Solution for nikon "lens Cover Error"

Nikon Coolpix S5/S6 “LENS COVER ERROR”
 
In this document I have given a solution to fix the problem most of the Nikon coolpix S5/S6 cameras face. At power –on it give an error “Lens Cover Error”
 
Before opening the camera I would suggest you to take a snap of each and every step. Because it will helpful while you are fixing the screws back. There are many screws which has to be opened. So better take a photo of each and every step.
 
IMP NOTE: Remove the battery before opening the camera. Use some antistatic strip to prevent the components from getting damaged Or Keep your feet touched to the floor such that your body remains grounded.
 
Follow the below steps in the given order:
 
Step 1> Remove the screws at the bottom of camera


Step 2>Remove the side screws


Step 3> Remove the side screws as given below .


Step 4>Lift the cover and remove the cables which connects the switches to the camera. These cables are fitted in a small connector. There is a tiny lock (present for few connectors)  on the connector, which on pulling it across its hinges, will open and the cable comes out easily. You need not pull it forcefully.


Step 5> Remove the screw as shown below


Step 6> Lift the screen as shown below.


Step 7> Remove the cables and screws as shown below.


Step 8> Lift the screen panel as given below.



Step 9>
Remove cables as shown below.



Step 10>
Remove the cables as given below.


Step 11> Remove cables.


Step 12> Remove cables
 


Step 13> Remove the 4 wires using a soldering iron.


Step 14>


Step 15> Removing at this stage is a bit difficult. You will have to open it cleverly. Lift it from the side as shown below.


Step 16>


Step 17>Below figure shows the lens cover and the stepper motor which controls the lens civer.


Step 18> To remove the stepper motor remove the screws as given below.


Step 19> Below figure shows the stepper motor used for lens cover


Step 20> Below figure shows the stepper motor which is used to control the lens cover. There is a small white switch on this motor. This Switch is used by the camera to detect whether the camera lens cover has is open or closed. When we switch on the camera the lens cover (which is shown in step 17) opens and in turn it presses the white switch show below. If the lens cover is unable to press this switch, then the error “Lens cover Error” flashes on the camera.
I would suggest 3 different ways to solve this problem.
1>     Fix some glue on the white switch shown in the below figure, such that it remains pressed forever. Because of this, camera will never give the error message. Remove the lens cover (which is shown in step 17) forever. You don’t  need it anymore. Now fix the below stepper motor back in the camera and follow the steps in the reverse order to fix the camera components.
2>     Buy a new stepper motor from the market. Its quite cheap. Fix it back in the camera. Here you need not remove the lens cover. Follow the steps in the reverse order to fix the camera.
3>     In this method you can open the stepper motor to fix the problem. Now follow the steps given below.



Step 21>
Remove the screws as shown below.


Step 22> Remove the gears one-by-one. See the placements because you have place them again in the right order.


Step 23>


Step 24> The gear shown below is the culprit. Remove it. There is a tension spring present inside this gear. Do remember the position of this gear before removing this gear. Its placement is very important.


Step 25> The spring is shown below.


Step 26> Now the switch shown in step 20 does not get pressed because of reduced tension of the spring. Increase the tension of this spring by pulling it in opposite direction. Place the spring back in the gear and follow the steps in the reverse order to solve the problem. Now because of increased tension of the spring, the lens cover will be able to Press the switch shown in fig 20.


Happy debugging
Mukesh