I have a Sony DCR-TRV30 and it just gave me a self diagnosing error C:31:23 and I can not clear it even taking out battery and tape and reinserting it does not clear can you tell me what else I can try

DIY remove Hi8 tape stuck camcorder Check this link as it might help out to remove the cassette.

This can be caused by several problems including the transmission gear in the tape mechanism not engaging properly or a defective clutch in the take-up spool and can usually be repaired fairly inexpensively. However, it's not a user serviceable problem and will need to be repaired by a qualified service technician.

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This small back-up battery on my Sony is under the main big power battery, it is like a large screw under the main power pack, I just turn that screw and the little round lid comes off to get to the little silver flat back-up one.
They are readily available from most good camera shops like Jesops for around £12 to £15 each.

This worked for me: With camera power on, push RESET (located left of the rec button in the main panel).

I just looked at my Sony DCR-TRV30. Not the same, but perhaps similar. My camera records lengthy videos on tape and only brief videos on memory stick. I suggest that you stick to tape for video.
Good Luck
almarc13

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-list.pl?mdl=DCRTRV30

go here and click driver download

First, you have to disassemble the camcorder to get to the mechanism. Then once you get the mechanism separated from the rest of the unit, the cassette basket or tape loading mech has to be removed. Once you remove that, there is a dress panel with the tape sense LED attached that will have to be reomoved. Behind the dress panel is a swing gear that drives the reels. The swing gear depends on friction from a clutch behind the gear (but it's part of the gear). the reason it stops working is that the clutch wears out so the gear won't swing and engage the reels (Sony calls it a "gooseneck gear" p/n X-3950-364-1) Replace the gooseneck gear and that SHOULD take care of your problem. Also check to make sure the reelshaven't been bent, this sometimes happens if you "misload" a tape. Be sure to rate this solution. Thanks!

Turn the unit off and hit the back of the camera twice near the battery compartment with the palm of your hand. Sounds crazy but it worked with my camcorder Sony DCR-TRV480. Problem started when I used 8MM Head Cleaner. I think the roller got stuck inside camcorder. The trouble code came up C:31:22. Hope this helps.

Take the battery out and turn selection switch to camera and then turn it off. Put the battery back in and its working again.
if that doesn't work try
Try smacking the side of the camera relatively hard with the palm of your hand. Eject the tape and reinsert. You may need to do this a couple of times.

Take the battery out and turn selection switch to camera and then turn it off. Put the battery back in and its working again.
if that doesn't work try
Try smacking the side of the camera relatively hard with the palm of your hand. Eject the tape and reinsert. You may need to do this a couple of times.