ANALYSIS OF DIGITAL SATELLITE TV ERROR CODES AND HOW TO FIX THEM

What is digital satellite tv

Digital satellite TV is broadcast from a satellite located on orbit around the Earth. A homeowner who subscribes to the service must put a satellite dish outside that picks up the signal and delivers it into the home. Subscribers can receive all major national channels and premium channels, although local channels are sometimes difficult to receive.

Clearing DStv error codes is of great essence. However, all things made by man are not completely perfect, an error is bound to occur. If you are using a DStv decoder and you don’t know how to clear an error that pops up, don’t worry.

You can easily solve an error that pops up from your DStv decoder if you simply follow the guide provided in this article. Here is a full list of all DStv error codes and how to clear them.

This is one of the most common DStv error codes, and it is highly likely you have seen it before. When this occurs, it means that your account is suspended. However, this is because you have not paid for that channel or it is unavailable where you are.

How to fix E16-4 error on DStv:

Obviously, if you have not paid, then go ahead and pay in case you want to get rid of an E16 and enjoy the services. You can press Menu, and then select 4 to look at your Mail Messages where you will get a payment notification.

In case your account is not suspended for delayed payments, press My Account to clear this error code. Alternatively, you can clear it using the form on the DStv website’s right part.

2. Error Code E30- Service is Currently Scrambled (Please wait)

This code can arise in either one of two situations. One of them is if you are installing DStv for the first time or if you have renewed your subscription after a lengthy absence. However, it means that your Smart card is confirming your subscription status.

Error Code E30- Service is Currently Scrambled (Please wait)

You should have a little patience while your subscription is undergoing verification. In normal cases, this error should disappear after 2 minutes. However, if it does not, contact the DSTV Contact Center.

3. Error Code E18- Unknown Smart card

It means the service is scrambled and access has been stopped. This problem can arise if the decoder has been disconnected from its satellite for a lengthy period or disconnected from power.

It also occurs when an incorrect Smart card is inserted. Also, when the correct card is inserted incorrectly or is dusty. This may happen when there is a technical problem on the company’s end.

How to clear e18 error on DStv:

Just connect whatever has been disconnected, wait for fifteen minutes, and enjoy the services. Re-insert the correct card, arrow facing the decoder, and the chip facing downwards and then reboot the decoder.

Make sure the card is clean.

4. Error code E143-4

DStv E143-4 error is followed by the all too familiar “waiting for communication from primary decoder” message if you are using more than one decoder.

This is a hardware issue.

How to clear error E143-4 on DStv:

So, try removing the Xtraview or RF cable from the decoder, powering down the decoder at the plug, and reconnecting after five minutes.

Make sure the heartbeat cable is properly connected.

5. Error Code E04- (Please insert a smartcard)

How to clear error code E04

This simply means that your smart card is not in or has been inserted in the wrong position/slot or manner. To fix this error code, switch off the DStv decoder, remove the card, gently wipe it with a dry piece of cloth, and reinsert properly (chip facing downwards, arrow facing the decoder).

If the error still appears after doing this, reboot your decoder, and if this does not fix it, visit the nearest DStv office because the card or the decoder may be damaged.

6. Error Code E17- (Smartcard marriage conflict)

How to clear e17 error on DStv

Both errors E17 and E18 arise when there is an issue with your smartcard For E17, the smartcard marriage conflict can be resolved by making sure that the card is properly inserted and that it is the proper card.

Then, reset the service by logging into your account and selecting “reset the decoder.” Alternatively, you can send a short message reading “E17 + smartcard number to 32472.

How to clear error E14 on DStv:

When E14 pops up, it means that your service has been scrambled or that your transmission is under suspension. First, make sure you have paid for the service.

If you have, just switch to another channel and then go back. Reboot the decoder if the error persists. If this is not helpful, read on for DStv to fix errors.

You will know how to use selfservice.dstv.com to clear this error.

8. DStv Error Code e48-32- (Signal Problem)

How to clear e48-32:

You will get this error due to issues with the signal or perhaps a fault in the communication.

If you have ever wondered about what to do when your DStv decoder loses signal or how to clear DStv error code E48-32, get a technician.

Sometimes, no signal on DStv may arise due to bad weather elsewhere, which means you should wait for it to clear.

