Error Code C:31:23?

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Error Code C:31:23?

Sony_DCR-TRV18 . . . When a DV tape is in the camera, an error message flashes with the code: C:31:23. 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?

S. J.
Tue Jan 25 18:36:12 PST 2005

this prob alwas appear what does it mean C:31:23 and my cam is trv250 ...help please !!!

jackson
Wed Jan 26 13:38:12 PST 2005

Sony is pretty secretive about the :23 code. It can't be found anywhere. However, to service the C:31 code, Sony recommends you do the following:

Turn off the camcorder.
Remove the battery or disconnect the AC power adapter for 60 seconds.
Insert the battery or reconnect the AC adapter.
Turn on the camcorder.
If the error message appears, service may be required.

If your camcorder still shows the same error code, then you'll have to send in your camcorder for service.

Chieh Cheng
Wed Jan 26 17:35:05 PST 2005

I had this error message on my TRV16e. It only happened on one tape (mostly) and there was no way this tape would play. Played Ok in another machine though. I get paranoid now every time I put a tape in waiting for the beep beep noise.

Pete
Sun, 19 Jun 2005 15:13:40 -0700

I don't know what the heck it is but is seems to come up when I don't use it for a while then I try to go immedeatly to the VCR function. Then I can't use it at all. I have never had the code when I pick it up and go directly to record mode??? I dunno. I also have the trc250

Ryan
Wed, 10 Aug 2005 12:40:06 -0700

This may seem silly, but it worked for me. I found this on another discussion forum. Try smacking the side of the camera relatively hard with the palm of your hand. Eject the tape and reinsert. You may need to do this a couple of times. Surprisingly it worked for me..

Debbie
Sat, 13 Aug 2005 11:38:25 -0700

I just turned the camcorder on its side and hit rewind. It seemed to go away.
Maybe the gears are getting worn. BTW I have a Sony TRV 510
Good Luck

Jeff
Sun, 14 Aug 2005 23:23:29 -0700

had this problem for couple of days. i tried cleaning it but still nothing would get this error out, but i tried what Debbie said to do "smacking the side of the camera relatively hard with the palm of your hand" and it worked. thanx Debbie

Frank
Fri, 19 Aug 2005 10:02:46 -0700

I have the same Camcoder DCR-trv250 also. The same error message was given to me and I tried the whole owners manual "fix" which didn't work. It is good to know I am not the only one that has a faulty camcorder! I tried Sony cutomer service and they told me to go get it serviced. I think Sony jacked something up on this model!

Ralbano
Thu, 25 Aug 2005 00:05:42 -0700

so what's up with this code? I'm weary of whacking a $500 camera ala Fonzi. Any new insights on how to fix this?

sony makame angry
Sun, 28 Aug 2005 23:51:43 -0700

I have joined the "club" with a DCR-PC120BT but I'm going to experiment more with different tapes before I start playing whack-a-mole with it.

Jim K
Wed, 7 Sep 2005 18:44:43 -0700

I have joined the smack the camcorder club and agree it works! Before you pay someone else to do this try it yourself.

Carlos J
Sat, 17 Sep 2005 08:42:05 -0700

Yes people. Sony have a habit of not giving any secerts away. NO doubt it's a design fault, which will cost you an arm & a leg to get repaired.

The smacking theory seems to be the thing that works. Some methods seem to follow from generation, to generation.

This old trick used to work with 'ye olde televisions. Seems as if Sony wanna carry this tradition into the year 2000, and beyond!

Good luck all!

ChillatWillN17
Sat, 17 Sep 2005 11:23:45 -0700

i have beat my cam tvr18e to death and it did not work forr me

david attewell
Sun, 18 Sep 2005 13:05:09 -0700

I had the same problem c:31:23... did everything recommended by Sony to no avail. Tried Debbie's suggestion to smack it and it worked. I did think it was more of a mechanical issue rather than the electronics.... too much friction somewhere or a gear stuck. Smacking it a couple of times must have set it loose.

hacker
Thu, 22 Sep 2005 19:25:21 -0700

i was having the same error problem with the sony dcr-trv250. tried cleaning it, etc and nothing...but yeah i did the smack club (i kick my computer a few times a day to quiet it down...noisy fan) so i had no problem whacking my camera and it is working now!!! thanks for the help, everyone!!!

alice owens
Sat, 24 Sep 2005 07:40:05 -0700

Ok.. I am the newest member of the "whack-a-cam" club! I have the TRV-250 and had the same problem. Since it was only 300 bucks and I have used it quite a bit, I bought TRV-280 to replace it figuring that its useful lifespan was over.

But after shutting it off and giving it a few open handed slaps on both sides of the unit it works fine! Go figure. I would not have believe it if I didnt try it!

Jack Scotty
Thu, 29 Sep 2005 10:18:16 -0700

I dont freaking believe it ! I was having the exact same problem with the error code coming on C:31:32 and I took Debby's advice and smacked the side of the cam rather smartly and damned if it didn't work the second I turned it on with no error code. Thanks Debby !

Terry
Fri, 30 Sep 2005 03:16:29 -0700

Smack that camcorder! I have a TRV -608 that gave me a C32:23 error conveniently in the middle of my Hawaiian vacation. Paid $100 bucks to get it fixed when I got home. Fix lasted about 4 months. Beat the tar out of it today and back to working fine. Hopefully long enough to transfer old tapes.

Steve Wade
Sat, 8 Oct 2005 07:17:47 -0700

I smack few time. This problem would not go away. Is there a special way to smack it. BTW I have trv-50. Thanks

Snehal Desai
Tue, 11 Oct 2005 06:15:21 -0700

thanks to everyone on this list, even I tried wacking the camera and it worked !!

amr
Sat, 15 Oct 2005 13:55:14 -0700

Thank You GUYS! I have a sony DCR VX2000 that has not been working for months!!! I had tried taking the battery out for several minutes, ejecting the tape...nothing worked..called Sony...they said send it in...and it would be a $400.00 repair...just found this site...had to smack the camcorder several times and insert the tape several times...IT'S WORKING!!!

susan
Mon, 17 Oct 2005 20:00:58 -0700

WhaCKING IT WORKS.. hit the tape side!!! hahahahahahhahaha this is so funny!!

Tommy
Tue, 18 Oct 2005 16:08:02 -0700

I just watched my son hit the side of his camera and it worked LOL. It was hilarious

Liz
Thu, 20 Oct 2005 19:37:38 -0700

I have the Sony DCR TRVII and I thought it deserved a good smack after the VRC mode gave me that C31:23 error message. My problem was a tape-maybe it was too old or had been used too many times. Anyway, I didn't have to whack it, but switching tapes worked!

Carol Wilson-Duffy
Fri, 21 Oct 2005 05:47:47 -0700

Holy Cow !! I can't believe it actually worked.
My 4 year old Sony TRV-17 started showing this C:31:23 error after I had transferred several tapes to the Computer in order to clear them up for an upcoming trip (I live in a real dry place).
Thanks to Debbie for the "fix". I smacked it a few times like it was an electronic thing and it did not work. Then I hit it like I wanted to break it in frustration and wow it worked after that. Eager to see how long this fix remains. Ofcourse I will now go smack-happy on this thing if it misbehaves.

S P
Fri, 21 Oct 2005 13:55:47 -0700

AMAZING! i whacked my trv245e after reading this thread. it works great again. thank you debbie!

pig
Sun, 23 Oct 2005 09:33:55 -0700

Very satisfying debbie, that worked. Now to work on grey lines across the tape.

Muz
Mon, 24 Oct 2005 18:31:44 -0700

Thank you very much Debbie. TRV520 digital 8. Whack-the-cam club. Its working again. Thank you!

Brad
Thu, 27 Oct 2005 19:36:21 -0700

Wow. Add me to the "whack it" club. Took a couple of tries, but it does work now. Who needs an instruction manual? Just Google the error code!

Shannon
Sat, 29 Oct 2005 16:55:25 -0700

Gracias Debbie, mi c�mara Sony PC5 del a�o 1998 ya me ha dado el error otros a�os...y la llev� a arreglar, 180� cada vez.
Hoy, le he dado unos buenos golpes...y funciona.

Cecilia
Sun, 30 Oct 2005 13:14:16 -0800

My TRV16E is still under warranty. It has just come back with this fault supposedly fixed, but the C:31:23 is still there. I even bought new tapes thinking the old ones were worn, but the fault appears on them all. Haven't tried whacking it yet.

Graham Livey
Wed, 2 Nov 2005 04:23:06 -0800

TRIED A SONY BRAND TAPE AND THE PROBLEM IS GONE.

BOB
Thu, 3 Nov 2005 12:58:37 -0800

Wow... I was having the flashing C:31:23 code as well. Slapped that puppy and yup it works. Debbi you're a god send. I use this approach with musical devices for yr.s
If it costs more than 500.00 hit it...
Damned if it's not the same with cameras...lol

mike sato
Mon, 7 Nov 2005 10:16:38 -0800

Well, I don't know where all you guys are from, but the slap abuse method works on Tasmanian TRV250's as well, thanks Deb.

Michael G
Thu, 10 Nov 2005 22:41:15 -0800

Sony DV-110 (I think). Encountered the error using JVC tapes, replaced the tape with another one and cracked the side of the camera - works fine (touch wood).

Joel Rowbottom
Sat, 12 Nov 2005 01:41:52 -0800

Gracias Debbie you're great!!!
No manches, solo unos cuantos golpecito con la palma de la mano y ahi esta! funcionando de nuevo

thanks debbie.

gerardo from Monterrey, Mexico

gerardo CHAVEZ
Wed, 16 Nov 2005 15:56:07 -0800

Hi!

I had this problem too, and the solution was smaking. So the rudeness helped! Funny.

Garborg
Thu, 17 Nov 2005 03:57:03 -0800

Me too. I have the DCR-PC101. Smacked it and its working for now. With this big of an issue I'm suprised there isn't a class action law suit against Sony. I'll be calling a couple lawyer friends of mine.

Chris Chandler
Sat, 19 Nov 2005 02:30:29 -0800

i have the dcr-trv250 and also got the c:31:23 error, tried the whack method and it works now. thanks for the advice

scott m.
Sat, 19 Nov 2005 07:51:09 -0800

ok guys.... i found something interessting for the code FREAKS.

According to the manual, the error code C:31:xx:xx means an error that
>the owner can fix by himself has occured and that by taking out the
>cassette and replacing it or by disconnecting the battery pack and
>fixing it back should solve the problem.

Error "23" means: "S reel emergency during normal rotation",
i.e. the problem is with the tape deck mechanism and specifically
the supply reel.

Greetz

Psycho
Sat, 19 Nov 2005 18:18:15 -0800

AFTER I missed filming my daughters college pageant because of this C:31:23 thing....I read the comments on this site...I hit my camcorder several times and Lo and behold it works! Wish I would have known this trick sooner. Only problem I have now (and have had for awhile) is it makes an awful noise when it is on.
Thanks!!

Terri
Tue, 22 Nov 2005 07:58:35 -0800

It seems to me that the whacking the unit on the tape side unsticks a faulty mechanism. I have been trying for a long time to fix my dcr-trv240 with the same error code and have not been able to solve the problem. The unit has so few miles on it that I tend to believe that this is a common Sony fault. I use only Sony tapes and have not recorded much since purchasing the unit some 3 years ago. I have been handling this so gently, but I will now have to give it a whack and report back with the results. Thanks for the tip!!! Wish me luck.

qpease
Tue, 22 Nov 2005 08:08:41 -0800

it worked!! thanks a lot. you saved me.

daniel h
Tue, 22 Nov 2005 15:21:09 -0800

Have a TVR 230 with 31:22 error message. the whacking trick worked for me. Thank.

Cheryl K
Fri, 25 Nov 2005 15:03:00 -0800

TRV-350, second camera in two weeks to give me this error code. Tried the wacking method, it works!!

Matt
Fri, 25 Nov 2005 20:35:14 -0800

holy crap,
the slap worked! But for how long?

bonne
Mon, 28 Nov 2005 09:46:05 -0800

Blimey Charlie, sister in law and I having same problem with similar model camera, read the give it a whack hint, blow me down, both cameras now working! Well done Debbie, you should be charging for service fees lol

Tracey
Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:19:25 -0800

The same C:31:22 error message appeared on my Sony Handycam TRV460 after about a year of owning it. Tried varies different things, but nothing worked. I decided to browse the web today in hopes for a solution. I tried Debbie's "Slap Method" and was amazed that it actually worked!!! I can't tell you how greatful I am. Thanks Debbie!

Lisa
Sat, 3 Dec 2005 00:29:04 -0800

Gotta love Sony. Wasted hours, nearly bought a new battery for $99, and missed some good filming opportunities. Tried swapping tapes, sometimes worked, but not always.

Now it all makes sense. Whack it !

Thank you !

Brian
Sun, 4 Dec 2005 10:31:38 -0800

My Sony DCR-TRV480 appears slap happy after several good smacks it's working once again.

--Rob

Robert Trudell
Sun, 4 Dec 2005 20:24:40 -0800

anonymous
Tue, 6 Dec 2005 16:29:27 -0800

I too have the flashing 31:23 error and have contacted sony to no avail.Having been in the electronics service business for 35+ years I was looking for a particular fault, found none.Looking back to my early years in TV broadcasting I remembered hitting the RCA logo on the front of our monitors would correct minor problems, so I guess it still works

Don Plambeck
Tue, 6 Dec 2005 16:39:40 -0800

I tried the smacking theory in my Sony trv-740 but doesn�t work. I tried for several times but nothing happens. Does anyone knows another truck?

Edgardo
Wed, 7 Dec 2005 19:22:44 -0800

Same problem with my TRV250, returned to the sailor, "repaired" in 3 weeks, but still have the C31:23 error.
i returned the camera and witing for result !!
Thanks "SONY" !!!

Hafid
Thu, 8 Dec 2005 07:50:53 -0800

Someone said if it doesn't work after smacking it, you're not hitting it hard enough.

JV
Thu, 8 Dec 2005 08:44:45 -0800

Who says violence and technology don't mix! I was skeptic, but desperate times lead to desperate measures. I smacked the camara with the palm of my hand and to my surprise it worked!! Thanks.

Ian D Bravo
Thu, 8 Dec 2005 20:53:58 -0800

Went out during a crucial time and luckily I was still visibly upset when I read Debbie's fix. I am happy to say that I have now joined the smack the camcorder club and my camera is working fine now. Thanks Debbie

Eddie Perez
Mon, 12 Dec 2005 08:03:36 -0800

I whacked a TRV330 today and it worked. Debbie rocks!

Scott
Tue, 13 Dec 2005 07:59:32 -0800

I have a Sony DCR-TRV350 and I had gotten the C:31:23 error. After trying sony customer no service and being told it was going to cost 269 bucks for them to LOOK at it... I tried Debbie's trick and whacked the camera smartly on the side a couple of times and it works fine now. I can't believe that worked.LOL

Meredith
Tue, 13 Dec 2005 18:23:04 -0800

I have a Sony TRV82 camcorder. It's had good care and light use. When the code 31:23 popped up I Googled it and found I wasn't the only one. I only used Sony tape, so it's not a tape issue. I banged on it several times, to no avail. I'm buying a new camcorder tomorrow, and it will NOT be a Sony!

