Error 18 Lens retraction problem

I found this on cnet.com Hope it helps.

E18 quick fix

I'm sure that every1 looking at this right now would love to be able to do a quick fix for the dreaded E18 error. Well, I have fixed mine several time in less time that it takes to take a picture. So here it is: This error occurs when the lens is "stuck" or not extending "straight". The error can happen in 3 ways: either when the lens wont "come out", or "comes out" and then retracts, or does not retract at all. Mine did all of these at one stage or another.
1) If the lens doesn't extend at all or it extends, but then retracts again, do as follow:
Turn the camera off. Place the camera on it's back with the lens facing up and have a look at the "spacing" between the lens and the lens housing. You'll probably notice that the gap is NOT EVEN all the way around. To fix this, simply -VERY GENTLY- press down on the side where the gap is the biggest. You will hear a "click" as it pops back in place. Try powering it back on.
2) If the lens is extended all the time and won't retract at all, do as follow:
Turn the camera off. Take the camera in one hand and with the other gently, in turn, take the two part of the lens and gently move it round in a circular movement. Do so with both sections of the lens. You will once again hear a little "click" as it pops back in place. Power the camera on.
This has worked for me many times and it seems to happen when the camera has been carried around and possible had a little knock. I hope this is of help to someone else.

Hi,

"E18" indicates an error that involves the lens unit or lens cover in your camera .This error appears where the lens is prevented from properly extending or retracting .The error may also be displayed if the lens camera has been subjected to an external shock, or if a foreign substance (i.e. liquid, sand, dirt) enters the camera.Hold the camera so that your fingers do not touch the lens unit when you are shooting. Make sure the camera is off before the camera is placed back in the case. Exercise caution to ensure that the camera does not accidentally power on while the camera is stored inside the case.If you cannot clear the error code by turning the camera off and then on again, or if the error code is displayed frequently, a camera malfunction may have occurred and might require service from canon. Or else try pressing the power button on and held it down while extending the zoom lens. The lens will extend out and the camera will be freed from the error.

Thank you !!

Lens error is usually caused by mechanical faults concerning lens assembly. The lens cannot extend or retract fully, the error is detected and lens error is returned.
Sometimes this can be fixed playing with the lens during extraction or retraction to help the lens asset getting back to normal.
More often the camera lens must be disassembled and re-assembled by a technician to fix the problem.

This is not a common error on canon digital. This is caused due to possible short in zoom control circuit (main pcb). At normal use, if the lens does not retract due to mechanical jam, when the zoom control button is pressed, lens error 18 message supposed to be displayed. Since control circuit is shorted and faulty, error 18 message was not displayed. The remedy for this problem probably requires a replacement of a main pcb. Replacing a main circuit board may run around $100-140. -James

Lens errors (E18 errors on some Canons) are fairly common. Usually it's sand or grit interfering with the lens extension mechanism. Or the camera's been dropped with the lens extended. Or the camera has been powered on, but the lens had been blocked preventing its extension. Or the battery ran down with the lens extended ...

Here's some things that you can do to try to correct it. They only seem to work for less than 50% of the lens errors, but if the camera is out of warranty, they're worth a try:

http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/fixing-lens-error-on-digital-camera.html

The E18 error is an error message on Canon digital cameras. The E18 error occurs when anything prevents the zoom lens from properly extending or retracting.[1] The error has become notorious in the Canon user community as it can completely disable the camera, requiring expensive repairs.
A quick internet search for "E18" + "canon" quickly reveals hundreds of similar complaints.
ConsumerAffairs.com reports that the "lens has a feature called bellows claw, which is a gear that physically extends and retracts the lens. A piece that holds the lens, the barrier plate, is not large enough and can sometimes cause the bellows claw to malfunction, resulting in a stuck lens". The result is a black screen that only contains the error message, E18. Another problem mentioned on the site blames a sticky iris in the lens, caused by grease entering inside from the microphones built into the lens. The buildup freezes up the ability of the lens to open.

Hello there,
The E18 error is related to the LENS not able to retract fully. If it is still under warranty, I would advise you bring it to the nearest service center. This is to avoid further damages. Otherwise, you can try a few things below.
There are a couple of things you can do.
1. Turn it on and then off. Spray canned air around the lens.
If trick 1 will not work out, try this.
2. Make sure the battery is fully charged. Turn on the camera and then give it a couple of firm whacks on the side. Make sure nothing is blocking the lens and wait for it to fully retract.
Let me know how it goes.

the E18 means the lens system has a problem. I had it with my S2 and sometimes it worked, sometimes not. Eventually it stopped working. The only solution was sending it to repair, they changed the lens system.

Best Regards

The "E18" error code indicates an error that involves the lens unit or lens cover. This error may appear where the lens is prevented from properly extending or retracting such as, for example, when pressure is applied to the lens or the area surrounding the lens while handling the camera. The error may also be displayed if the lens unit/camera has been subjected to an external shock, or if a foreign substance (i.e. liquid, sand, dirt) enters the camera. Solution Check the following when you operate the camera to avoid applying pressure to the lens and surrounding area: - Hold the camera so that your fingers do not touch the lens unit when you are shooting. - Make sure the camera is off before you put it back in the case. Exercise caution to ensure that the camera does not accidentally power on while the camera is stored inside the case.

The "E18" error code indicates an error that involves the lens unit or lens cover. This error may appear where the lens is prevented from properly extending or retracting such as, for example, when pressure is applied to the lens or the area surrounding the lens while handling the camera. The error may also be displayed if the lens unit/camera has been subjected to an external shock, or if a foreign substance (i.e. liquid, sand, dirt) enters the camera. Solution Check the following when you operate the camera to avoid applying pressure to the lens and surrounding area: - Hold the camera so that your fingers do not touch the lens unit when you are shooting. - Make sure the camera is off before you put it back in the case. Exercise caution to ensure that the camera does not accidentally power on while the camera is stored inside the case.