Speedlite 600ex-rt battery problem

[PhotoSmurf]

Hi

I have just bought a 600ex-rt ... But the batteries I put in it (which are all new) only result in a "replace battery" sign and the flash refuses to switch on.

I have tried 3 new sets of batteries, all are top grade lithium batteries, is there a known issue with lithium batteries - the manual says they can be used?

Many thanks for any info that could help.

[nomadphoto]

I just wanted to share a quick update about the battery problem that I was experiencing with my Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT. Recently, I was having trouble with the batteries not making proper contact with the flash unit, which was causing the flash to not turn on. 

After doing some research and troubleshooting, I decided to try cleaning the connection points that touch the batteries with some 91% isopropyl rubbing alcohol. And I'm happy to report that this simple solution worked like a charm! The connection points are now clean and free of any debris, which has greatly improved the reliability and performance of my flash unit.

I have found the techniques on this message board to be very useful. Firstly, I keep the battery door open, then turn on the flash and close the battery door. This method has proven to be quite effective when the flash fails to turn on in the usual way. It's worth noting that removing the flash diffuser from the top of the camera enhances the effectiveness of this technique.

[Garymac]

I'm glad this thread is still active and helping others.  Still not sure why there are so many problems with this flash.  I have an old and well used 580 and it works flawlessly. 

Mine was actually a board issue and that seemed to have solved the problem. I still don't trust it as it seems very sensitive to base battery voltage and doesn't always like rechargeables.

Best of luck all! 

[AliciaTheQueen]

Cleaning that metal slide plate fixed my issue with my flash not turning on! I hadn’t used my flash in literally over a year and I was so worried it was somehow just busted! Thank you!

[lhardaker]

I have the same problem...this works for me also.  Thank you for posting.  There must be an issue with the contacts in the battery cover.