Steve Hudson
Tue, 13 Dec 2005 18:40:38 -0800

I had a Sony Camcorder around 2001. And that message C31:23 kept coming up. The ba%^&rd was doing it for my uni graduation, and I was going to go to Australia the following year so I was annoyed.

Eventually (believe me after very very hard complaining to the service manager...who at one point said it's "probably because you had taken the camcorder outside and used it"!!!!!!) I got it replaced (TVR 120e). Now this flamin' thing is doing exactly the same...! so i've just been on this forum and tried the kiss kiss bang bang technique.... and after 5mins of banging and poking my fingers in the tape chamber, I can play the tapes, with no noise or flashing...!! whether it will stay like this is doubtful. But doubtful and sometimes working, is better than not working at all.

I have a gig in London tomorrow, so the little critter better not pack in!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I WILL NOT BE BUYING A SONY CAMCORDER EVER AGAIN

Andy Kirk
Thu, 15 Dec 2005 07:07:08 -0800

Sony DCR-HC42, C 31:42 error. Hit several times on tape side, progressively harder until it worked.!!

Thanks for the info.

Jim S.
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 09:21:19 -0800

Yesterday my Sony DCR TRV147E, has the some C:31:23 alarm code and I can't reset it...I use the Debbi's advise and is OK. Many Thanks Debbi.

Kiki
Sat, 17 Dec 2005 01:38:24 -0800

20 December 2005, removed the film, slapped the camera pretty hard, enough for me to hold my breath awaiting the results. IT WORKED! code 31:23 on a 5 year old Sony DCR-TRV520. Thanks! Hope it lasts thru the holidays.

Dave Daniels
Tue, 20 Dec 2005 08:42:38 -0800

Oh Thanks the lord...I'd hid my Sony DCR-PC101E away for over a year as it came up with this error whilst I was playing back a tape of me and an ex(need I say more) and the tape got stuck I couldn't open it or do anything as there was no way I was going to take it in for a service with that in there. It only took a few gentle taps and hey presto I have my camcorder back...an my balls haven't been cut off Thank you!!

Mike
Wed, 21 Dec 2005 15:27:58 -0800

Anyone have this problem with a TRV-27? And did the ol' slap work? HMMM...

Alex
Wed, 21 Dec 2005 16:18:37 -0800

wow thanks, bought this for my mum and dad to video the grandchildren, so glad it will work for christmas. BIG THANKS MY MUM AND DAD LOVED WHACKING IT!!!!

hazel
Thu, 22 Dec 2005 12:38:59 -0800

The message actually means there is a problem with the reels this may be a tape is stuck, or they are out of balance, for my Sony Handycam it meant that the tape had got stuck, took the tape out, manually rolled it back into the hi8 tape and it worked. SMACKED it just for the hell of it as it deserved it. Did it again a few days later and I smacked it and it worked. Who said smacking was no good !

Dave
Sat, 24 Dec 2005 03:32:26 -0800

I am now a member of the smack-a-cam club. I had the 31:28 message, read all of the messages on the web site, hit the crab out of my camera about 7 times, put the tape in and away we go, its working. SONY any comments??

dave
Sat, 24 Dec 2005 18:15:02 -0800

OMG! I can't believe it. I tried doing the taking out the battery and power cord for 60 seconds "fix" and still got the C31:23 error. I have a TRV250 from Sony. Well, after reading all of the posts, I went ahead and tried it and I am the newest member of the whack-a-sony club! LOL. A couple of smacks, then removed the tape, then put it back in and closed the cover and whatever it was is now gone. So, when did we start to have to smack things on the side again to make them work? I thought that went out with the old TVs?

Tony
Sat, 24 Dec 2005 23:44:03 -0800

Well, It is xmas morning 2005 and my camera finally died...SO I THOUGHT! I good whack and I was up and running. HOWEVER, I take this as a sign to get a new $300 mini dv camera. This has served me well for the last 5 years. however, I thought it would last a BIT longer. Bye bye Sony... I guess I gotta get my old tape coverted to DVD quick before this whack a camera trick stops working :)

John
Sun, 25 Dec 2005 06:52:16 -0800

Whacked it 5 times and it just worked!! Thanks!!!

Tried Smacking It
Sun, 25 Dec 2005 15:50:26 -0800

OK add another whacker. At 4:35 in the AM figured why not so I gave the puppy a smack and whatta ya know. Thanks!

DGRIFF20
Mon, 26 Dec 2005 03:04:30 -0800

Murphy's Law of Force: If it doesn't work, get another hammer. Bought my TRV250 in Beirut last year, had moderate use over there, one or two times the error came up, but cleared itself usually. Returned to Oz in Dec, and it jammed on all tapes, even new Sony ones. Debbie's whack-a-cam (she should trademark it!) fixed it, after a few whack/test repetitions. From the number of posts here, it's got to be a design fault! Thanks Debbie

Haggis
Mon, 26 Dec 2005 05:47:44 -0800

OMG!!!!! iT WORKED... IT WORKED THEN EVERYNOW AND THEN I NEED TO SMACK IT AGAIN. ITS MEESED UP THAT IM BITCH SLAPPING MY CAMCORDER BUT HEY WHATEVER DOES THE TRICK....I HAVE A SONY CCDTRV36

NATE
Mon, 26 Dec 2005 15:26:39 -0800

I am the newest member of the Sony Whack-a-Cam club. I have owned this camera for about five years and have always chalked that error code up a bad tape or something. I haven't been able to use the camera now for about 3 months and I was just about to take advantage of the after Christmas sales when I read this post. I just saved a lot of money and I get to take out a little frustration in the process. I would like to try to make a game out of this. Kind of like Whack a mole. by the way, I have a TRV-18.

Mo Grimm
Mon, 26 Dec 2005 17:37:41 -0800

TR517 here. I have been beating my handicam for years before I found this site. I wonder if Sony is aware there are so many people with the same problem / fix?
I also have a camera that ejects tapes for no reason, sometimes repeatedly, for quite a while. I just have to give up, and try again later. Any fixes to this?

Jason
Tue, 27 Dec 2005 00:16:17 -0800

Follow up on the error 31:23 well the slap to the DCR-TRV350. The slap worked but only for a short time. I found out what was causing this problem. If you will open you cam with tape removed you will see a roller on the righthand side toward the lens it is a wide roller with black rubber on it. Inside this roller you will find a small white plastic tube that inserts to hold the roller steady. Mine was cracked. I took a tube from a compressed air can and cut it to the correct size and replaced the broken plastic one. It works now and does not require slapping. You do not have to dismantel the unit to get to this you can do this from the ejection port. Good luck. Mine does have a hum to it that it did not have before but I believe that is from worn heads and is not related to this issue the hum was present before. Hope this is helpful. I still use this thing but I got a new Cannon ZR200 now hopefully it won't need a good smaking.

Meredith
Tue, 27 Dec 2005 21:25:58 -0800

I agree to Meredith.I follow the method of smacking,after that I heard some small sound in my cam.Then I open the door and a small white tube go outside. I put it into the the black rubber roller,then it work! But the white tube is loose and I always check whether it lost! Good luck!

Dave Chow
Thu, 29 Dec 2005 00:05:33 -0800

I don't believe it..smacking it worked! LOL. I took this my Sony Digital Cam with me to Amman, Jordan, hoping to film my voyages there...only to get slammed with this stupid error code in London.

I wish I had known then what I know now. Thanks ALOT debb, you've breathed new life into what had become a very expensive webcam.

Thanks Again!

Suleiman
Thu, 29 Dec 2005 05:44:53 -0800

I had the same problem, and it seems like the cassete sensors had dust in it. I wiped all the sensors, and the problem cleared.

Anil
Thu, 29 Dec 2005 09:28:10 -0800

Hi every one, I had the same problem with my fu*** camera I've had two sony cameras & it's always the same, what I did was what debbie said "just hit it" I couldn't believe it but it works, what I used to do was just take it in its box & wait for the problem gets solved by itself, I know sounds stupid but it works too. bye greetings from M�xico

Albert
Sun, 1 Jan 2006 16:53:42 -0800

Unbelievable! I didn't think it would really work... but it DID!

I had this problem with my Digital8 TRV230 while it was still under warranty. It was free to fix then, but took a week. When I had the same problem again now (out of warranty) I was worried about the cost of fixing it. Wow! Thanks for the tip!

Jeff L..
Mon, 2 Jan 2006 20:59:28 -0800

I just had this error come up on my TRV318. Did a google search and found this thread. Thanks for saving my time! One smack worked great. It may be with all Sony products. My friend just bought a sony dvd player. It would not get off LOADING... he smacked it and it worked too.

Happy Wacker
Wed, 4 Jan 2006 09:02:02 -0800

I seriously thought this was absolutely ridiculous, but I swear to god, my camera had this error message (31:23)for the last week, could not use it and before bringing it in, I tried the unthinkable: smacked it on the side and it works just fine. Incredible. Thanks guys, I was missing filming some major baby's first steps moments and you guys made it work!!! THANK YOU!

Violaine
Sun, 8 Jan 2006 16:29:11 -0800

I have the SONY DCR-PC101E and I have always been very happy with it. Until today that is... After about six months of not being used, it decided to display the beloved 31:23 message. No tape would work. I tried most everything and I was really happy to find this page because after a few good slaps it started working again. Thank you for this page and sign me up if anyone wants to put the squeeze on SONY.

Michael Bjorklund
Tue, 10 Jan 2006 08:48:06 -0800

Have been having the same code C31.22 come up. Thought I was in for a rip off service fee. Took the advice to slap it.
Shes running real SWEET..
Cheers.

jeremy
Thu, 12 Jan 2006 04:23:48 -0800

i know there are a million comments here
but i smacked the side of mine after getting the C:31:23 error and it worked.
heck yeah!
i have a DCR-PC101 mini DV cam from like 2001

ryanne
Fri, 13 Jan 2006 09:31:26 -0800

I TOOK CASSETTE OUT LEAVE THE CASE OPEN AND SMACK 3 TIMES. I REALIZE THAT SOME GEARS WORKING WHILE I SMACK. WHEN YOU HIT CHEST HEART BEGINS BITING SOMETING LIKE THAT. NOW ITS OK.

AHMET
Sat, 14 Jan 2006 00:40:47 -0800

proud new member of "whack a Cam" club. I have a sony dcr-trv250 for about 2 years and it started acting up. Tape didnt come out and get the same error code with that irritating beep sound. Whacked it good a couple of times and it works! Haha! Thnx sony, I always wanted to wack the heck out of a 300 dollar camera.

Ed
Sat, 14 Jan 2006 23:37:50 -0800

I have a Sony TRV-340. Camera functions normally UNTIL you put a tape in. I had the code C:31:23. I tried to look at it see anything wrong, not sure. The big round circle thing that spins when a tape is put in looks like it may have a couple red marks, but I don't know if that effected it. When I put a tape in, you can hear it START UP, but then after five seconds or so it dies down. I tried to smack it a little, but not to full extent, I don't know how hard to do it. Do you do it really hard? Also, do you do it with the tape ejecter open? Please help, thanks to anyone who can offer assistance. Also, besides the C:31:23 code, every once in a while it says C:31:22.

camera guy
Mon, 16 Jan 2006 15:18:26 -0800

Another convert! I have the Sony TRV480 and began getting the reinsert cassette message. Couldn't figure out what was wrong with it. Googled the error message and found this site. Was just about ready to send it in to Sony to fix it. SLAPPED the thing several times and she is working fine now. Thanks for the fix!!!

Scott
Tue, 17 Jan 2006 09:26:33 -0800

My wife was panicking, her sister is going in to have her baby and we're the designated videographers. DCR-TRV330 was giving C:31:41 and Sony's advice was completely worthless. Thanks Debbie. A couple of good whacks and we're up and running!

Tony
Tue, 17 Jan 2006 09:31:16 -0800

i have the DCR-TRV350...i'm gonna wake the **** out of it untill it gets rid of the C31:23 crap!

bingkewl
Thu, 19 Jan 2006 12:00:06 -0800

ok...the ppl who build these camera most b a bunch of fags..

hit the cam, fun, but didn't work. Removed the power cord...Worked. put the power cord back in and a NEW message came up. "C31:40"

*plugs power cable back in*

well what do u know, it works again...thanks to the faggots at sony i have another piece of crap that works only when it feels like it.

thanks 4 the ideas!

bingkewl
Thu, 19 Jan 2006 12:11:49 -0800

Hi... I've had the same error c:31:23.. I have a trv340e and i tried the smacking thing and it WORKED!! actually i think it was because my camera was kept in cold temprature.. i've warmed the the cam too and honestly i don't know wht made it woek the warming or the smacking... Thanx Anyway

Zaid Amman, Jordan
Fri, 20 Jan 2006 11:02:29 -0800

ok, i train people on technology and i thought ..well what the hell...i'll try it. a light tap at first , then more of a smack , then an all out WHACK. and although i would never normally advise this , IT WORKED !

thanks for saving me $$$$$$

chuck
Sat, 21 Jan 2006 08:15:11 -0800

I've got a TRV 250 that gave me the error right when I needed it most....Thought it was condensation at first, tried it today, and did same thing..Brand New sony tape, too.

Gave it the spanking, and it works fine now! Thanks Deb!

John
Sat, 21 Jan 2006 15:18:12 -0800

I have analyzed my TRV-350 and it appears that a gear locking mechanism that prevents tape slack is the source of the problem. This mechanism gets stuck after inserting a tape and smacking the camera unlocks the gears. Debbie's method definitely works! Just be careful to smack it with your open palm to distribute the impact of the blow and avoid damaging the camcorder. Thanks Debbie!

Manuel
Sun, 22 Jan 2006 18:32:49 -0800

We have been tearing our hair out with the C:31:42 error message on our Sony Digital 8 camera -- trying to get the camera to work ever since Christmas so we can test out our new DVD recorder. I was just about to take it to Best Buy and PAY to have them fix it -- then I found this website, hit the camera and IT WORKED!!! Amazing -- thank you!! Can't wait until my husband tells this to his co-workers at SONY!!!!!

Mary
Sat, 28 Jan 2006 16:59:36 -0800

Wow, I can't believe this worked. We've been trying to find an answer to this issue for months. We hated the idea of spending money to have it fixed knowing how expensive it was. WOW, THANKS!!!!!! From one Debbie (and Ed) to another!

Ed and Debbie
Sat, 28 Jan 2006 18:52:35 -0800

Oh My god!
Beating it worked!! First try!
Un-Freaking-believable!
I had that thing taken apart and put back together.....I found this thread on camerahacker...and POW I beat that damn thing into working.
This type of fix works so well for a type A personality.

