Nikon D5000 Troubleshooting

Auto-focus is misbehaving, or not working at all.

Try manual focus. Press the "info" button by the shutter button to display shooting information, the "i" button to the bottom-left of the screen, select the current focus mode (should be AF-A/S/C), then choose "MF" for manual focus mode.

Make sure that an auto-focus mode is set. Press the "info" button by the shutter button. Near the middle of the menu, you should see "AF-A," AF-S," or AF-C." If "MF" is displayed, you are in manual focus mode. Select it and choose one of the Auto-Focus modes.

"ERR" is displayed in the viewfinder.

If indicator monitor reads "Error. Press shutter release button again," the shutter release button may be jammed. Check the shutter release button for any foreign objects or sticky substances that may be causing the problem, clean/remove as necessary, and try again.

If indicator monitor reads "Start-up error," remove all accessories from the camera. Remove battery and memory card for at least fifteen minutes. Re-insert memory card and replace battery with a fully-charged EN-EL9a battery.

If indicator monitor reads "Autoexposure error," remove all accessories from the camera. Replace battery with a fully-charged EN-EL9a battery.

The battery icon in the viewfinder is blinking.

If indicator monitor reads "This battery cannot be used," turn off camera and replace battery with the Nikon-approved EN-EL9a battery.

If indicator monitor reads "Shutter-release disabled," turn off camera and recharge or replace battery.

If indicator monitor reads "Initialization error," turn off camera, remove and replace battery.

Flash pops up but will not fire, or does not activate at all.

There is a small pop-up pin under the flash assembly that detects whether or not the flash is raised. Manually raise the flash and check for the pin. If it is stuck, use a cotton swab and a little alcohol to clean it. Also check this article on JustAnswer.com for more information on this issue.

The flash must be raised manually before shooting. Press the flash button on the front of the camera, under and to the right of the flash.

The camera may temporarily disable the shutter button after the flash has been used multiple times quickly. This is a built-in feature that protects the flash bulb. Wait a minute, and then try again.

Using the wrong ISO settings can cause issues when taking pictures. Depending on the amount of light in your photography event, a high ISO should be used in low light. In any other event, a low ISO, or auto ISO is preferable.

The ISO determines the light sensitivity of the camera. There are two options: lower the ISO, and the Noise Reduction function. If the ISO is high, lower it to reduce the noise. Use the control buttons on the camera to lower it. For the Noise Reduction function, go to the Shooting Menu, scroll down to High ISO NR, and turn it on.