !!!
OMG - It just worked !!!
OMG - It just worked !!!
OMG - It just worked !!!
OMG - It just worked !!!

Brian Watson
Sat, 08 Nov 2008 04:29:00 +0000

I had the problem C 31:40 in the DCR-TRV17 and reading this page.. it worked..

Jorge
Sat, 08 Nov 2008 16:55:12 +0000

Yeaaaaa, I hit my camera on the bottom ---- it worked again!!!
DCR-HC39E

iggy
Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:16:01 +0000

It worked on my DCR-PC101 !!!

Spanking is good!

Mrk
Sun, 30 Nov 2008 15:35:17 +0000

DCR HC36
Thank you so much, it works.

Serch
Wed, 31 Dec 2008 04:47:16 +0000

It's unbelievable!!!. It works after some hits. I had a week attempts according to the manual, without result.

ganton0709
Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:29:54 +0000

I had the dreaded C:31:40 and now I'm a smack-a-holic! Let's hear it for Old School!

Mark
Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:57:26 +0000

Tengo una DCR-TRV230, presentaba el error C:31:40, la golpeé apagada en la casetera y el problema desapareció.

Diego
Wed, 14 Jan 2009 02:03:21 +0000

I have the DCR-TRV720 with the C31:40 problem, called Sony they wanted $401.00 to check and repair the camera, what do they think I'm NUTS. I did a search, found a way to relieve stress from my broken camera and that is to do the TECHNICAL SMACK DOWN a few times with my fist, it works great. Nothing like taking matters into your own hands.

John
Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:09:41 +0000

A TRV351 with the same problem. Attached to the carrying case a note: "this camera has been repaired 2 times,
please be careful with this machine". Haha, guess what.
The doctor hit it ONCE, pretty hard. No more beeps and flashing error codes. Next patient please.

I'd better change the note to: "camera repaired 2x by
Sony, and hit 1x by me. More cameras welcome".

Edward
Sun, 15 Feb 2009 15:59:41 +0000

I have had exactly the same problems with my DCR-VX2100E and the 31:40 warning. Well, I just did the whacko thing a few times on the bottom, but it didn't seem to do it. Then I did what the one guy suggested, whacking it from the back where the battery is. Guess what? It works again! I kind of have the feeling that whacking with your hand from battery end is the better method. Good luck to you all! David

David Q
Tue, 17 Feb 2009 17:45:17 +0000

I am a private eye and own 5 DCR-TRV320 Handycams but I could not solve the mystery of the flashing C:31:40 that has plagued two of my units for well over two years. Thanks for the hard love advice! Now both units are back in action!!!

Ben M.
Sat, 21 Feb 2009 10:20:30 +0000

OMGGGGG!!!!!! I cannot believe this at all, we havent use the camcorder for about 2 years now today I was looking on the net and found this absolutely fabolous site and said WHack a Cam jajaja IT REALLY WORKSSSSS!!!!!!! thanks to everyone i will be keep looking!!!!!

Im from PR( Puerto Rico)

beautiful gril
Sat, 21 Feb 2009 21:28:32 +0000

it's stupid, but smacking the part helps. at least i removed the tape before and gave it some moderate hits. thanks for the good hint

goetz von berlichingen
Tue, 10 Mar 2009 12:31:12 +0000

¡Gracias! Lo leí y no lo creí. Como ya no me estaba funcionando, ¿qué más podía perder? Funcionó, así que inténtenlo. ¡Gracias nuevamente!

Lucy
Fri, 17 Apr 2009 22:20:33 +0000

SONY DCR-TRV25 brought in 2003 and was not used for a long while.

Without a tape, the compartment runs fine . But with a tape inserted, it can /barelyfully close the compartment door, but it would not "go down", and at the same time it show C:31:40 code.

Try the smacking and it was NOT working for me. Try the hair-dryer, and it was NOT working either.

As mentioned in an earlier post (great thanks!), I used the "pencil's eraser end" and reached the drum and gently move/push the drun a bit with very very gentle force. And then it worked right after!

Just another possible way to give it a try...

Michael
Mon, 27 Apr 2009 03:11:01 +0000

You slapping fools!!!!

The problem is a rubber tape tension er. Simply eject the tape, look inside where the tape goes. You will see a black rubber cylinder that may have a white plastic tube protruding. If you have long tweezer or a hemostat remove the plastic tube which hold the rubber tensioner in place, then remove the rubber tension cylinder. Clean the shaft of the black rubber tensioner with alcohol on a q-tip. Replace rubber tension cylinder and plastic tube.

Also, the tapes can cause the problem. This process is possible by one person, but you may need another person or have three hands. The C:31:23 is tape tension error. The tape has become stuck. Simply eject the tape. Holding the tape upside down, pull back on the tape cover release slide on the left side of the tape, now take the hemostat and push the tape release tab, located opposite of the tape cover, push this tab down and back toward the back edge of the tape. Now while holding both those release levers, take a pencil and wind the tape past the bad spot or until the tape winds freely.

I did both of these and was able to use the camera again and view all my tapes!

Good luck and QUIT SPANKING YOUR CAMERAS!!!!

redbull
Sun, 17 May 2009 15:59:59 +0000

Have a DCR-TRV310E and had the dreadful 31:40 error. Not only that, but also had the grey stripes across, indicating the head needed cleaning. Five smacks with a palm to the bottom and camera is back in action!! No more messages, no more grey stripes!

Thanks to all for this solution!