Arthur Fonzarelli
Sun, 29 Jan 2006 11:32:25 -0800

I've had the same problem with a Sony DCR-PC101E videocamera, with a the C31:22 flashing and beeping error message, the last month. Having read all the previous messages on this page, I tried (what I also would never normally do) just moving the two reels that wind the tape - just around 90� or less, with a thin blunt point (e.g. the plastic point of a Bic pen top, which just gets to the reels - and the camera works straight away. If you find this works, it may be the answer to so much productive violence, but if this method fails, I may have to resort to it like most of you.

Didac from Catalunya
Tue, 31 Jan 2006 04:59:33 -0800

Whoa!! Can't believe the testimonials. So happy to stumble upon this site. It gives me hope for my barely used dcr-trv520. i am going to buy a minidv or dvd recorder, but need cam to work before i convert film to dvd. So, after a few drinks when i get home, it'll be time to open up a can of whoop-as$ on my Sony. Wish me luck.

Jeremy in San Diego
Tue, 31 Jan 2006 15:02:22 -0800

I had the C 31:22 problem with my TRV 330 in the middle of taping. I had around 2 minutes on my panasonic tape and it stopped taping and the error appeared. I tried taking off the battery that didn't work. I tried switching to another tape, maxell brand, and then it worked without further problems. Thankfully. Next time I'll try whacking it if it gives me to much of a problem.

Aleta
Thu, 2 Feb 2006 17:14:25 -0800

My God! you're a genius Debbie!! I'm from Per�, and I tried smack, and It really works. Thanks!

Justo-Peru
Fri, 3 Feb 2006 16:13:13 -0800

I have a Sony DCR-TRV 620 and on the first day of my australia/NZ vacation I got the error code C:31:40. I was (too?) carefully hitting the instrument, but nothing has changed.
Does anybody know what is broken when the C:31:40 code appears and how it can be overcome without sending it to Sony?
1000 thanks for a fast advice!

Holger
Sun, 5 Feb 2006 04:28:40 -0800

This same C:31:22 error occurs with my Sony PC10E Handycam, but only with one of my selection of tapes.
Couldn't believe what I read on this website ..... "wacking???". ok .... so I applied this proven solution, 'I wacked it'. Stil no luck. Hey guys, just how hard do you need to wack this? I woz contemplating asking my cousin who has a black belt in Karate to wack it, but I'm prepared to wait for a forum-reply first.
Cheers!
Michael in Hong Kong.

Michael
Sun, 5 Feb 2006 07:29:39 -0800

Hi from france !
but i wonder how can i smack it ? on the front of the screen ? under the cam or on the other side ?
Thanks

Zakoos
Mon, 6 Feb 2006 11:46:02 -0800

re just i have smacked a little bit but the only thing is that . Listen !

Attached File: VOC001.WAV

Zakoos from france
Mon, 6 Feb 2006 12:41:22 -0800

Smacking the unit delayed the error untill the tape was moving, but fast forwarding and then search rewinding for a min has stopped the error for now.
"Who says violence and technology don't mix?!" Not me Ian D Bravo.

exlex from atomic
Tue, 7 Feb 2006 23:42:36 -0800

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT I HAVEN'T USED MY CAMERA IN OVER 2 YEARS CAUSE OF THIS ERROR I LOOKED ONLINE FOR 20 MIN AND BEAT THE HELL OUT OF THE TAPE SIDE OF THE CAMERA AND VAVOOM IT WORKS!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

Matt Maxwell
Sat, 11 Feb 2006 13:54:02 -0800

I was JUST about to give up on my 5 year old Sony DCR TRV-11. Worked fine up until just before Christmas, of course. Then I started getting the dreaded C31:23 and all sorts of wacky things with the tape loading not working, etc. Just did the prescribed mild wacking on the tape side of the camera and the dang thing now WORKS FINE! I have a big trip planned in April. I intend to use the camera heavily before then to see how long this no tech fix works. Makes no sense, but I'll take it!

Ed From Carlsbad California
Sat, 11 Feb 2006 19:00:19 -0800

Lets hope more people google this error code! 31:23 on a TRV265 Digital8, couldnt get it to work after lots of power cycles etc but the smack on the side worked. Hopefully Sony will be out of business soon anyway. My next camcorder is a Panasonic.

Darren
Tue, 14 Feb 2006 11:08:06 -0800

I bought a Sony DCR-TRV950 and got the C31-23 error the first time I used it! When I called Sony they said the heads were dirty and to buy a cleaning tape! I asked them how the heads could be dirty on a brand new unit? No answer! I switched tapes; it worked for a little while, but now we're back to the same thing. I haven't used this thing five times yet! I used to buy Sony products, but after this and some very bad experiences with the Sony Mavica cameras, I'll going with someone else the next time! No more Sony for me. (By the way, I'm getting ready to whack!)

Jack
Thu, 16 Feb 2006 07:16:36 -0800

If you smack and it doesn't work, smack harder. It will!
Thanks a million Debbie.

Marcus
Sun, 19 Feb 2006 15:35:41 -0800

this is hilarious. i have not used this camera in so long because of this C:31 business. so then out of the blue i google the error code, tried the battery thing to no avail, then took debbie's advice and SMACKED THAT BAD BOY LIKE IT OWED ME 75 BUCKS. my camara works just fine now. i sent a link of this site to a dear friend who works at Sony, she's gonna dig this. HI SIS!

rb
Mon, 20 Feb 2006 00:36:35 -0800

The smack trick does NOT work for me! I smacked my TRV27 as hard as I can, but the C31:23 error still came out - actually somewhere in the middle it was C31:11 and C31:40 -- I read this thread again. Since some one said "if it doesn't work, smack harder", so I smack it with a magazine. I smack it like it owns me a million $ -- and finally, it BROKE! The tape compartment cannot retract automatically any more...

Any idea how to get it work again? smack it with a bat? :(

Mac
Mon, 20 Feb 2006 20:20:22 -0800

Debbie I love you! And you other guys -to a lesser extent. My TRV245E gave this error message after I accidentally moved the cassette compartment opening slider thingy while the tape was running. In my opinion there is a serious design flaw here.

I took it to Sony who wanted �200 just to look at it. I bought a new (but slightly inferior) camcorder for �180 and stashed the faulty one for a rainy day, when I could dismantle it and hope to find it was just a sticky mechanism.

Today - a year on - was that rainy day. But I decided to look on the net first, just in case someone else had had a similar problem - of course I thought because Sony said they didn't know what the error was, that it must be highly unusual. Then I find this site!

Thinking that smacking it hard would at least give me a better reason to be charged �200 I got stuck in. Smacked it from all angles. Worked for a minute then stopped so I smacked it harder. Ooops too hard - now the tape is stuck inside, won't relase :s

Took the strap off to allow the cover to move more freely, took the battery out, tried again to open it - no joy - put battery back, switched on and off and hey presto, the tape comes out! And so far all seems to be working ok!

I tried many different tapes, and came to the conclusion it was not them at fault. My theory is that the compartment doesn't always open fully because of the strap, and this might put some strain on some of the moving parts when replacing tapes. Sorry for lack of technical lingo. Newer Sony camcorders have a more decisive opening action - a more pronounced click when the flap is fully open. Time will tell if they wear out though.

I'm sure there's a knack to the smacking, and hopefully this will become evident in time! All I know is that from now on, I will take more time and great care when replacing tapes.

I think everyone here should send this thread to Sony and demand an explanation - surely they must know exactly what the problem is? How about an extended warranty too? Personally I like Sony products, but now I sure don't like the people who run the company!

Anyone want to help me campaign for action, feel free to email me. Thanks again for sharing knowledge. What would we do without the internet?!

Happy camming peeps :)

Steve
Fri, 24 Feb 2006 16:25:58 -0800

OMG the smacking theory works.. freakin camera i paid like 200$ to get it fixed and i wacked it on both sides like 6 times and now it works omg omg.. thanks guys

Marz
Fri, 24 Feb 2006 22:43:34 -0800

The whacking trick really works!

This code error has prevented me taping for a week or two now. I was contemplating sending it in for servicing, but decided to first check out whether anyone on the net had experienced the code/error.

But whacking is not an accurate fix. In other machines using gears etc, I find the problems are usually dust in sensors, and grease migrating to where it's not meant to be. A proper clean of these things should work.

Mark
Sat, 25 Feb 2006 02:46:33 -0800

This is absolutely frigging crazy....i have the 250 that i paid $400 for some years ago.....It decides to stop working in the middle of taping....I received the error message.....frantically looked for the manual...could not find it....called sony as many of you have done.....same responses as yall got...

in a nut shell...im a whacker.......thanks deb.....

miss bunche
Sat, 25 Feb 2006 15:33:25 -0800

HI, I have a sony DCR-PC5E and I got 31:22 flashing. Hitting the camera worket for me too! Thanx:)

Steffen
Sun, 26 Feb 2006 03:41:44 -0800

Another convert, error C31:30, TRV320, Good few open handed knocks while rotating it and hey presto. wouldn't have believed it. Thanks.

Greg
Tue, 28 Feb 2006 03:34:31 -0800

i have had the error code c:31:22 for ages now, and i did whack it on the tape side...it worked, however it only works for a little while after smacking it, then starts flashing the error code again. Is there a more perminant solution?

i'm 15, i cant afford a new camcorda or to get it repaired. please help!

Ben
Tue, 28 Feb 2006 03:46:51 -0800

I own the Sony DCR-TRV18. I have had 31:23 problem with 1 specific tape, so I thought the problem was with the tape. Last night after reading the comments on this site, I adopted the wacking method. One guess on what the result was. 1 working tape which contains footage from my 1st child's birth and first moments in life. Now I hope Sony can realise why sometimes it's not as simple as "throw the tape away and get another" - This is the advice I got from Sony.

Actually, here's some advice I received form a sales rep recently when shopping for a Digital Still camera. "Stay away from Sony - They make plastic crap".
So I bought a Panasonic.
Maybe Sony will realise that expensive marketing campaigns will not always sell cameras. Customer Servive an Satisfactions will....

Huss
Tue, 28 Feb 2006 16:43:25 -0800

OOOOOHHHH MYYYYY GOSSHHHHH! Praise the lord because I own the sony trv 250 and it was flashing C:31:23 after I hadn't used it for a while. I looked on the internet to find out what the heck it meant and came to this site. At first I was like wtf I am not going to whack my beautiful camera but as I read on I found that it was either "hit it hard or pay large" I told my dad and he blabbed "it's because you don't treat your camera well" ppffff yeah right. I turned it off gave it a few smacks and it worked again. As for sony..................YOU GO TO HELL, YOU GO TO HELL AND YOU DIE!!!!!! THANK YOU DEBBY YOU ROCK!!

jake
Wed, 1 Mar 2006 18:28:49 -0800

THIS IS FRIGGIN HILARIOUS!!!!!! Dead for a year and now...3 Whacks and 2 droppings on its bottom from shin level...it works like new!!!! Just in time for me to do a big project with no money to fix my camera! I will surely be whacking other electronics soon...everything I own is broken! WHACK AWAY...IT REALLY DOES WORK!!!! Thankx!!!!!!!!

Bonn Bonn
Wed, 1 Mar 2006 21:35:54 -0800

Thank you our fine consumers for your input on this site. We have decided to include the unpatented "whack-a-cam" method in our documentation for entire camcorder product line. Henceforth all of our service technicians will be trained in this procedure as well. Thank you again.

Regards,
Bob Sony, VP Camera Whacking Service Division

SONY CORPORATION
Fri, 3 Mar 2006 07:00:13 -0800

Thanks Bob, so how much will you be charging to whack my cam? I'll whack anybody's cam for a tenner (thats �10 to you non-Brits!) so get in touch peeps. Thanks Sony, for the business opportunity of a lifetime :))

Steve
Fri, 3 Mar 2006 20:48:52 -0800

C:31:40 on my TRV315 - one hard whack worked. So sad I did not read this a month ago when I *needed* my camera.
THANK YOU FOR THE TIP!!

AJ
Mon, 6 Mar 2006 22:05:47 -0800

Thanks Debbie,
Few hard slaps made my 3 year old camcorder TRV18E work perfectly.

Ganesh Devle
Tue, 7 Mar 2006 09:41:09 -0800

I was skeptical even with all the comments, but I did a light tap on the tape side and it worked... hilarious and sad at the same time.

Ed
Wed, 8 Mar 2006 12:28:12 -0800

I had the same problem for 6 months now, and i wacked it, didn't work. So i took out the tape and the battery, read more replies and after a while i put the battery and tape back in and it worked.

Guus
Wed, 8 Mar 2006 13:59:56 -0800

Hey all yea im a member of the wack your cam club lol (didnt work for me) i did find a rubber coated roller that had fallen off and was wedged in the botton of the tape area (looked like it belonged there ) it didnt i fount thr metal stude it went on and now WOW it works again just fine and i didnt have to pay sony a dime now if i could figure why it just shuts down all the time id be in fat city lol dcr-trv80

Marque
Wed, 8 Mar 2006 22:56:47 -0800

I am buggered. After many attemps at the slap on my dcr-pc5e i finally tried a harder slap on the bottom and it seems to have some life....

Thanks,

fish
Sun, 12 Mar 2006 04:05:52 -0800

Actually I find that I can now fast forward and rewind tapes but cannot play them. As soon as I try I now get a 31:30 error.

Any ideas?

fish
Sun, 12 Mar 2006 04:07:53 -0800

Thanks to all for the "wack-a-cam" suggestion. I have a Sony TRV-460 and I inserted a damaged tape from a relative, of course I didn't know it then, into the camcorder and it did not work for days. I saw the C: 31:23 error code and I took it to a repair shop and they quoted me a total price for repair around $300.00. I tried to hit it with palm of my hand and that was not working so I gave up. I woke up Sunday morning and said, "what the heck, it broken anyway", so I hit it on the carpeted floor twice and IT WORKED!!! All I can say is thank you all.

Keith
Sun, 12 Mar 2006 12:30:23 -0800

Sony DCR-TRV20 error code: C:31:23

I'll be dog goned! Smacking my Sony did the trick. Try taking the tape out and whacking it but good on the side.

The engineers at Sony should be ashamed of themselves... and their customer service likewise for not finding some diplomaticaly correct way of adding this 'fix' to their owners manual.

Gregg
Sun, 12 Mar 2006 15:14:38 -0800

Thanks for the tip! The whack worked. Is that why they call it a HANDYcam? FYI, our 27" Zenith Color TV didn't work after a smack on the concrete floor...go figure.

paul in Missouri
Tue, 14 Mar 2006 20:20:18 -0800

WOW, it's really the best solution. Let's SMACKING your DV, you will get unbelievable result. Thanks!! Debbie

Gary Chan
Sat, 18 Mar 2006 22:37:23 -0800

I had similiar issues with a Canon. See www.camcorderinfo.com in the Canon section. They have this problem even worse and smacking only sometimes works. Their whole line has back mechanisms.

Lars
Sun, 19 Mar 2006 11:46:37 -0800

Thanks for the good hint! My TRV245E hand the same problem and after joining the "sony-smack-club" it works perfectly well!

