Wondering how to fix a lens that won't communicate with the camera

[jsclingman]

Hi! I'm a hobbyist photographer with a Canon Rebel T6 and a regular 18-55mm Canon lens. I was trying to clean the inside of the lens, so I did something that proved to be dumb: I unscrewed the back of my lens and attempted to pry the cover off, thinking I could get to the lens by doing so. Eventually I figured out I couldn't get to the lens via that route, so I screwed it back on and reattached it to the camera. Once I did, I attempted to take a picture, but Err 1 showed whenever I tried, saying that the communications between the lens and the camera were compromised. I've cleaned the lens contacts on both the camera and the lens several times, but all to no avail. So I have two questions:

1. Did I do something to ruin the interior of the lens?
2. How can I fix what I ruined?

Thank you!

- Josh

[ebiggs1]

"I've cleaned the lens contacts on both the camera and the lens several times, but all to no avail."

As you found out that rarely helps or works.

"Did I do something to ruin the interior of the lens?"

Perhaps, as you stated, "I did something that proved to be dumb"

"How can I fix what I ruined?"

It needs to go to Canon for service. Call 1 (800) 652-2666

[ebiggs1]

"I was trying to clean the inside of the lens,..."

Unless there is a over riding reason, you should never need to clean the inside of your lens.  If for some reason that does need to be done it needs to be done by Canon. You can get yourself a Rocket Blower which should remove any dust that may have gotten inside. The inside glass elements should not be touched.

[jsclingman]

Thank you! I may just get a new lens. Methinks I've learned my lesson. XD

[Tronhard]

If someone can figure this out, then maybe I can adapt the solution to help me make my step-daughter actually communicate with me! 

[ebiggs1]

"... then maybe I can adapt the solution to help me make my step-daughter actually communicate with me!"

Denatured alcohol and a q-tip didn't work?