the flash on my rebel t3 will not open. err 5

[twilliams6032]

the camera makes a click, click , click noise and flash will not open up. it may have begun when i tried to take a picture with ballcap on and the bill impeded the flash opening

[ebiggs1 · Accepted solution]

When it tries you can use your fingernail to help it. But do this gently.  The linkages may be dirty or even bent. If dirty you can clean it with a tiny amount of alcohol on a q-tip.  If it is bent you may need Canon service.

[ebiggs1 · Accepted solution]

When it tries you can use your fingernail to help it. But do this gently.  The linkages may be dirty or even bent. If dirty you can clean it with a tiny amount of alcohol on a q-tip.  If it is bent you may need Canon service.

[TCampbell · Accepted solution]

A very simple spring raises the pop-up flash, but there is a catch-hook which holds it down until needed.  When you press the button to raise the flash (or if the camera wants to raise the flash because you're using an automatic shooting mode that can use flash as needed) there's solenoid that releases the catch hook (that's the clicking sound you are hearing) and the spring should make the flash pop-up.

But if something is gumming up the hinge -- (dirt, sand, etc.) then the hinge can jam and the spring won't be strong enough to raise the flash.

Use Ernie's instructions above to help the flash pop up.  

Working the hinge gently may help clear out whatever is clogging it.  You can use alcohol (just a drop) to help dissolve anything that may be causing it to stick.  The advantage of alcohol is that it will evaporate and won't leave a residue behind.

Whatever you do, do not "oil" it -- that would attract more dust and just make things worse in the future.