Juha Koivisto
Mon, 20 Mar 2006 01:09:30 -0800

Wow! Worked with two of our faulty loan TRV250E camcorders! Amazing! And to think what we were paying to get them serviced...

Andy
Mon, 20 Mar 2006 22:21:54 -0800

I just had this fault come up on my Camera. TRV 330E. I have found that the fault C31:23 only appears when the cassette is fully rewound. I stumbled upon this after trying another cassette that was half-way through. After this i manually wound (not easy)the new cassette on a few revolutions and 'presto' no fault. but i must remeber not to fully rewind the cassetes from now on.

Mr moo
Tue, 21 Mar 2006 00:59:36 -0800

I was very skeptical when reading all of these comments regarding whacking the camera, got myself to try it, worked perfect. No more Reinsert Cassette message!!

THANKS SO MUCH!!!

Scott
Wed, 22 Mar 2006 12:48:56 -0800

Yeh,

It works also for mine Sony DCR-TRV11E, thanks.

oTTo

oTTo
Thu, 23 Mar 2006 11:32:00 -0800

I am certainly in the whack-a-mole club! i had the damn thing apart to pieces and screws and springs.....to no avail. put it back together after i read this site and beat the tar out of it....and it works like a charm.

Matt
Fri, 24 Mar 2006 21:03:33 -0800

Thanks to Debbie. I wacked the camera on the side and the code C 31 23 has gone. We should all send a check to Debbie for saving us a leg and arm in repair cost.

Jean-Christophe Huttepain
Sat, 25 Mar 2006 11:08:54 -0800

Thanks to all! Also DCR-TRV355E with C:31:22 needs hard smacks. 2 years worked fine but after attempting to insert non Sony tape the problem occured. Now I'm affraid because in the past when I had started to smack my CCD-FX400E the real end came soon...

Josip Krajnc
Sun, 26 Mar 2006 11:32:05 -0800

That is the stupidist thing I have every heard... but it worked :)
Thanks guys.

UzGuys
Sun, 26 Mar 2006 12:55:09 -0800

Continuation of the previous comment: The error occured again. The smacking results only in pain in my palm. But after precise and soft insertion of the tape as near as possible to the back wall of the compartment it began to work ok. Hope for the best...Sony.

Josip Krajnc
Sun, 26 Mar 2006 12:56:43 -0800

I turned a hairdrier on cold and let it blow into the tape deck for about 2 mins and that seemed to do the trick

skyblue
Sun, 26 Mar 2006 13:21:23 -0800

I can confirm, whack the thing, it worked for me, it also fixed the sound wich hadnt been working for a year now!

Biscutty
Mon, 27 Mar 2006 06:17:56 -0800

Whack!Whack!Whack! My hands a little sore after three blows to the cassette side of the 250. Still no fix. Then took tape out and reinserted and it works now after half a year. Wow! what a fix. I have a fickle panasonic palmcorder. Can't wait to whack it a good one after my hand recovers.

Jim Gale
Tue, 28 Mar 2006 23:52:23 -0800

Wow! I've tried this solution for several times on my DCV-TRV940E (1600$ !!!), but it worked in approx. a half of them. So, I'll try to smack it harder next time.

BTW, f**k Sony! They produce real shit, cause so many people suffering from their "products". The problem is not in one camcorder model, but in the variety of them. So, I realize I bought shit for 1600 bucks. *(( I'll buy Panasonic camcorder next time.

Alex
Fri, 31 Mar 2006 16:23:13 -0800

worked for me too except now i get an e:61:00 error code, and sony wants to charge me 311.00 to fix it

lauren
Mon, 3 Apr 2006 11:43:27 -0700

It seems that this fix works in the UK as weell

TRV120e

And there was me bout to spend monety on ebay

Thanks

Ron
Tue, 4 Apr 2006 13:09:29 -0700

I have no results with hard smacking for Sony DCR-TRV355E with C:31:23.
In my case helps: turn the videocassette (on the desk), release the blocade in the bottom hole with screw-driver, then rewind the right wheel for a half turn (not more!) with the pincette and insert it again into camera.
It seems Sony have too sensible sensor for the tape tension in the videocassette and it results in error C:31:23. This trick is successful regardless of the cassette producer (Sony, Maxell, Fuji, Polaroid). There are also the cassettes which don�t provoke the C:31:23 error.

Josip Krajnc
Sat, 8 Apr 2006 04:33:58 -0700

my camera is 31-22 error.I want dcr-trv50e vc-283 board schema.could you help me please

ahmet
Sat, 8 Apr 2006 12:05:08 -0700

Hi, a lot of mentioned above is nonsense!
DO NOT SMACK your camera (again)!
my Sony DCR PC-101 also had Error C:31:23 It really is a malfunction so let it repair. because the inside tape devices are very sensitive after using the camera a period of time this devices MUST BE ADJUSTED by a professional (the smack did help a my camra too but the malfunction returned). Smacking can cause permanent damage. I let it repair NOT at SONY or at the shop where a purchaised the camera. MUCH TOO EXPENSIVE! look for a local camcorder service specialist. In my country is a ideal little company. Minimal costs � 30,- ONLY. Look at
www.camcorderservice.nl
and sent your camera to it. It is ALWAYS cheaper that let it repair at a big company (even including shipping costs!). Good luck!

Arthur
Sat, 8 Apr 2006 19:04:28 -0700

Whacking method worked for me tooo!

George
Sat, 8 Apr 2006 20:21:02 -0700

Whacking worked for me as well. I don't know if I did not hit it hard enough but I took the tape out and tried again and then it worked. I was considering sending in for repair for flat rate of $211.

Don

Don
Sun, 9 Apr 2006 12:09:09 -0700

my sony tr 517 give me an error code of 32.20 any suggestions?

Wayne
Wed, 12 Apr 2006 17:43:15 -0700

Sony CCDTRV138 THIS CAMERA ALSO GAVE ME A REINSERT TAPE MESSAGE SO AFTER READING EVRY ONE ELSES SMACKING STORY... GUESS WHAT IT WORKS ON THIS AS WELL. SONY JUST LIKES GETTING SMACKED AROUND?

Stacy
Wed, 12 Apr 2006 21:21:24 -0700

we gave it a couple little taps on the side and it works now

Mike and Jesse
Thu, 13 Apr 2006 08:54:32 -0700

I changed the tape and the error stopped

shauna
Thu, 13 Apr 2006 17:50:05 -0700

I have a Sony DCR-PC101, 3 years old, haven't used it in a year because of C:31.23. Saw this post, and the whack worked. If it lasts, I'll be more than amazed.
Thank you!!!

eric liftin
Fri, 14 Apr 2006 21:07:16 -0700

Sony DCR-PC101E... I also had the C:31:22 error... tried the "slap" trick and it worked!! Thanks a lot!!

Ralph
Sat, 15 Apr 2006 10:25:40 -0700

I have a Sony VX2000, a 2000 dollar camera, had the same problem and smacked it from the side and I couldn't beilive it either, it woookred!!

Coolman
Sat, 15 Apr 2006 11:02:41 -0700

I have TRV-480. I also 'bit' the camera. It works, I do not know how long it will work though.
Thank you for the information.
Sony is getting worse for sure. I have TRV-62, it have been working for 9 years whithout any problem. the new model had such issue in less than one year. I can not believe this is Sony.

Jun
Sun, 16 Apr 2006 07:12:33 -0700

Just brought a sony trv318 off this guy. Guy said it was broke had a c:31:23 error that kept coming up so for the price of $10 I took it home tried everything to get it to go away but nothing would work until I found this site thanks to debbie, and the rest of you I have not had a problem since I smake the side of it . Thanks again all

Travis
Sun, 16 Apr 2006 19:57:26 -0700

I have a SONY DCR TRV 120 and had the same error code C:31:23.I read Debbie's advice and I smacked it on the tape side. Now the camera works fine!! Thank you Debbie!!!

Petros
Mon, 17 Apr 2006 05:29:30 -0700

Count me in as another member of the "Wack-a-Sony" club. 2 year old TRV250 responded to the flat of my hand after C:31:23ing me halfway through a download!!

John
Mon, 17 Apr 2006 12:08:03 -0700

I have the Sony DCR-TRV27. I got the dreaded C:31:23 error. I smacked it, banged it, whacked it but to no avail. Still wouldn't work. Changing tapes worked for a brief time, but the error code came back. I've stumbled onto something that has worked that is a bit different than Debbie's solution. Take the battery out and turn selection switch to camera and then turn it off. Put the battery back in and its working again. I watched about 20 minutes of video with the vcr selection without failure. I then recorded about 10 minutes of video and rewound the tape and watched it without failure. Hopefully it works while I'm turkey hunting tomorrow morning.

Gene
Mon, 17 Apr 2006 18:57:30 -0700

My Sony TRV 25 stopped working right in the middle of my kids' Easter egg hunt. Grrr.... After lamenting the potential repair bill, I came across this site and I'll be damned. Smacking the camera FIXED it!

I had to whack the thing about 30 times...and I hit it pretty hard on both sides.

I also stuck my finger in and rotated two of the white reels. The links on this page said it was a spool error, so maybe one was jammed.

either way, I'm done buying Sony products. Never again...

Zeke
Tue, 18 Apr 2006 20:15:58 -0700

I have a DSR-PC5E and a whacked it and it works perfectly now. Thanks so much for the advice!

kevin batcho
Wed, 19 Apr 2006 03:24:59 -0700

I have a TRV330 and sure enough - whacking it a couple of times on the tape side fixed the problem. I should have known to do this since this is the standard "fix" for electronic gear when it breaks. Thanks for the advice!

Steve
Wed, 19 Apr 2006 05:38:29 -0700

Tengo que decir que llegue a esta pagina colocando en google el error C31:23... lei las recomendaciones... hasta llegar a la parte en que todos golpean la camara y funciona... le dimos unos peque�os golpes por el lado en que esta la cinta, la apagamos, la prendimos y la maldita camara funciona!! Me ahorre el servicio tecnico... Muchas gracias a todos!!! (camara TRV 250)

PamelaX
Wed, 19 Apr 2006 17:59:20 -0700

I have to say that I found this site looking for the C31:23 in google... I read all recomendations... until I got to the part where everybody says that smacked the camara and it worked... so we smacked it in the side where the tape is inserted, turned it on and the damned camara worked!!!... Thanks for saving me the technical support!! Thanks to all!! (camara TRV 250)

PamelaX
Wed, 19 Apr 2006 18:04:20 -0700

Debbie I love you! I'm a high school teacher and can't afford big repair bills so I smacked not 1 but 2 of my dead tr517's and sure enough it worked! My hand is sore but I'm back with 2 more cameras!

God your good, Debbie
[email protected]
Sir Oliver Mowat C.I.
Tornoto, Ontario

mike
Thu, 20 Apr 2006 07:05:03 -0700

I was skeptical that a blow to the camera would fix the problem and resolve the error code - but tried it last night and amazingly it worked! Be careful on the tape housing side, so that the internal parts that hold the door don't get bent and damaged. (TRV310)

Ed from Lake Forest, IL

Ed
Fri, 21 Apr 2006 09:07:49 -0700

Got C31:40 error on my Sony DCR-TRV330E. Used Debby's smacking technique described below and it works perfect.

Thanks!

Goofy
Sat, 22 Apr 2006 12:35:48 -0700

Thanks Debbie ,worked for MY TRV18
MEMBER OF WHACK A CAM,HAY GUYS
WHAT ABOUT CREATING A WEB SITE
WWW.WHACK A SONY CAM.COM?

G.KAY
Wed, 26 Apr 2006 09:07:56 -0700

I am the newest member in the Smack The Sony club. Incredible! Smacked 3 times, removed the tape, closed the "hatch" without the tape. Smacked 3 times. Inserted the tape. Voil�.

Christer Magi
Tue, 2 May 2006 11:48:41 -0700

I tried smacking it and dropping it on the ground... didnt work. Then i opened up the tape bay and started spinning the cogs where the tape goes and one of them made a click noise then spun... so i turned it on and then it worked

mike jones
Tue, 2 May 2006 13:53:57 -0700

Thanks Debbie!!! lol Sony suck arse!!! =D

Samantha Soto
Tue, 2 May 2006 20:15:54 -0700

I KNEW I'd find the answer to my problem -- but I can't believe it was this easy! I figured I had nothing to lose so I gave it a few stiff whacks and the cassette holder purred like a kitten. We haven't used this camera for ages because of this jam, and I'm forever indebted to Debbie, and my daughter is thrilled she can now take it to Disney World.

Susan Taylor
Wed, 3 May 2006 18:59:50 -0700

Hitting my dcr-trv720 didn't clear the problem, but removing the battery while the power switch was in the "camera" position and reinserting it without changing the switch worked. Previously, I switched the camera off and replaced the battery with no effect, but when I left the switch in the "camera" position, it cleared.

Ron
Fri, 5 May 2006 19:36:19 -0700

Soy Ing. en Electronica y creanme que el "tortazo" o llamado en el argot "golpe tecnico" funciona en muchos casos...resuelve el problema pero a corto plazo...sin embargo gracias Debbie...por que en este caso a mi me libro del problema..jajaja

Edgar Mtz
Sat, 6 May 2006 10:32:32 -0700

I cannot believe it, but a few smacks worked for me also! The error code was C:31:40 and I've been messing with it for weeks, trying different tapes,etc.

Deb
Sat, 6 May 2006 13:27:19 -0700

The SONY SLAP worked for me too!!
Im now proud to say that I am a "HAPPY SLAPPER" CODE NAME C:31:23 SONY TVR218E ready for slapping

How can this be happening to so many different Models, guess those Sony designers might need a bit of a SLAP to sort their act out !!!

Kev
Sat, 6 May 2006 17:48:43 -0700

I was looking for info on Sony camera
codes...and I found a lawsuit against
Sony...with a long list of camcorders
and digital still cameras.
CHECK IT OUT:
NOTICE TO CLASS OF PROPOSED SETTLEMENT

Vivian
Sun, 7 May 2006 18:02:44 -0700

everybody who whacked it stupid, the problem is where you take out the tape there is a something there that is very easy to break and if that sign comes up and you whack it again, it will come back when you put it down lightly so everybody who di that is j00 �re 1237412d3d damn n00bs.

sean
Sun, 7 May 2006 18:48:28 -0700

Re: Sony DCR-TRV280 with C:31:22 error

If you're scared to smack the camera hard, start by smacking it gently.

After trying every sane-sounding solution I took the battery out for a while, smacked it 5 times gently on the right side with a tape inside it, and it worked!

Thanks to whoever figured this trick out, and I humbly admit that I thought it was a stupid idea until I tried it out of desperation!

David Kallum
Sun, 7 May 2006 19:00:35 -0700

I cant believe it!! smacking the side of the camera actually worked!!!!

