Unfortunately, you'll need to do some work to find the issue with your telephone. Currently, it isn't receiving a dial tone. First, for a cordless phone system, check if the base has power. (Make sure that the power adapter plugged into the base and the adapter is warm. Try another outlet if the adapter is cool.) Check that all handsets/phones are off/on hook.
Next try changing the RJ-11 phone cord between the base and the jack. (I've seen someone plug in a handset cord between a telephone and the wall jack.) For the rest of my trouble-shooting, I like to use an old-fashioned corded phone. These don't require power to test the POTS line at other locations. First, try plugging the RJ-11 cord into the test phone and lifting the handset. If it has a dial tone, then the problem is with the original phone. (If you had no dial tone with either phone and you have DSL, try replacing the DSL filter if it is inside. If the filter is in the service box, contact the telephone company.)
Next, take your test phone to another phone jack for the same number. If you have a dial tone here, then the first jack has a wiring problem. This could be in the jack or the wiring to the jack from the incoming line. The jack is easier to check. Take off the face plate and look for loose wires. The jacks come in two forms: keystone and screw terminal. For the first, do not strip the conductors and secure them with a punch-down tool. (The tool is available at most hardware stores in the electrical section.) Use
https://www.lanshack.com/wire_phone_jack.aspx for the correct pin locations. For the other type of jack, you need to strip the conductor before securing it under the appropriate screw.
If you did not have a dial tone at the second jack, find the incoming service box. Open the box and check if there are RJ-11 jacks inside. If there are, plug in the test phone and check for a dial tone. If there is no dial tone or the service connections aren't RJ-11, contact your phone service provider. They can test the line and should repair outside problems for free. Outside problems can be caused by rodents chewing on the wires, a careless contractor digging or other issues. If you recently had a service call, check for an obvious loose wire. I once found that three out of four lines were plugged in after the service upgrade. After locating the misplaced wire behind the siding, I just plugged it in to solve the issue. The telephone company technicians can also fix inside wiring issues. However, there will be a charge for that.
If your cordless phone has an option for pairing with a cell phone, make sure that your phone has signal. Bring the phone close to the base and that you use the correct line to dial using the cell service.
I hope this helps.
Cindy Wells
(Copper wiring is most at risk from animal damage. Fiber Optic phone service problems can include a faulty modem in the service box. The symptoms of that can start with intermittent loss of telephone and internet service.)
×