HP 15 C PR ERROR

[JWY]

Hello, I have just bought a HP 15 C which displays a PR ERROR message when turned on. I have to press buttons at random to get past this message afterwhich the calculator works as normal. It can be turned on and off with no further display of PR ERROR. However after being left off for a few minutes, the sequence starts again. I have carried out the self-check procedures listed in the manual and package box errata sheet but the problem remains. Would appreciate any ideas on how to remove this message for normal use. Thank you.

[HP-MACH]

Hi!, JWY:

Happy New Year and Welcome to, site!

Please, read ... 

I suggest you try to reset the machine, by turning it off, then press the minus (-) key and, without releasing it, pressing the ON key and releasing both. This should clear the machine and show "PR ERROR" on the display.

Then, try again to store anything in, say, R2. If it doesn't work, maybe your machine needs service.

[pin224466 · Accepted solution]

even if this is a brand new calculator, make 100% sure that the batteries received in the package are O.K.

sometimes, batteries fail while while sitting on a shelf.

the PR error indicates that the 15C has experienced a power failure.  This may be caused by one or two of the cells having weak energy capacity.

you can check the button cell batteries with a voltmeter.

HOWEVER, testing with a volt meter may not always reveal a weak battery.  Sometimes a weak cell condition cannot be detected without a very light resistive load being placed on the individual battery.

This problem can also be caused by a bad connection in the battery compartment.

For either issue, it is not always obvious.  The low energy in a cell can cause the PR condition to occur at turn-on, due to the immediate high requirement for power (relative to standard operation).  The condition may not last long enough for the low battery power indicator (*) to remain displayed.

If the button cells or the battery compartment connection is not the problem, then as suggested in a prior post, the unit may need to be returned for a replacement.

[HP-MACH]

Hi!, JWY:

Try, too with ...

1) Make sure, to try with, new batteries.
2) With the calculator off, press and hold the "ON" key down. Now press and hold the minus (-) key. Relaease the "ON" key and PR ERROR will be displayed. Now release the minus (-) key and press any key on the deyboard and your unit should now be reset.
3) Or remove, the batteries, to expose the terminals located, on each end, of the battery compartment. With a paper clip, or piece of wire, briefly, connect the terminals. Only momentary, contact is required. Re install batteries and press the "ON" key. This will, cause a Memory Lost condition, and you may press the "ON" key more than once, to restore, proper operation.

[JWY]

Measured the battery voltages each at 2,7 V. Nominal voltage 3 V. Replaced with new batteries measuring 3,2 V each and it seems fine now. The device turns itself off after 6 min and when turned on again does not show Pr error and operates as it should. Thanks very much for your comments.

[Kat79]

I have tried everyone's suggestions and nothing works.  When I hit another key it shuts it off.  None of the suggestions worked.  Any others????

[pin224466]

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@kat79 wrote:

I have tried everyone's suggestions and nothing works.  When I hit another key it shuts it off.  None of the suggestions worked.  Any others????

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please refer back to your original posting

[HP-MACH]

Hi!, Kat79:

Try, with ... http://www.jlw.com/~woolsey/15Cnotes.html

[Mdb2]

Hello, I have just bought a HP 15 C which displays a PR ERROR message when turned on. I have to press buttons at random to get past this message afterwhich the calculator works as normal. It can be turned on and off with no further display of PR ERROR. However after being left off for a few minutes, the sequence starts again. I have carried out the self-check procedures listed in the manual and package box errata sheet but the problem remains. Would appreciate any ideas on how to remove this message for normal use. Thank you

[BartdB]

Hi,

Replace the batteries with new ones from a reputable manufacturer purchased from a reliable source.