Ed
Tue, 9 May 2006 07:16:34 -0700

Well I have a sony trv 285E... I bought it in april 2005 and I recorded with it a maximum of 9 hours. Then, when I was in vacation the well-known error C:31:22 appeared on my screen! I didn;t hav any manuals so i tried to do what i thought it would work. But nothing... the error still appeared. I was very nervous and i went directly to the shop from were i bought the camera! they told me that service is needed (on free). i accepted so i sent it to the service. they told me that there ware no destroyed components, just a dirty video head (!!!) it seemed strange to me but it was true becuase the next day on the lcd appeared again the error message. They told me that another service operation mey cost me about 200$... DAMN... now i was searching the internet for any solutions and i discovered that this is a very strange and well-known error for sony camcoders... i tried what the others said so i "SMACKED IT" a few times very gently... then i reattached the power source and the tape and as a miracle my camera "WORKS!!!". Now i want to know if anyone can explain this "miracle"... because i can't find any logical explications... and about SONY CORPORATION... a little advice for all... DO NOT F******* BUY any cameras from them even if it is said that they are the best...

Manu_R
Wed, 10 May 2006 05:30:40 -0700

You know i was going to go and buy another camcorder, but i read up in debbies site and i put my fingers around inside where the tape goes and wacked it a few times ( hurting my hand!) but it works ? Thank You!

Jesse Trujillo
Thu, 11 May 2006 07:07:57 -0700

LOL, I got the C:31:23, tried unplugging my camcorder for 60 seconds which didn't work, so I performed a couple of "slight pneumatic adjustments" on my camcorder (I smacked it on the side) and it is working now. I think the hypothesis that smacking it frees up something that was stuck is a likely explanation.

MAK
Thu, 11 May 2006 09:28:01 -0700

I don't bilieve! I'm from brazil and have the same problem with my TRV87E. After some days trying to resolve i found this site and... working!!!

Debbie rocks... your new method is really good.

Thanks Debbie and friends.

wellington
Fri, 12 May 2006 18:41:49 -0700

Yes, the smacking of the side of the camera works!! Oddly enough, I thought there was something wrong with the tape drive, so I bought the memory stick for my TRV480 and got the same problem but now "reinsert memory stick"....and smacking it worked!

Alan Richards
Sat, 13 May 2006 17:33:43 -0700

yes smack it, works on my DCR-PC5E.

Sam
Sun, 14 May 2006 06:20:44 -0700

Smack has worked on time more: thanks

nicolas
Sun, 14 May 2006 07:51:42 -0700

Add one more to the whack column!

Jon
Sun, 14 May 2006 16:50:07 -0700

I got the DCR-TVR900 and got this error today and fixed it by pulling the tape out and realized that it was dirty on the bottom part of the magnetic tape. I advanced it with my fingers until I got a clear tape top to bottom. Put the tape back in and the error went away.

Alex A
Mon, 15 May 2006 11:47:00 -0700

Lol add me to the smack column

Chris
Mon, 15 May 2006 15:16:03 -0700

holy crap. it actually works. i have a red palm now, but at least it works :)

matt
Mon, 15 May 2006 20:08:59 -0700

WOWWWWWWWWWWWWW! THANKS SO MUCH, DEBBIE! i gave my camera a good smacking on both sides & now it works, just on time for my son's kindergarden dance performance tomorrow night! sooooo amazed!

farah
Tue, 16 May 2006 20:54:18 -0700

it worked for me too! now i can finally put all that wacking practice to good use!

carlton
Wed, 17 May 2006 10:09:07 -0700

Well, unfortunately, I can't be added to the "whack list", as I've tried whacking mine several times. This really bums me out because the camera just went out of the one year warranty period. Any other tricks that you know of that might work? I've whacked the hell out of this thing...lol

Reguarding that lawsuit:

I think Sony should be taken to court over this issue too! There are way to many people that have this problem...what is something that I could do to get started in this? I'm dead serious...give me a call on my cell if you are interested: (707) 616-9209. I'd like to get my problem fixed...

Matt Davis
Thu, 18 May 2006 01:06:30 -0700

The error refers to one of the gears that the tape cassette rides on. The reason it works when you smack it is because it sometimes knocks the wheel free. If you remove your take then try to gently twist both wheels you will find that one is stuck in an engaged position. If you gently twist it it will pop up and the error should go away. (This was just trial and error)

Shaman
Thu, 18 May 2006 10:18:46 -0700

Fantastic... I like it... I like it alot

FREDO!
Thu, 18 May 2006 13:14:38 -0700

Chalk one more up for the whack hack attack.....now I'm back in Action...
thanx for sharing.

Brad
Fri, 19 May 2006 08:19:22 -0700

I will be trying this tonight, wish me luck. Looking at the responses dont think I need any luck!

Debbie is a legend already :P

Kash
Fri, 19 May 2006 09:08:40 -0700

I TRYED YOUR ADVISE ON THE FIX FOR ERROR 31:23 ON SONY DCR-TRV120. IT WORKS.... FIRST, I TOOK THE BATTERY OUT, THEN THE TAPE. I SLAPPED THE CAMERA ON THE LEFT SIDE AND IT DIDN'T HELP. THEN I HIT ON THE CASSETTE SIDE, TWICE. THE ERROR MESSAGE WENT AWAY AND IT WORKS PERFECTLY. THIS IS A 5 YR OLD CAMCORDER. WANTED TO WAIT FOR THE HD FORMAT TO DROP BEFORE REPLACING. THANKS

RANDALL B.
Sun, 21 May 2006 06:43:11 -0700

I'm so glad I found this site. Debbie's nearly year old advice of cam slapping worked! :-) I have a TRV520 and I slapped it firmly 3 times against the tape side with the palm of my hand. I think Shaman's analysis of why slapping it works is right on.

Thanks Debbie! :-)

Emil
Sun, 21 May 2006 16:34:05 -0700

Tried slapping a SONY DCR PC110. When I opened the camera to eject the tape, I noticed a small rubber "pinch roller" had come loose - it prevented closing the camera. It fell out when shaking the open camera. Now I need help to find out where it goes. Can someone please send me a photo of the inside of their camera? A DCR PC 110 service manual? Repair bills are 311.00 at Sony.

Brewer
Mon, 22 May 2006 10:18:59 -0700

This is without a doubt the best (and funniest) site I have seen that addresses a problem solving technique made so simple! Been having trouble with my TRV11 and after reading Debbie's suggestion, I gave the camcorder a good WHACK!!! Lo and Behold....IT WORKED! I move that the host of this site present a special spot on this website in her honor! hahahahah

Jason
Mon, 22 May 2006 16:50:24 -0700

Lucky wackers all !!!

Again does anyone have a clue about where a rubber roller goes from inside the tape bay? It came loose in my SONY DCRPC110 after I wacked it. Now I really get the C3123 code blues.

Brewer
Mon, 22 May 2006 23:55:22 -0700

Wow the smack the camera trick realy worked, lol, its awsom, i was getting so worried that i would have to buy a new one! Thanx!

Dan
Tue, 23 May 2006 02:59:41 -0700

minha camera sony apresenta o erro C:31:23 DCR_TRV18

DANILO
Tue, 23 May 2006 11:21:54 -0700

One more sony back in action !!!!!!
Thanks a million everyone ! A few short sharp smacks did the trick. Trv 325e.

leon
Wed, 24 May 2006 13:34:14 -0700

Sony TRV-530, started with a C31.20, fixed that then C31.40n a few mintues later. Read the post and smacked it after taking the battery out and the tape. Works fine now. Still a great little cam, 6 years old now. Thanks Deb.

Gary
Wed, 24 May 2006 20:43:03 -0700

ok ya im about to get into my camera and fix this stupid problem. wish me luck!!!!

ceskutz
Wed, 24 May 2006 22:34:10 -0700

Read in another forum here, that the pin goes on the RIGHT side. I looked at my own camera and having the same pblm, used surgical forceps (my late father's) to carefully place the roller on the only thin pin that made sense. It works. Amazed. The roller slipped onto the pin and seems to work fine.

Don't WACK IT HARD. Your roller might pop off. If so it can be put back.
FF /RW / Play /REC work GREAT!!!!!!!!!!

Brewer
Thu, 25 May 2006 23:51:31 -0700

I simply cannot believe that smacking my TRV-460 actually worked! That's really amazing. I'm so glad I searched and found this web page!

smac71
Sat, 27 May 2006 19:29:03 -0700

Wow!Wow!Wow!
The slapping thing really works!!!!!
I can't belive!
Thanks guys!!!!

Tanya Beall
Sun, 28 May 2006 22:50:29 -0700

If you're not crazy about whacking your camera ( I'm not) try this:
Eject your tape and gently turn the little white spindles on the tape that winds the tape, to take up any possible slack. just a 1/8 of a turn should be enough. Worked for me. I believe the C:31:23 error code is a "crinkle" error message where the tape tension is not 100%, so it thinks the tape has jammed. probably a design problem with Sony where the tolerance setting is too exact.

My TRV 510 still rocks!

boxhead
Mon, 29 May 2006 10:39:14 -0700

Yay! Hit it a couple of times on both sides and voilá! The cam is working fine!

It's a Sony DCR-HC42 and I had the C:31:42 error.

Marcos Moreira
Mon, 29 May 2006 15:56:09 -0700

i slapped my trv 250 on the tape side...and wow it works again! fantastic!

Rob Clark
Tue, 30 May 2006 11:47:43 -0700

Add me to the Whack! success story. Brought my five year old TRV330 back, we'll see for how long...

MP
Tue, 30 May 2006 15:33:07 -0700

Freaking crazy but yup...whackin it worked.

Tone
Tue, 30 May 2006 16:37:38 -0700

My wife was wondering where that whacking noise was coming from.
"Don't worry", I said. "You're not going to believe this, but ...I'm just getting the Handycam (TRV330) working again!"
Thanks for the tip!

TonyK
Wed, 31 May 2006 04:47:30 -0700

Yeah hit the battery section WORKED! Thanks guys.

anonymous
Thu, 01 Jun 2006 17:18:18 -0700

Sign me up in the club! My wife and I are laughing our butts off at this.

DCR TRV20 stopped right as my son was to run his first mile at Jr. High track meet. Not only did I get the now famous error code, I couldn't remove the tape from the carrier, as it would not fully open to eject, then wouldn't close either.

Just by trial and error, I took the battery off and put it back on....and the carrier went back inside the unit. Still had error code, however, and nothing would operate....until I found this gem of a site through Google.

Two firm slaps with my palm against the bottom of the unit...and presto, all systems are go. Tapes go in, tapes come back out and the unit records and plays back perfectly! Thanks a million...you certainly saved me a $300+ repair bill.

I'll still probably buy a new "non-Sony" camcorder soon...as I can't stand another lost moment...but this will hold us (hopefully) until that purchase. Who'd a thunk it?!

Kurt
Mon, 05 Jun 2006 19:24:52 -0700

Smacking method working! Woo-hoo, you saved me!!

Owen
Tue, 06 Jun 2006 13:28:38 -0700

I've tried wacking my TRV240, but no luck. Next I beat the crap out of it, still no luck.

Any other suggestions???

My next purchase will be a "non-Sony" camcorder, but I'm locked into this Digital8 format with all my tapes.

I need at least a functional player in order to burn my videos to DVD, and then I'll drop kick this piece of $#@$% into a lake.

I'm looking on eBay for a cheap used "functional" Digital8 unit.

CraigA
Wed, 07 Jun 2006 10:11:26 -0700

C 04 00 Non-standard battery is used. Use the info LITHIUM battery.
C 21 00 Condensation. Remove the cassette, and insert it again after one hour.
C 22 00 Video head is dirty. Clean with the optional cleaning cassette.
C 31 10 LOAD direction. Loading does not complete within specified time Load the tape again, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 31 11 UNLOAD direction. Loading does not complete within specified time Load the tape again, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 31 20 T reel side tape slacking when unloading. Load the tape again, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 31 21 Winding S reel fault when counting the rest of tape. Load the tape again, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 31 22 T reel fault. Load the tape again, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 31 23 S reel fault. Load the tape again, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 31 24 T reel fault. Load the tape again, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 31 30 FG fault when starting capstan. Load the tape again, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 31 40 FG fault when starting drum. Load the tape again, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 31 42 FG fault during normal drum operations. Load the tape again, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 32 20 T reel side tape slacking when unloading. Remove the battery or power cable, connect, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 32 21 Winding S reel fault when counting the rest of tape. Remove the battery or power cable, connect, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 32 22 T reel fault. Remove the battery or power cable, connect, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 32 23 S reel fault. Remove the battery or power cable, connect, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 32 24 T reel fault. Remove the battery or power cable, connect, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 32 30 FG fault when starting capstan. Remove the battery or power cable, connect, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 32 40 FG fault when starting drum Remove the battery or power cable, connect, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 32 42 FG fault during normal drum operations Remove the battery or power cable, connect, and perform operations from the beginning.
E 61 00 Difficult to adjust focus Inspect the lens block focus reset sensor
E 61 10 Zoom operations fault Inspect the lens block zoom reset sensor
E 62 00 Steadyshot function does not work well. Inspect pitch angular velocity sensor
E 62 01 Steadyshot function does not work well. Inspect yaw angular velocity sensor

CraigA
Wed, 07 Jun 2006 11:35:56 -0700

Fixed the C:31:23, but the wacking is not what fixed it but it did point me in the right direction.

The rubber roller had fallen off! The whacking only dislodged it from where it got stuck inside the unit.

I took off the cover (removed 5 little screws), retrieved the loose roller, and reinstalled.

Error gone, problem solved.

I can reproduce the exact error message by removing the roller.

Also, to see an error log. Hold the STOP button while Power ON. You can scroll throught the error codes with the thumb wheel.

Question: How is the roller supposed to stay attached? Looks like it could easily fall off again...

CraigA
Thu, 08 Jun 2006 13:36:45 -0700

I've been emailed by several people that indeed the rubber roller is the issue for the C:31:32 error. The roller may not have fallen completely but the it does get pulled out of place.

So stop the "whacking" and start "fixing" the roller. I'm afraid that the "Whacking" may create other issues such as alignment problems.

CraigA
Thu, 08 Jun 2006 20:33:52 -0700

Looking inside my camera where the tape goes, there is a cluster of vertical pins on both the left and right.

The right cluster should have a rubber roller on the middle pin. The roller is ~1/4” in diameter and ~ ½” in height.

It is very obvious if it is installed or not. If it isn’t there, then you have a problem. This roller goes against the tape once the tape is installed and provides tension for the tape.

CraigA
Fri, 09 Jun 2006 09:05:08 -0700

My message is, **** SONY!

**** the tricks, **** the fixes... if I decide to not use my camera and it decides to get emotional and not work for me..... then we have bigger fish to fry then stupid lame fixes. What about Sony's predictable inability to leave a rashional explaination? I'll tell you why, they ****ed up and don't want to admit it! Any of you that know people that work at Sony or infact, do yourself... relay this message for me... I will forever shun Sony Products, perhaps even the Playstation 3, in fear that I might purchase something that will break down from... non-use of the product! I will also tell anyone, ANYONE, that I come into contact with, Sony produces bugged products and releases them regardless with no, NO concern for the end user.

My fix?

Stay away from Sony, period.

I smashed my camera out back, I feel much much better.

