My Flash doesn't pop up? It clicks 3 times and shows error 05 on the screen?

[hangymt]

My Flash doesn't pop up? It clicks 3 times and shows error 05 on the screen and asks me to turn the camera off and on again. If I use my hand to try to pull the flash up, it will pop up but it cannot do it by itself.

[Naomi]

Hi hangymt!

To have a better understanding of your issue, please let everyone know which camera you own. That way, our Canon Forum members and our Subject Matter Experts will be able to assist you with suggestions appropriate for your camera.

Thanks!

[hangymt]

I have a T2i (550D) with a 18-135mm stm lens.

[Richard]

Hi Hangymt,

Based on your description, we recommend sending your camera in for service.  You may set up your camera repair here.

[Leighbird]

After reviewing a number of forums with no good suggestions, I decided to do what I thought about doing when this first happened but did not have the nerve.  I got the flash up by prying on it when I pushed on the shutter button.  Then I sprayed the hinge areas lightly with my teflon fortified bicycle lubricant - hi-tech dry formula.  It sets up dry.  Anyway, the flash is working for now.  I cleaned up the slight amount of overspray with a paper towel.  Hopefully, it just stays on the hinges.  I'm keeping the camera upside down for now to help prevent gravity from carrying any liquid into the camera body.  I'll check it tomorrow. 

[ebiggs1]

The mechanism is dirty and it is a common problem. You can use some denatured alcohol on an old toothbrush and gently clean the slots where the levers are.

If this is a camera that is still under warranty DO NOT do this. Also I would avoid spraying anything into the slots.