Troubleshooting
    

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   Troubleshooting  


No matter what brand DirecTV system you have there are only a few things that can go wrong.  The receiver, the LNB, the wiring, the remote, or Dish tuning.  I offer these trouble shooting steps to DirecTV customers.  However  I hold no responsibilities for customer errors.  The following troubleshooting steps are provided with no liability.  I always recommend having a professional DTV expert check your system.

1st if there is an On Screen Message appearing at the bottom of the screen, go to our On Screen Messages section.  Find your message in the Message Text and see what it says for the Description and Comments for that message.  

Click here for On Screen Messages.

 

Whether there is a message or not, please try these common fixes before calling for service.

Receiver:

bullet
Make sure your TV is on the proper channel and the VCR is off.  
bulletSoft reset: While the receiver is on push the down arrow on the receiver and the power button at the same time. Then release.
bulletHard reset: With the power on remove the access card, then unplug the unit for about 10 to 15 minutes. Plug the unit back into the power source and reinsert the card.  If you have more then one system in your home unplug all the IRDs. Sometimes power may be back feeding thru the cable wires from another IRD and will not allow that box to reset properly. 

 

Wiring:

bulletCheck ends to ensure a good connection.  You may want to disconnect the wires and make sure the fitting is properly crimped and that there are no little strands of wire inside causing a short.  We recommend replacing any and all push-on jumpers with wires that have proper threaded fitting.
bulletCheck for damaged areas on wire. (i.e. staples, sharp bends, cuts, etc.).
bulletTry bypassing any components between the receiver and TV. 

 

Remote:

bulletMost remote problems are best handled by calling the manufacturer or DirecTV at 800-531-5000. If you have replaced the batteries, don't forget you will have to reprogram the remote to control your TV and VCR.

LNB:

bulletIf you have a dual port LNB, and you only use one side, try switching the connection to the other side.  Only try re-peaking the dish as a last resort.  If the LNB is bad it will have to be replaced.
 

Dish Tuning:

bulletOnly try retuning the dish as a last resort if your On Screen Message says Searching For Satellite.  Never attempt to re-peak the dish in unless you know the proper method for finding the satellite.  If you are a Primestar by DirecTV customer, Bell Atlantic Video customer or have a service contract do NOT try to peak your dish.  Call for service. Prior to adjusting the dish, use a marker to mark the current location so you know where you started from.  Mark where the angle is set as well as the elevation.  Never attempt to tune your dish during a storm or when a storm is approaching your area.  Electrical interference may occur during bad weather causing a SEARCHING FOR SATELLITE message to appear.  If a storm is approaching, you may loose satellite reception even if it is not raining in your area at the time.  Signal interruptions can also be caused by solar flair-ups in the Spring and Fall.  These solar flair-ups usually last up to 15 minutes.

If you are still having problems, please call DirecTV at 1-800-531-5000 to set up a Service Call.  

 

For more Information try the following Links:

DIRECTV Troubleshooting Guide - Provided by Hughes

Hughes Satellite System

RCA Satellite Systems

Sony Satellite Systems

DIRECTV - How to Point Your DIRECTV Dish

 

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Last modified: Monday, February 02, 2004

     

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