Pissed in Detroit
Fri, 09 Jun 2006 09:14:45 -0700

Hey guys
thanks SO much for this :) i thought my Handycam was a TOTAL DEAD END...but i took the door off...i messed arround with looking at the spool...seems it was not only stuck...but also missing the little white piece that fits over the spool.... i put it on and that seemed to fix the problem a bit....but then it started again....SOOOO i picked the cam up...and yes you all know the story...*LOL* i DROPED it 4 times on teh floor from about 8inches in the air.....the last one was pretty hard....but it seemed to unstick the wheel.... and the roller seems to also be working GREAT thanks for the INFO!!!!

Aaron
Sat, 10 Jun 2006 19:57:24 -0700

i love you wack a mole
it worked great
wacked it hard with tape out.

stephen
Mon, 12 Jun 2006 08:34:42 -0700

Smacking the camera worked for me. Just in time as my daughter is graduating from College this week and I did not want to buy a new camera. Thanks for the advice!

Tim
Mon, 12 Jun 2006 20:01:48 -0700

the "smacking" method has had a supurb influence outside of simple home use!
.
Gigglebox Productions, a video production team can now continue to produce it's product, thanks to the advice given here.
.
Now........you all can breathe

gigglebox productions
Tue, 13 Jun 2006 19:55:06 -0700

Congratulations.
I hit my Sony DCR-PC4E several times. At least i let him fall on the ground -
and it works again.
Is this a new philosophy of repairing
camcorders?

Frank Krueger, Germany
Wed, 14 Jun 2006 14:50:06 -0700

The SONY "SMACK DOWN" club for error codes: 33:22 and 33:23 and similar errors is growing. I used the old smack it on the tape side method and that corrected it, but it came back. Once I got the camera tape area to open, I went in with a can of pressurized air on a thin nozzle and blew all the loose dirt and debris out. This corrected the problem and the camcorder has been working perfectly for several days now. About 4 cents worth of air is much better than $200.00 or more for SONY Service center repairs.
Good luck::: Smack and Blow works fine.

M Lutz
Fri, 16 Jun 2006 09:28:43 -0700

I just joined the Smack and blow club. Tried this on my Sony trv330 camcorder after a c:31:42 error code and it started working fine. I didn't use it for a while and something must have stuck. Thanks Debbie.

Earl
Fri, 16 Jun 2006 15:12:48 -0700

Hi, everybody. I come from Taiwan, a wonderful island.
Do you get your car serviced every 5000km? I do.
Do you get your Sony camcorder serviced every, say, 3 years? I don't. ^^
I got my TRV20 in 2000.
I first time encountered the C31:30 in 2004. I lubricated the gears, it worked for 1 year. When it happened again in 2005, I did the same thing. It works till yesterday.
Now, I got a C31:23, the same problem as you described... When I put a cleaning cassette in, everything went ok. But, when I put a normal tape in, I got C31:23 again. Finally, I fixed it by cleaning the drum by alcohol. try it.

Rex Lin
Fri, 16 Jun 2006 17:13:51 -0700

Hi, again.
I'd like to add one more thing.
Try to make the cassette tightly holded in the cassette holder.
This also helps the reels and capstan operating smoothly.

Rex Lin
Sat, 17 Jun 2006 00:27:43 -0700

Against my better judgement I gave mine a whack. Hoo-haw!! IT WORKS!

tom
Mon, 19 Jun 2006 13:30:25 -0700

Save time, whack it now! Old TRV11 I was transferring tapes to DVD. I red the manual. Followed instructions till I got to "get it serviced". Tried different tapes. Took the hinged door off the tape. Took the black plastic door off the tape carrier. Tried all the on/off load/unload sequences. Went to the web, to Sony site - no help. Went to ebay to see if I could find an 8mm analog replacement cheap - No. Came here. Never did find Debbie but I see she is held in high regard here. It worked and I'm back to transferring memories. Thanks Debbie!

Tom B
Tue, 20 Jun 2006 20:02:49 -0700

I haven't seen any posts in awhile and I have to say that the smacking the camera idea still suprisingly works. Thanks!

Kellie
Wed, 21 Jun 2006 15:29:43 -0700

Hahahahhaha! Us over here at six bucks short (www.sixbucksshort.com) were just making a movie one day, when suddenly MY CAMERA STOPPED WORKING!! After trying many things we found this website and decided to just start whackin' it. I dont know what was more fun, reading other people's comments about whacking it or doing the whacking myself. Thanks again!

Six Bucks Short
Wed, 21 Jun 2006 15:39:39 -0700

Wacking the camera worked for me. I got the error 2 days after my warranty expired on my HC-42.

Robin
Thu, 22 Jun 2006 15:00:26 -0700

when i got that c:31:23 and it wouldnt work i thought i was doomed forever because i was going to make this little show with mi friends but then mi dad tried this and thank god---- it worked thanks so much debbie!!!!!

jenz
Sat, 24 Jun 2006 08:16:44 -0700

I have a Sony DCR-TRV280 that gave me a C:31:22 error after it fell loose on a tripod. It wouldn't record or play tapes for more than a second or two.

Smacked it two or three times on the tape side (right), and it works fine again.

Ryan
Sat, 24 Jun 2006 10:11:27 -0700

Smack Sony works!!! Excellent Debbie

Muhammad Siddiqui
Sat, 24 Jun 2006 14:55:02 -0700

Tried whacking it and hey presto it worked. many thanks

anonymous
Sat, 24 Jun 2006 15:16:38 -0700

My Sony TRV830E had been showing a 31.40 error message, which was also solved (so far) by whacking the side. I did not like doing this one little bit, but felt I had little to lose. I'm glad I did it! I would suggest just one or two slaps for a start. No sense in beating the beast into a pulp unecessarily.

Brian

B Holden
Sat, 24 Jun 2006 22:02:18 -0700

I got the error message c:31:23 and was about to give up on my camcorder when I came across this site. I gave 1 slap to the side and low and behold the camera started working. I could not believe it the camera hasn't worked since christmas. I was near demented trying to work out how it wasn't working. A great big thanks to this site.

norma
Sun, 25 Jun 2006 14:08:10 -0700

Just a word of caution: On my Sony TRV17 I was also getting this C:31 or C:32:something error message (not always the same last two digits, but usually 22, 23 or 16). I read about the smack-it theorem on a couple forum sites and decided this must be the solution. I smacked the camcorder tape-side first lightly, then progressively harder (as suggested if to no avail) until I hit it with approximately equal to the force of dropping it on the carpet from 2 feet or so – stern force, but nothing extreme. Well, two pieces came out from the tape compartment when I ejected the tape next: First, a chrome-colored metal bushing with a black rubber outer coating (about 5/16 inch long and 3/16 inch wide. Second a white plastic tubular spacer, about as thick as a pencil lead and 1/8 inch long. I removed some screws on the flip-side of the tap housing to gain access to the inner tape mechanism and found a little prong that the bushing fit on nicely and the spacer fit on it snuggly, so I installed the bushing and pushed the spacer on over that to hold it in place (I don’t know if I put it together correctly, but now it does work. So – if you have this C:31 or C32 error, check out the prong inside the tape compartment that I describe next (you can see this without any disassembly). There are seven items protruding from the center of the tape widget, if you count from the lens side of the camera, it will be the second prong, kind-of situated up and between the two others – the first prong will be metal, the second (the important one) should have a black rubber bushing and the third a white bushing or spacer. Also, the prong, if pressed with a pencil or something, should glide back and forth (this prong pulls the tape down around the heads). If your Sony doesn’t have this black bushing, or if it is loose or not lined up with the other prongs correctly, this may be your problem. Also, if you do anything inside the compartment, be sure to run a cleaning tape to clean the heads from any debris or oil you may have introduced into the compartment.

Joshua
Sun, 25 Jun 2006 14:25:51 -0700

The DV Show for May 20th has an excellent explanation on this error message:

The DV Show May 2006 Archive

The DV Show
Mon, 26 Jun 2006 20:43:21 -0700

On the premise that I wouldn't have learnt anything about this unless someone else had offered the solution, I think it's only fair to take the trouble to comment! I have a Sony Digital Video Walkman, GV-D800E, that I bought used so that I could transfer all my Hi8 tapes to DVD. I had exactly the same problem/fault code and decided to google it. I discovered this thumping solution here and decided that I may as well try it. It worked!! So - maybe the mechanism inside is pretty much the same as for the camcorders here in this thread.

Ian Webster
Thu, 29 Jun 2006 06:48:14 -0700

Hi Tengo problemas con mi Trv250 que me reporta el error C 31:22 y he probado las instrucciones del manual,pero me vale hongo ademas probe la solucion de Debbie "Golpes certeros" pero la verdad es aun estoy pegado con el mismo error...
alguien conoce otra forma de sacarme ese error...

Jose
Thu, 29 Jun 2006 12:15:51 -0700

Greetings from Austria!

My 2 years old Schwanzenstock Sony TRV255E Cam had the same scheiss problem. But after smacking it lightly it worked just like before. i hope this will stay as it is at the moment. I read all the comments looking for a better solution than "Schlag die Scheisse aus dem Ding!!!", but finally I tried and it works now. Dankeschön Debbie!

AL
Fri, 30 Jun 2006 12:12:40 -0700

Just tried the "whack-a-mole" approach suggested with my TRV250. It worked. Geezus, I thought the whole smacking-electronics-into-submission thing was something of the past...obviously not. haha

Doug
Fri, 30 Jun 2006 16:16:46 -0700

took my dads pc10 and was going to attemt to fix it and woa
the solution
bang on it until it is destroyed or working took a lot of hits but now ive got a working mini dv camcordr

brian
Sat, 01 Jul 2006 18:16:12 -0700

Whacking works. I don't believe it. Hooray for technology.

Chris
Mon, 03 Jul 2006 19:44:10 -0700

Hi all,

it´s almost unbelievable but the smack-my-cam hint worked for me too. I had the error "C:31:23" on the display of my Sony DCR-TRV120E some days ago. The removal of all batteries didn´t fix the problem. Then I smacked the cam some times on both sides and the error code disappeared.
But then I had 3 big grey stripes on the video during playback. After usage of a cleaning tape everything was fine.
Thanks a lot for this wounderful hint.

buzzo

buzzo
Wed, 05 Jul 2006 05:13:23 -0700

I am not a fan of bumping or even hitting my electronics especially my nice lil handycam, that was nice until I bumped it a lil bit. Then I started to recieve an error code to re-insert tape. After switching all my tapes including a new one, turning off all the power letting the battery die, I came to this forum, and and they suggested to bump it, NOT slam it, NOT drop it, just bump it. Better bet your ass it worked. Although keep in mind, its usually NOT a good idea to bump eletronics.
~Ase
www.aseXcreations.com

Ase
Wed, 05 Jul 2006 11:20:12 -0700

debbie's method works perfect!You don't have to throw "the sony" off the 50th floor window, just few jabs and an uppercut.Again happy, owner TRV 318.
Thanks Debb!

Marian
Wed, 05 Jul 2006 19:49:36 -0700

Thanks guys. It seemed silly first but but when I tried it a bit gently, whacking worked with my camcorder as well. I think these types of camcorders understand only this kind of treatment, nothing else.

recep
Thu, 06 Jul 2006 03:56:29 -0700

Hello, I Have problem with Sony CCD-TRV318 C:31:23 I buy new tape but the problem always repet, any suggest ?

Giani Maldaner
Thu, 06 Jul 2006 08:26:16 -0700

I tried following the manual's troubleshooting instructions for this error code ... you know the taking out of the battery and power cord for 60 seconds, etc and still got the error. After reading all of the posts I figured there was nothing to lose by smacking it as I was so frustrated anyway, I went ahead and I must say I am the newest member of the whack-a-sony club!. A couple of smacks and a sore hand later, I replaced the tape and the error is gone. Thanks a bunch Debbie

Moni
Thu, 06 Jul 2006 20:41:36 -0700

I Whacked it against my couch and it worked fine. I just got mad at it and hit it like 20 times on my couch when it said C:31:23 and i put a tape in and it started working. thx debbie
I never thought it was this much fun o play whack a camera but now i know thanks to an error ive had on my camera for a year

usama
Fri, 07 Jul 2006 11:07:53 -0700

Smacking worked for me too.

Sai
Fri, 07 Jul 2006 14:06:26 -0700

Another member of the smack club! Worked for me too - the wonders of the internet
Wish I'd tried the camera out before my daughter's school concert though...

louise
Sat, 08 Jul 2006 04:24:24 -0700

I HAVE A PILE OF TRV'S THAT DO THE ERROR CODE 31-23....EVERYNOW AND THEN ONE WILL WORK FOR A WHILE....BUT I AM ABOUT TO JOIN YOUR WHACK EM OR STACK EM CLUB...THANKS FOR THE ADVICE HERE.....I AM SO GLAD TO HAVE FOUND THIS SITE!

MAKING VIDS WITH STUDIO IS HOW I "MAKE A LIVING' SO THIS IS GREAT!

RESULTS TO FOLLOW

wahoonbox
Sat, 08 Jul 2006 17:12:57 -0700

hey u guys i came on here to fix mycamera but i noticed it works for a lot of other things. for example muy refrigetatnoir wasnt workin so I gave it a little clop to tha chop, works like a charm. god bless yall, god bless texas. im gonna go see if this can fix my babies momma as well. hope that shut that noise up

Carl
Sun, 09 Jul 2006 19:40:25 -0700

As if the whacking method needs more praise; My Sony DCR-HC42 had the C 31:42 error. 2 strongish whacks did it for me. Thank You!

Patrick
Mon, 10 Jul 2006 16:42:01 -0700

I have tried the whacking and all others methods suggested here on my sony TRV-25 to no avail. Join me in a class action against them!!!!

Iwekani
Wed, 12 Jul 2006 16:16:19 -0700

Two years w/out my recorder, many phone calls to tech support and all it took to fix the endless annoying problem was a good whack. Go Figure.
Thanks.

Patty
Thu, 13 Jul 2006 13:47:09 -0700

well smacked my dcr-trv245e and it works fine. thanx Debbie.

Anthony very happy
Sat, 15 Jul 2006 10:51:23 -0700

Newest member of the "Whack-A-Cam"! Even with all the success stories here, I was a bit apprehensive. However a few whacks cleared the problem. Thanks Deb!

AJ
Sat, 15 Jul 2006 18:15:27 -0700

This is almost comic; like the old "my TV doesn't work"-joke. But my camcorder (TVR-330E) is working againg now, thanks to the "Smack the Camera Club"! Anyone in for a SCC T-shirt?

Stein Åge Sørlie
Sun, 16 Jul 2006 01:30:40 -0700

My Sony TRV-250E stopped working with a C:31:22 error (at the end of my holiday). Tried all the usual stuff, but one clean whack with the palm of my hand on the motor side cleared up the fault. Thanks Debbie. Has someone informed Sony, or is this their secret "repair"?

