Manual mode - f/number settings

You have got the wrong remote code!
I have copied this from the manual....

Set the command mode for the remote so it matches the command mode for the recorder you set above. Follow the steps below to set the command mode on the remote. A Hold down ENTER. B While holding down ENTER, enter the command mode code number using the number buttons. Command Mode DVD1 - number button 1 DVD2 - number button 2 DVD3 - number button 3 C Hold down both the number buttons and ENTER at the same time for more than three seconds.


The correct "default" for the remote is DVD3!
The full manual is available free on this website:
http://www.manualslib.com/manual/228795/Sony-Rdr-Gx360.html?page=23#manual

Set the shooting mode to one of the two remote modes. See "Shooting Mode" in the manual (pages 32-33 in my copy). If you need a manual you may download a copy from here.

I am assuming that you are in manual mode. It's on board computer has decided that to prevent camera shake or motion blur that the flash was needed. Now there are things you can do if you don't want the flash to fire. If you use one of the manual modes and set your ISO to a high ISO(800ish) and make sure your f-stop is set for the lowest number your lens will accept.
Play around and see what works for you. Chris

First, go to the time mode which displays week day, seconds and timeas opposed to calendar, seconds and time. To do so, touch and hold upper left sensor until the watch beeps. Then use the upper right button to switch to the proper time mode. Then touch and hold lower right sensor. This will send the watch into settings mode.

on the side of the lens check to be sure it is set to auto and not manual.

What lense are you using? you will not be able to set it lower than the minimum aperture of your lens, assuming it is the 18-55 which has a variable minimum aperture, it is 3.5-5.6 depending on where you have it set, at 18mm it will be 3.5 and as you zoom out it will raise to 5.6.

You will need to send it to Nikon to get the camera checked out - there is nothing user-serviceable that you can do.
Basically, you have broken it. Take more care with your expensive toys... use the strap, buy a silicone jacket, etc.

You are massively overexposing the picture. Manual mode means you have to set the exposure manually. You need to adjust the settings so that the light meter reads somewhere around the zero mark.

M mode is most useful for flash photography where you want a certain level of ambient illumination in the picture as well.

If you want some control over the camera but don't want to worry about exposure too much, use A and S modes. The manual will explain all of these modes.

Check the flash setting in the shooting mode (on Auto). Press the "?" button twice. You should see the flash mode window. Small box on the lower left for flash settings (hi-lighted in yellow, or navigate to it). Press OK to see and change flash settings to your preference.

I was having the same problem with my D40... but I read your post, tried switching the 18-55 lens to manual, then back to auto, and it seems to be working fine now. Hmmmm... think maybe there's a circuitry issue with the lens?