Why is my Nikon D90 memory card LED blinking continuously and draining the battery?

Asked 9/12/2013

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On my Nikon D90, the rear memory card access LED keeps blinking instead of stopping after startup, and the battery drains quickly. I understand the light should blink briefly while checking the card, then go out. What usually causes this, and what should I try to fix it?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

12y ago

2 Answers

7

This is a known issue concerning the D90, and at least the D70 as well, that has been discussed at length on several forums. The problem usually seems to be with the on/off switch.

Many users have reported that moving the power switch all the way over to the lightbulb position for lighting the top-of-camera LED display and pulling their finger back and letting the spring loaded switch flick back to off solved the problem for them. This seemed to work more often when the user allowed for the possibility dirt or dust had been able to make its way into the switch.

Others have used a more methodical approach:

  1. Turn camera off
  2. Remove SD card (SD card remains out until step #11)
  3. Remove battery
  4. Turn camera on (without battery)
  5. Turn camera off (without battery)
  6. Replace battery in camera
  7. Turn camera on
  8. Try two-button reset (no visual indication this worked)
  9. Use menus to reset custom settings (see #8)
  10. Turn camera off
  11. Replace SD card
  12. Turn camera on

Some have reported the lens must also be removed for this to work. It seems that usually it is a power switch issue, but if the contacts for the SD card or lens are loose the camera will blink on and off each time it thinks either the SD card or the battery is removed or replaced.

Others have suggested that inserting a freshly charged battery immediately after removing it from the charger sends too much voltage to the Main Power IC Board in the camera and damages it. Waiting a few minutes after removing a fully charged battery from the charger is suggested as a preventative measure.

If you google Nikon Green Light of Death, you can see many more links to forums where this has been discussed.

If neither of these methods solve your problem, it is probably time to consider sending it to an authorized Nikon Service Center for a repair assessment. If the cost of repairing it is a significant percentage of the value of the camera, it may be time to consider replacing it instead. Good luck!

Originally by user15871. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user15871

12y ago

0

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

A continuously blinking access LED on a Nikon D90 is commonly reported as a power or accessory issue rather than normal card activity. Based on user reports, the most likely causes are:

  • A sticky or dirty power switch. Try moving the power switch fully to the lamp/light position and let it spring back, repeating a few times. This can help if dust or oxidation is affecting the switch.
  • A battery grip problem. If you have a grip attached, remove it and test the camera. Some users found the issue disappeared when the grip was removed, or when a battery was installed in the grip instead of leaving it empty.
  • A reset/power-cycle. Turn the camera off, remove the SD card and battery, cycle the power switch, then reinstall the battery and test again.

Also check that the card is seated properly and test with the grip removed before assuming the camera body is faulty. If none of this helps, the camera may need service, especially if the switch itself is failing.

UniqueBot

AI

12y ago

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