Ron H
Sun, 16 Jul 2006 07:09:07 -0700

The whacking didn't work for my TRV17... perhaps I need to get really pissed for it to work... :-(

Joel Ruiz
Mon, 17 Jul 2006 12:56:45 -0700

I have joined the thousands on this list... amazing.. SONY $ucks.. I spent 2 hrs on the phone with them.. why can't they read this board.. the estimate to fix was 220.00.. I could buy a new one at Circuit City for that much... Panasonic here I come...

Robb
Mon, 17 Jul 2006 15:58:46 -0700

The whack works for C31:22 error and pinging sound but it must be hard on the cassette side. My camera is a DCR- TRV something Sony Digtal 8.

robr
Wed, 19 Jul 2006 06:25:28 -0700

I'm using DCR-PC9E. I just did the whack method. Unfortunately it did more harm because now I can't load the tape in anymore. The mechanism seems stuck. Well, it goes to show, whack at your own peril!

Andy Hun
Thu, 20 Jul 2006 00:02:23 -0700

My camera spewed this error message today at my kids soccer game, changed batteries, tapes, opened and closed it a bunch of times (missed 2 goals) My sony DCR-TRV350 is right next to me. I read the board..all the way back to "Slammin' Debbie" I turned on my camera anticipating that I would have to slap the piss from it.....no error message, it records fine. I think that the slap has transcended the physical. Sorry to see that I'm not alone with the tortuous error code. I've sent it for repair (Sears repair center) 3x...works for a week, errors again. Now I'm prepared...thank you...thank you all.

Brad
Thu, 20 Jul 2006 22:05:51 -0700

Brad
Fri, 21 Jul 2006 08:05:03 -0700

I didn't even have to hit it too hard and only once. A good swift smack on the side did the trick and no problems since

Dan Garcia
Sat, 22 Jul 2006 13:21:22 -0700

I guess I've just joined the "wack-a-cam" club! My TRV11 would not eject the tape and then gave me the C:31:23 in VTR mode. Just for yucks used the wack approach. Worked perfectly. Gotta love it...

Arthur J
Sat, 22 Jul 2006 14:03:50 -0700

Thanks Debbie. I had not smacked any elctronics since I was a kid and it really did the trick back then. I will listen to my inner child more frequently now. Thanks to you. Now, if I can just take my foot out of the big screen t.v. ;)

favbal
Sat, 22 Jul 2006 15:39:50 -0700

favbal
Sat, 22 Jul 2006 15:40:36 -0700

Good news! It works for C:32:11 too. I think Debbie should set up a business - "Smack My Sony".

Phil
Sun, 23 Jul 2006 11:25:02 -0700

As soon as I bought a dvd recorder to burn all of my old hi-8 tapes i got the c:31:22. I was ready to buy another unit but I stumbled on this site and now my freshly-wacked camera is back in action. Thanks!

Tor
Sun, 23 Jul 2006 19:34:43 -0700

I read Debbie's comment saying that she hit her camera, i thought this sounded a bit odd considering i took my camera to a specialist and they said i would have to pay a large amount of money to get my camera fixed, so i opted for a new camera, but i decided to sort the problem out with my old camera, so i hit it, then took the tape out and put it back in, and to my suprise my camera is working again!!! Good simple but effective advice Debbie!

Alex
Mon, 24 Jul 2006 14:56:55 -0700

I was a bit suspicous about this whacking story at first so i did not hit too hard but... I ended up upset and whacked once and for all, and...yes...it worked. Just whack it hard.

Basti
Tue, 25 Jul 2006 16:37:53 -0700

Tried the smacking technique and it was not working. I have a DCR-PC5. What I found out was that the camera did not like a tape fully rewound. When I inserted a tape that was not rewound completely(in the middle) it worked fine. So, I manually fast forwarded my tape with a screw driver and it successfully tricked the camcorder - and it works fine.

to manually fast-forward a tape: Place the tape down on a table. hold down the release lock on the bottom of the tape. Use a screwdriver on the left hand wheel and turn counter clock-wise for a few turns. When you turn the camera back on try to fast forward a bit more.

hopefully this works for some of you - and you don't have to whack it.

eric
Thu, 27 Jul 2006 13:47:12 -0700

Can it really be as easy as this?? I tried everything just as everyone else did prior to beating the hell out of the thing and guess what...it worked!! Who knows...

John
Fri, 28 Jul 2006 04:57:11 -0700

I am also expieriencing this problem.

How Hard do i have to beat my camera to fix it up?

Pepijn
Sun, 30 Jul 2006 16:36:52 -0700

After speaking with a "technical support" he quickly informed me that the camera needed to be sent to Laredo for Sony to service. The cost would only be $219.00 and you have to send it off. I am so glad I found this website, because all it took was a pop on its side and it WORKS!!

Darla
Mon, 31 Jul 2006 19:23:26 -0700

Bought a jammed-up Sony DCR-TRV340, on the cheap, with a bad "trap door"... Whacking Works!!! Temporary Wonders??? My Hand Hurts!!! It appears that "Consumer Reports" doesn't know what "Hell Hath Sony Wrought On The Camcorder Consumer" with these "bottom loader - trap door - tape traps"... Sony's contraption is a "CON-TRAP-SHUN"!!! Sony Support is in the Baloney Business!!! Sony: Fix the Fuckers for Free!!! Mark...08/01/06

Mark Bertneski
Tue, 01 Aug 2006 17:40:50 -0700

Yep...I cannot believe it but the smacking thing works. Unbelievable. Thank you so much. Customer support (overseas) told me I had to have it serviced for $150. I told her I would rather throw it out the window and that I will NEVER buy Sony again!!

Hettie Weber
Wed, 02 Aug 2006 09:58:23 -0700

I can't believe I actually beat it. Well uh ya Error code gone tvr330 Stunned.

Mark
Wed, 02 Aug 2006 21:07:43 -0700

I am using the sony dcr-trv240 and that c:31:23 error came up, then went away, but now the digital playback skips a beat every second, yet the hi8 playback works absolutely fine. Any suggestions?

Mark
Thu, 03 Aug 2006 06:16:21 -0700

Now I have a "smacked", perfectly well running TRV-255E. Technology from Stone Age...

sim
Thu, 03 Aug 2006 09:54:36 -0700

Okay, fine. Slapping the camera works for some.

This implies a mechanical problem.

So WHAT is CAUSING this mechanical problem?

If someone can figure this out, then we don't have to go banging on our units.

Mike
Fri, 04 Aug 2006 09:43:23 -0700

I got the C:31:23 error too, and I gave it a good smack and it worked! Thanks to everyone, especially Debbie who posted the fix!

Jack
Fri, 04 Aug 2006 11:25:15 -0700

I've beat the crap out of mine and it's still being an ass!

Muchas gracias para nada, everyone

Kaylee
Fri, 04 Aug 2006 18:01:31 -0700

Because of Sony's attitude to this problem I will never buy Sony again (except maybe a PSP!).

Never Buy Sony Again
Sat, 05 Aug 2006 13:22:39 -0700

I reckon from reading how many cameras have been fixed just by hitting it and even hitting my own camera to fix it which worked, that i am a proud member of the 'Hit the Sony Club' :D haha
give sony a bash, that'll straighten them out :P haha

Azza
Sun, 06 Aug 2006 03:58:46 -0700

Thank you, it really worked even for my old CCD-TRV95E, and that thing is really old:p

Bregt
Tue, 08 Aug 2006 11:14:52 -0700

Thanx for all the advice......im at work right now...fun...but i will not be afraid to give my cam a good whackin when i get home........with my luck the error occured on a trip that i have been waitin for.....a yellowstone trip and it happened when Old Faithful erupted....SONY SUX! GRRRRR! given the fact that im 17 and really into film making you can tell im pissed.........THANX DEBBIE I WILL TRY YOUR IDEA TONITE!!! my cam deserves a good strong smack!!

cold fry
Wed, 09 Aug 2006 10:11:46 -0700

I ran across Debbies "whack a camera" solution several months ago and it worked for me...my company has half a dozen D-8 and mini DV sonys...recently had a trv 350 throwing C31:42 EC's (it would not take a tape in) GUESS WHAT? yep, I suggest hitting the bottom of the camcorder for this problem....

Bruce
Wed, 09 Aug 2006 13:34:29 -0700

OMG IT WORKED!!!!!!!!!!!!HOLY COW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!DEBBIE YOU ARE MY HERO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WHOO HOO!!!!!!!!!OMG IF YOU CAM IS MISBEHAVING SMACK THE CRAP OUT OF IT IT TRULY TRULY UNBELIVEABLY WORKS!!!
SRRY IM JUST SOOOOOOO HAPPY

cold fry
Thu, 10 Aug 2006 21:39:47 -0700

Thanks everyone. I've got a DCR - PC5E and whacking it really hard on the base solved the error message problem. Hilarious but true!

Adam Robertson
Fri, 11 Aug 2006 14:23:39 -0700

Thanks everybody for these comments. I gave my camcorder a couple of punches in the side, and the error message dissapeared and it works perfect once again. Probably saved a lot of bucks, thanks again everybody.

Stian, Norway
Fri, 11 Aug 2006 15:06:15 -0700

hey guys i just relized DON'T do this with a ccd-trv308 because it worked for two days and then i got bombarded by error messages please help if u have suggestions

cold fry
Fri, 11 Aug 2006 20:05:50 -0700

People you wont believe it But the Smacking theory its true it WORKS!!! I Had the error C31:22 I tried different brands of cassettes, nothing appearead to work. I did not want to buy another camera to finish transfer my video8 cassettes so I decided to use the smack method recommended. Yes I am another satisfied person!!!

Smack it Once again It works!!!
Mon, 14 Aug 2006 10:33:58 -0700

In case you haven't read it enough - it worked for me to.

1) shut it off (leave the tape in)
2) whack the tape side as if you were loosening a jar of pickles
3) remove tape
4) re-in sert tape

voila! error gone

Chris
Mon, 14 Aug 2006 16:38:05 -0700

i have a sony 330e and had the error code c:31:40 and nothing i did worked thanks to everyone who suggested hitting the thing... it worked for me too!

davnor1
Wed, 16 Aug 2006 04:14:31 -0700

a Solid 2 years of posts and everyone slaps, wacks, punches, slaps, or womps their pricey camcorders.... i did it too and now my TRV250 is working fine....watched video from the last time i used it.... 1 and 1/2 years old...

FearTheReaper21
Thu, 17 Aug 2006 02:01:27 -0700

I really can not believe. But i whacked the cam that had the error C::31:xx. And it worked well..Thanks so much..

Tebesir
Thu, 17 Aug 2006 09:59:48 -0700

Hooooooooooly shi*

looked for ages on net for a solution to this problem, c31, 23 dvr245e

came across this page, removed strap from side of camera, opened tape insert mechanism, twisted the two wheels, closed mechanism, smacked lightly with open palm, and perfection :-)

According to the manual a C 31 code means you can fix the problem yourself.

the 23 obviously means JUST GIVE IT A HIT :-)

starman
Fri, 18 Aug 2006 23:46:23 -0700

P.S Thanks to all for the advice, especially debbie who came up with such a hilarious fix.

starman
Fri, 18 Aug 2006 23:48:05 -0700

yup, 2 slaps did the trick for me. Here I was thinking I will need to buy a new camcorder.
Thanks for advice

hks
Sat, 19 Aug 2006 17:39:16 -0700

DCR-TRV 285E
1 good firm smack. Don't be wimpish and it will save loads of time and cash with Sony Inc- May they rest in peace.

Hayden
Sun, 20 Aug 2006 04:55:15 -0700

I have successfully joined the whacking club... I really wouldnt be surprised if sony designed it that way.

dcr-pc9e
Sun, 20 Aug 2006 10:17:13 -0700

WOW! You really can find anything on the internet. I found a web site that told me I might need to clean the heads, so I started to take it apart and realized I had no clue what the hell I was doing...so while looking up how to clean the heads, I found this web site and three good whacks and I am officially in the club...Thank god I only took out three screws:) I only paid $150 for mine over a year ago, someone put the wrong price on it and there was no way I was paying $240 to fix it. THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH

Raymond
Sun, 20 Aug 2006 21:08:56 -0700

Just bought used Sony TRV340 on eBay. Rewind and Fast Forward wouldn't work, resulting in C:31:31 error code. Almost sent back to seller with bad feedback, but then tried spanking it, and it corrected the problem!

Hope CPS (Camcorder Protective Services) doesn't hear of this!!

C.D., Texas
Mon, 21 Aug 2006 09:27:27 -0700

Great. I hit my camera TRV120 and magically the C:31:23 disappear. I think that would be a great idea post the place where the hit works, i my case I hit several times in the tape site wihtout good results, When I hit harder in the bottom tape site, everything works!

Thank you again!

Charlie, Costa Rica
Mon, 21 Aug 2006 14:21:59 -0700

I have a trv 250 about 1 1/2 years old . Started getiing
31 : 23 crap but before reading any boards I sprayed the entire inside with contact cleaner for elecrical boards etc. Then dried it by a fan ( that stuff evaporates quickly ) Reinserted tape and got a new error ! 31 : 40 ! I then started reading blogs etc and decided to give something a try I'm pretty familiar with . Whacking . I whacked the shit out of that thing front and side . All tapes exept the one I first encountered the problem with now work ! Beat your sony till its dead then never buy another one !

Glenn
Mon, 21 Aug 2006 17:09:47 -0700

I use this camera (TRV250) to film some of our gigs and was heartbroken when it stopped working and I had that annoying little message. I was about to throw it against the wall when i read "Debbie's" post at the beginning of this thread. I whacked the sh*t out of both sides of the camera and when I turned it back on it worked with no problems whatsoever! I was laughing so hard I started crying...this is brilliant!!!!! I would like to give my undying thanks to DEBBIE for posting this....if ever you are in Philadelphia, drop me an email and you will have dinner and drinks on me and the rest of After The Fall!!!!

John Madeley of After The Fall
Mon, 21 Aug 2006 22:25:31 -0700

I suggest that since Debbie was the first one to post the whack-a-camera fix and basically saved us all hundreds of dollars....and since there seem to be hundreds of people who were saved thanks to her suggestion....we should all mail her a card or even better, have everyone here send her a dollar or something....it would turn out to be a ton of money for her!!!!

John Madeley of After The Fall
Mon, 21 Aug 2006 22:46:06 -0700

Worked for me too. 3 good whacks then replaced the tape. I had another sony camera that stoped working three years ago - maybe I should have whacked that one too.

Terry C
Tue, 22 Aug 2006 10:18:15 -0700

Will someone help me? I have smacked, kicked, chucked, and punched my annoying piece of junk and the stupid message won't go away. If u have any suggestions please post them or email me @ [email protected]

cold fry
Tue, 22 Aug 2006 10:31:12 -0700

C:31:23 and C:31:40!!! Googled my error and here I am. First tried whacking the C:31:23 error out my 3 year old VX2000 and then it gave me a C:31:40. Tape wouldn't eject...I became frightened! (Wedding this weekend!) Powered down, waited and prayed. Took the battery off and gave it AC. Powered up, ejected the tape and looked inside. Took a swab and poked around to find what looked like something you'd find wrapped around the bottom of a vacuum roller on a little spindle toward the rear side of cam and got the tweezers out to remove it. Looked like cocoon webbing or something! I recently switched to a different brand tape because I was in a hurry one day and couldn't find the Panasonic brand I normally use. (I actually bought a sony brand tape.) I've read that switching brands is bad and I've only used Panasonic for 3 years. When I opened up the cassete on the sony tape it looked all scratched up and weird. Camera works fine again and learned a big lesson...DON"T SWITCH BRANDS!!!

