When I turn on my nikon coolpik p1 the lens doesn't fully open and screen tells me "lens error"

hi,
lens error occur normally when it fell or the lens shaken, if so open the camera, take the lens unit out, disassemble the lens unit, then fix it again properly. example below:
(this is not the told model)

Try the procedure in this tip.

This is an error due to programming of the camera. The lens is either sticking or not open fully as it should causing the camera to think the lens isn't open at all. I would try to download an update for your camera's software or have it sent in and upgraded.

This occurs when the spring inside the lens is out of place. Then, the lens is unable to move and autofocus, causing lens error. It is practically impossible to repair it yourself. You will only make it worse if you are not a trained professional. I have tried it myself on my Nikon P1 camera.
The best thing you can do is to take it to a service center for repairing. If the camera is under guarantee, then repairs will be free. If it is not under warranty, you can expect to pay under $50.
Cheers

try manually pulling on lens housing while powering on. if there is a grinding noise the gears are probably missing teeth.

sounds like maybe it's not extending fully, is the lens bent and preventing it from opening all the way?

No, even if you could find a lens for free this is not an easy camera to replace the lens on. Even a qualified tech would take up to an hour to replace. Understand that today's cameras low cost makes replacing the camera a better option than repairing a camera who's value used is less than the repair cost.

Try jiggling the lens. Use compressed air to blow out any grit around the lens barrel. If that doesn't do it, you'll need to get the camera serviced.

Hi , The lens cover error is because the stepper motor in the camera is unable to open the lens cover. I have a solution posted in doc "nikon s5 s6 lens cover error repair.doc"  uploaded on site http://www.esnips.com/web/papputatiyasStuff    It will be helpfull for you. You have written that your lense is broken. In that case you can follow the procedure given in my doc to open the camera. You can replace the camera lens if broken.
Happy debugging Mukesh

Did you send shop repair problem Lens??