Alex
Sat, 30 May 2009 11:34:59 +0000

I have a DCR-TRV330. Initially the tape got stuck in there and doesn't come out. Forgot the error code at the time. Then somehow I got the tape out. After that, I cannot get the tape back in there, there is always an error code C:31:40 when I try to put the tape back. I saw this message thread and did the 5~6 times smack at the bottom when there is not tape in there but battery on, and IT WORKED! It would have costed me $200+. Thanks a lot for everyone's info sharing. And Sony customer service sucks!

Steve
Mon, 08 Jun 2009 05:38:18 +0000

c:31:40 keeps coming up. Smacking the camera on the bottom and sides, works sometimes, but the problem comes back again and again right afterwards. i tried using a hairdryer and gentely moving the

alex
Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:14:11 +0000

Guys, I got the same error meesage,c31:40 I was about to start packing my sony supershot camcorder i purchased in 1998. Something told me to check the error message on the internet, so did, And, it Worked For Me Also. I hit the bottom side of Camcorder gentley few times and, the on the tape cover side also. Thanks for the posting. Good Luck everybody for saving me $216.00

Dinesh A Salian
Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:46:51 +0000

I have a DCR-TRV260 that displays the C:31:23 error. I have smack the camara but istill does not work. I took a look inside by the black rollers (looking at them when the door is torward your ching, then this would make the right side roller)and found that there is a (White) plastic part that is tied to a thin metal strip that looks like is some type of spring tensioning. I am not sure where does this part is secure to or how to roll the spring to the correct tension.

Sergio
Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:26:48 +0000

i have just repaird my HDR-FX1E the tape loader was put new when i got it 6 months ago it was alright i have only used it in 6 months about 3 times now i am getting the error message reinsert tape with a 31-23 message can anyone give me an idea of this can i fix it at home or take it to the dealer again thank for your advise.

manuel martinez
Sat, 27 Jun 2009 07:24:03 +0000

It worked for me as well!!! Tapped it just twice gently and it started working...I was almost in the verge of buying a new one...Thanks

Solomon
Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:52:46 +0000

Sony HVR-Z1, does the same errors as above, C:31:22 I looked into more in depth and mine seems to manage to work every now and then, but I did more tests and realised, the error kicks in every time I hit the fastforward button, not on rewind, and is more promimenant with MiniDv's than DVCAM's. Anyway, I was told by Stanly Productions its the tape carriage needs repalacing. Now I am worried, as I don't think this is the problem. I did smack the Z1 a couple of times and sometimes it worked and some didn't. The last thing you need is for your clients to see you smacking the camera before a shoot.

Baligh
Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:56:50 +0000

Sony DCR-TRV11 10 whacks, works perfect now thanks!

Hammy
Thu, 23 Jul 2009 22:06:33 +0000

Looks like,.....smacking the side still ""WORKS"" for C31:40 error.

Biju C
Thu, 13 Aug 2009 17:29:21 +0000

DCR TRV7E - Took a while and probably more smacks than I thought would have been healthy for the camera but it does seem to have worked ...

Rich
Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:39:43 +0000

thanx, it's working like magic after smacking it 4-5 times with arabian sandals

goodluck guys

OMAR
Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:50:28 +0000

Worked also with my DCR HC39E. Thanks a lot!

Tom
Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:08:06 +0000

SOB!!!! This worked!!!!SONY TRV 350!!!! Thanks for old threads!

Robert
Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:56:27 +0000

I had a similar problem and whacking worked to start with, but then found the rubber pinch roller had moved up the capstan - whatever holding it in place was gone. so I found a piece of electrical insulation that was a snug fit over the inner shaft and pressed it on, holding the pinch roller in place. This has worked for a year, but then C:31:40 came up again so I checked the pinch roller and it had ridden up just enough for the camera to complain about tape alignment again. A gentle push down and it is all good again.

Peter
Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:33:29 +0000

I thought this page was a joke, camera was completely unoperational, 3 hard smacks on the bottom.....works like butter. THANKS!

Caleb
Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:11:11 +0000

PCR-DC55E....I smack it gently few time and it work again, but several time the problem come again and must smack it again and again............I'll try with the hair drier. Wait for the report

Fikki
Thu, 15 Oct 2009 02:04:02 +0000

Con una sony DCR-255E ha funzionato.
Ci sono voluti diversi colpi sul fondo della videocamera chiusa senza cassetta.
Prima davo dei colpi col palmo della mano tenendola con l'altra mano.
gli ultimi 2 li ho dati con la videocamera poggiata sulla scrivania col fondo rivolto verso l'alto e chiuso...apro metto la cassetta e MAGIA !!!
Non vi scoraggiate al primo tentativo...ovviamente no distruggete la videocamera...dei colpi a mano ferma...buona fortuna!!

Francesco
Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:07:21 +0000

Hmm.. started to read the page, couldn't believe it to be that easy. We are talking about not being able to watch the films of the kids from their birth 13 years ago.

Tried it - and IT WORKED!

By the way, I have a Sony DCR-TRV240E

Regards,

Patrik Berglund
Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:59:53 +0000

i have sony VX-2100 still this problem i smack 15 times my camera, but same error C:31:40 pls Help

Blagojce
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:46:00 +0000

Are you fucking serious??!! I smacked it on it's ass 15 times like a little kid and now it works!! DO IT NOW!!! but remember there is a difference between discipline and abuse just tap it medium...

Daniel
Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:47:08 +0000

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