Nicholette
Tue, 22 Aug 2006 10:42:19 -0700

The camera spanking works but I did also put a cleaning tape in for the first spanking and a regular tape for the second. I suppose it was a stuck gear like someone else said. Guess what I just saved myself $150 by researching the internet and avoiding the repair bandits but perhaps this is just a bandaid. I don't know but time will tell. Thank you a billion times. I am getting ready to film a special family gathering.

Donna N.
Wed, 23 Aug 2006 20:34:39 -0700

I can't believe it my trv-250 has been broke for months. In desperation I went looking for a fix one last time on the internet. Here I am. I had the c31:23 error, smacked it good, and now i have a fully functioning camcorder. Thanks to everyone.. Its soo amazing..

Marcus
Thu, 24 Aug 2006 17:29:29 -0700

Trv240 - I did hit the machine and the door did finally open. The roller had fallen off but now will not stay on. Moral - do not buy anything except TV's from Sony. They have become too big and arrogant. They think they can sell us anything with their name on it. I have so many consumer items from Sony that have broken down that I should have my head examined.

mm
Sat, 26 Aug 2006 13:51:59 -0700

WOW, TRV350, borrowed it from my cousin to transfer some video to my computer and got the infamous C:31:42 code. Called Sony, $211.00 flat rate to fix... Read this thread and figured I have nothing to lose. Sure enough, smacked it a few times and it is working perfectly!!!! Unbelieveable!

Art
Sat, 26 Aug 2006 15:16:11 -0700

Piano recital, first day of school...missed taping both...so frustrated...FOUND THIS THREAD...
Whacked my TRV-480... ONCE...Wacked it TWICE...LEFT SIDE...RIGHT SIDE...ONCE on the BOTTOM...(all with tape engaged and with camera ON)...It's BACK IN BUSINESS! Works for DISHWASHERS too! Also KODAK EasyShare 4900 Zoom... (this one needed to be dropped 4 feet a couple of times on a carpeted surface.

Sherwin Williams could develop a "sideline"...you know those paint mixing machines? Shake it up baby!

Thanx for the idea!

-Barry

Barry
Mon, 28 Aug 2006 05:59:53 -0700

So, smacked my camera progressively harder, which didnt work, and now the eject mechanism's jammed, too.

Argh!

Chris
Mon, 28 Aug 2006 07:08:05 -0700

Actually, I take it back. It's since worked!

It's nice to see how nothing changes with technology...!

Thank you so much!

Chris
Mon, 28 Aug 2006 07:21:09 -0700

Having C:21:23 error, I tried replacing the tape with a new one. he error message gone, and even when I returned the first one, the problem didn't showed up again.

David

David
Thu, 31 Aug 2006 01:02:15 -0700

The problem with these C:32:? codes is usually a bad solder joint associated with the tape slackness sensor. Whacking your camera re-establishes a contact on the solder joint temporarily but to really cure the problem the joint needs to be repaired which requires quite a lot of work. Whack it too hard and you may cause other faults to appear.

Dave
Fri, 01 Sep 2006 09:20:37 -0700

This whack job sounded wack BUT! It just worked for me after several weeks down I tried everything on the Sony site and went to the Net and tried this site. Wham smack Bam! It's working now a couple of whacks on the cassette side and one along the top put in the tape no more error!

Thanks Debbie!!!! You saved me bucks a long hold times DCR TRV480

James
Fri, 01 Sep 2006 18:44:15 -0700

Thank You. I have a Sony TRV235 which showed C31:42. After reading your advices and done a little beating on the tape side (without the tape inside)it start working.

Dragos
Sun, 03 Sep 2006 14:07:11 -0700

I had the same error code: C:31:23 on DCR-PC120. I tried to rewind and it worked perfectly, showing time counter, remaining time etc. Then I tried to forward it and had the same error which I got when I tried to play. All cassettes gave the same results. This made me imagine that there might be something wrong with a tape path in this camcorder.
When I looked at the inside of the camcoder, I found that one black rubber roller was not in the right position. I pushed it back to the right position and then it started working well again. I dislocated the roller by a forceps to see what will happen and the same error message came back.
For unknown reason, this roller is not fixed/held by , for example, a screw. So, if you hold the camera without loading a tape, the roller dislocates easily, resulting in C:31:23. This is a reason why smacking sometimes help to fix the problem.
Try to look inside to find if the roller is in correct position. It will be find near a head drum.
Hope it work!!

Gen
Sun, 03 Sep 2006 15:34:46 -0700

P.S.

The roller can come off from the spindle. I hope the roller is still there.

Gen
Sun, 03 Sep 2006 15:48:35 -0700

Hi...I remember I tried this a few years ago with my old TRV310...used to work for pixelation out of firewire port and for the C: error messages...tried it again tonight and whacked the holy crap out of it... hit it so hard it wouldn't receive an electric current...took it apart to retrieve the tape that had been in there for two years and tore through some connections in the process, took a rubber mallet to it after I retrievd my tape...

...resisted the temptation to list it as a parts camera on ebay and threw it the trash all smashed up and such...

...gonna head to Costco or Wal-mart to get a new digital 8 camera to finish the same transfers, have a feeling I'm gonna get that error message down the road so I'll return the new camera when I'm finished transferring for a complete refund and stick to my newer hd cameras from here on in...

Tino
Sun, 03 Sep 2006 23:12:41 -0700

Unbelievable. I tried for several days to clear two erros; 32:11 and 31:11 without success. I bought a new battery - no change. I smacked the side of the camera (hard) and the tape ejected on command and the camera works. Time will tell if this was a good long term correction, but thanks nonethelesss.

Gasper Gulotta
Mon, 04 Sep 2006 16:20:47 -0700

I have a TRV280 and the error code 31:23 came up and I was mad. I use the cam daily for my work and got on here looking for help. I am now a member of wack a cam and it WORKS ......

Thanks Debbie

Eric
Mon, 04 Sep 2006 17:20:31 -0700

I have a TRV330 and after removing a tape the camera would not pull a new tape in after closing the inner compartment. With no tape, the compartment will motor in. I tried using other tapes and the original tape pulled with no success. After three good wacks to the bottom, I inserted a tape noticing that the head this time spun up fast instead of just twithing and then VOILA it WORKS.
Thanks

Greg
Wed, 06 Sep 2006 15:16:03 -0700

works pretty good:0 thanx dudes!

joab
Sat, 09 Sep 2006 04:09:49 -0700

Today I had Problem with my sony cam TRV250 with error c:31:22 then I search problem in internat and found salpping Smack solution. then I tryed and Belive me its work for me

Iftikhar
Sat, 09 Sep 2006 19:50:04 -0700

i did not believe it would work for one second...i've had this problem numerous times before and it seems like it just randomly chooses when to work again...but looks like its about time i joined the club...i just smacked my camera back into its senses, and its working now... ITS A FREAKIN MIRACLE! thank you all!

Ty
Mon, 11 Sep 2006 16:49:50 -0700

I had the problem with the error c:31:40 and was reluctant to smack my TRV315 so I took a different approach. I took the outer cover off the cassette bay (two small phillips head screws) and cycled the camera through power on/off and insert/eject. To my suprise, It now works. Amazing!

Frank
Tue, 12 Sep 2006 09:27:53 -0700

I have a ccd-trv308 hi8 analog camcorder and i did smack it and i worked for like two days then i got bombarded by error messages. So took a rubber mallet to it and it wouldn't turn on. SO i hit the reset button and to my surprise it worked. But the error message is still there, does somebody have a blowtorch?? lol SONY SUX

Cold Fry
Wed, 13 Sep 2006 01:05:50 -0700

Yep... smacking the camcorder worked for me too. Thank goodness. You saved me a bundle!

Puzzle
Wed, 13 Sep 2006 20:11:10 -0700

TRV25 same problem C31:23
Solution: take out the tape, look for a black rubber thingy in the tape deck, push the rubber thingy back down in to its proper position, reinsert tape...and voila, eveything works. :)
No smacking and abusing camera needed.

Swinada
Wed, 13 Sep 2006 22:40:37 -0700

I could not believe it, but I also had the 31:23 code and smacking it on the side fixed it. Thanks a lot !!!!

Larry
Sat, 16 Sep 2006 13:48:44 -0700

We cant believe it,We tried some diferents things such cleanning de tape, insert and re insert de casette, disconnecting the battery pack, etc but only the "Slap Method" worked, tnx,

Maria & Cesar
Sat, 16 Sep 2006 14:03:48 -0700

I think I know why smacking works: I have a sony camcorder that felt down from my shoulder accidently. First I did not see any problem in recording and VCR but later I got that beep-beep and nasty C 31:23 code over and over.
Last night I tooke the tape out and closed the door with out tape, then when I opend it again, one smal white plastic thing jumped out and I found that this small part was the source of problem.
Thus, like when you have a small stone in your shoes, it bothers camera's gears, thus by smacking, it goes some where that there is no gear.
I recommend you to open the camera door and smack it smootly to see if any UFO (unidentified Foreign Object) exists or not!!

Hamid Agha
Sun, 17 Sep 2006 00:39:51 -0700

Hey thanks--this just worked for me too. I love the 'smack solution' to technology.

Stephen
Mon, 18 Sep 2006 13:54:46 -0700

I smacked the crap out of my camera but still i get that nasty C:31:22 error! Im cameraless Help!!!

Victor
Tue, 19 Sep 2006 10:53:58 -0700

C:31:23 Sony Camera.

SMACK IT ON TAPE SIDE WITH PALM VERY HARD 10 TIMES THEN REWIND, and THEN TURN OFF AND ON!

IT WILL WORK 99%!

Yan Krupnik
Tue, 19 Sep 2006 22:02:13 -0700

I have a DCR-TRV39 and just smacked it around awhile and finally it started working again. Some of my abuse didn't seem to be successful at getting rid of the error but made me feel better.

It did work though when I smacked it a bit then ejected the tape and then took the battery off, turned the camera on and pressed record ( still without battery). This puts a charge on the camera and gets rid of any residual power, resetting the camera. Then you can turn the camera back on and reinsert the battery and it should work.

Scott Crawford
Thu, 21 Sep 2006 13:45:40 -0700

my trv320 doesn't respond to smacking, actually it was tumbling down the hill with me that over smacked it. it definatly needs to be accessed from the back of the transport. somebody able to point me to some disassemble directions. i get stuck after removeing the outer case.

joeoski
Sat, 23 Sep 2006 08:39:04 -0700

trv480, reinsert cassette, whack the side, and it works??? Sure it does. BRB, gonna go beat my camera. . . . . .

hahahah, it works fine now, how lame is that? I was ready to go get a new camera, now I can transfer all my old stuff and finally get a decent new camera. hanks for the ridiculous repair tip!

Allan
Sat, 23 Sep 2006 10:43:27 -0700

The smaking worked here in Norway as well ;)

Linda
Sun, 24 Sep 2006 08:43:32 -0700

I had the same error code, resetting didn't work, smacking it didn't either. Took the tape out and manualy wound the tape to about the middle and then it worked. Thanks to everyone's comments! If not for this forum I probably would have just given up..

Deanna
Sun, 24 Sep 2006 13:08:17 -0700

Used my DCR-TRV 530 for a week at the beach, and when back at home, got C:31:23 error message.
Tried reset, tried ventilation to get rid of moisture. Sony's Manual only said I could fix it by myself.
Finally followed Debbie's advice and smaked it a couple of times on the tape side... and guess what:
Spanking also works in Brazil!!!
Thanks for the money I saved!

jimito
Sun, 24 Sep 2006 16:05:36 -0700

I also have a Sony TRV250E and have been pissed off for over a year with this error C31-23! I've been using the smack it hard and hope technique for a while but after looking into the problem for a few hours today I really believe I have solved it!!!!!!
When you open the cassette door and eject the tape look at the left hand side reel drive and you will see a small white dog which engages with the gear on the reel drive. On my Cam this was locked into place, if you move the reel driver a little with your finger it will spring away.. Reinsert the cassette and the problem went away!!!!
I reckon that when the cam is smacked that this frees this little dog.

Maybe there is a design fault with this part of the mechanism. I'm not sure..

Anyway this fix has worked for me up to now(fingers crossed) lol

The attached pic shows what I mean. The green arrrow point to the thing which I reckon is causing us all this hassle.

CHRIS (UK)

Let me know how it goes.. Do I become famous for this fix. lol

Attached Image:

SonyTRV250Eforforum.jpg

Chris
Sun, 24 Sep 2006 16:09:38 -0700

WOW! I LOVE DEBBIE! I hit it now it works no more c:31 crap! vx2000
Thanks!

Sean
Mon, 25 Sep 2006 00:23:32 -0700

I have a VX2000. Tried whacking a little bit, but a little nervous because the camera was so expensive. Didn't work. For me it seems to be just a particular tape that I have left in the machine. Maybe I'm crazy, but perhaps the camera writes the code to the tape. I put another tape in and it is fine. I took the problem tape and manually wound it some, put it back in and it's fine.

Marc

Marc
Thu, 28 Sep 2006 22:08:07 -0700

Had the same problem with mine while at a Temptations concert tonight. Five minutes into the concert.Wish I had read this site earlier. Just slapped my Sony TR517 and the error code went away and now it plays fine.

glen
Fri, 29 Sep 2006 21:39:00 -0700

wow. i hope Debbie comes back and reads these comments. Was close to scrapping my dcr when i did the ol' whack and now it works fine. Thanks.

Han
Sat, 30 Sep 2006 19:53:21 -0700

Can't believe it! I was getting the same "reinsert cassette" on my Sony DCR-HC42. I always complained that my husband was too "heavy-handed," because he'd break everything he touched! This time, his heavy handed whacking did the trick! Unbelievable!!! I guess I'll stop complaining! THANK YOU so much for the suggestion.

Chaka
Sun, 01 Oct 2006 11:10:27 -0700

I took mines to the local electronics shop ( a Sony dcr-trv280) and they say its the Tape Transport...fuck sony! They are real silent about the 22 error...

Rico
Tue, 03 Oct 2006 08:34:58 -0700

i sent this email to Sony!

Recently I discussed the option of repairing my digital8 camcorder. I purchased my camcorder not too long ago and therefore my warranty is void. I can't afford to put $141.00 dollars worth of work into this camcorder I already spent money on. So I decided to go online and find some information on the error codes c31:23 and I discovered a thread of unhappy customers of Sony camcorders. I believe you corporation owes more to its customers than a product that has an infamous problem. The website that exposes the camcorders is