9. Dstv Error Code E162-0

It is annoying when you turn on your television and E162-0 occurs. When this occurs, it shows that you do not have permission to view the channel, or your account is suspended. Therefore, this code means that either that channel is not in your area, or you have not paid.

Other Self-explanatory Codes

Below are codes that may pop up on your screen, and you can resolve them by understanding what they mean.

1. E05 – Cannot read smart card

2. E06 – Smart card fault. Cannot read

3. E07 – Checking Smartcard

4. E08 – CA Module failure – It means that the Control Access module is malfunctioning, so visit the nearest offices.

5. E16 – Service is currently scrambled

6. E19 – Service is currently scrambled. Please wait

7. E34 – Cannot read smartcard

8. E35 – Service is currently scrambled

9. E37 – Invalid channel number

10. E38 – Program Map Table Not Available

11. E38 – Service not running

12. E42 – Parental Control PIN Blocked

13. E43 – Not for this country

14. E44 – No PG status is available

15. E45 – Service not allowed

16. E50 – No services available

17. E70 – Services not available on TV2

18. E71 – Song title and artist info not available

19. E72 – Rescan in progress

20. E73 – TV link overload

21. E74 – LNB1 overload

22. E75 – LNB2 Overload

23. E76 – Your second TV service is not enabled. Please contact MultiChoice for assistance.

How to Clear the Error Codes Above

For most of the codes above, the fixes outlined for them will work. However, you may encounter an error that you cannot fix.

In such cases, DStv clear error methods have been made simple and easy by Multichoice to clear most problems like DStv now video playback error. Check out the ways below:

1. Use Selfservice.dstv.com:

This method is possibly the easiest method as long as you can use a computer or a smartphone. All you have to do is simply go to the Dstv website and register if you have not.

You will need details like your DStv smartcard number and others for you to register. After that, go ahead and use the portal to DStv self-service clear error codes.

For instance, this DStv self-service code fixing option can be used to clear DStv e18-4 errors.

Visit: Selfservice.dstv.com

2. Contact Customer Care

Contacting customer care will always help you out of any situation. You can also choose this option if the error-resolving alternatives above do not work for you.

However, you can use social media like Twitter and Facebook if that works for you.

If you resort to phone calls, find the phone number of the office closest to you for better service. This allows them to send a technician in case they feel you need one. Emails can also work.

If you have tried them and they work, kindly share them with someone who doesn’t know how to go about correcting his Dstv error.

If you find this article helpful, comment and share it with friends.

We have gone ahead and tabulated an exhaustive list of DStv error codes you are likely to encounter in your quest for quality home entertainment and solutions to these problems.

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DStv Code What it means What to do

E04 Please insert Smartcard The Smartcard may not have been put incorrectly. Switch the decoder off at the plug. Remove the Smart Card, wipe it gently with a dry cloth and put it back in with the chip on the Smart Card facing down. Switch the decoder back on again. If this error continues, take your decoder and Smart Card to your nearest DStv service centre or agency for testing.

E06 Smartcard fault. Cannot Read The Smartcard may not have been put incorrectly. Switch the decoder off at the plug. Remove the Smart Card, wipe it gently with a dry cloth and put it back in with the chip on the Smart Card facing down. Switch the decoder back on again. If this error continues, take your decoder and Smart Card to your nearest DStv service centre or agency for testing.

E07 Checking Smartcard If this error does not clear within 30 seconds, remove the Smart Card. Wipe it gently with a dry cloth and put it back in with the chip on the Smart Card facing down. If this error continues, take your decoder and Smart Card to your nearest DStv service centre or agency for testing.

E16 Service is currently scrambled Transmission might be temporarily suspended. Press Menu then 4 to check your Mail Messages, and if you have a notification from us to pay your account, then payment needs to be made before services can be reactivated. If your account is not suspended, then SMS E16 followed by your Smart Card number to 32472 or visit My Account to clear the error code.

E17 Ensure Smartcard is inserted in the decoder Ensure that the Smart Card is in the decoder and either: SMS “E17 + Smart Card Number” to 32472, reset the service yourself by logging into your account and selecting “Reset Decoder” or use the Voice Self Help option through your local DStv Call Centre.

E19 Service is currently scrambled. Please wait Please wait a few minutes for your subscription status to be verified. If the message is not cleared in two minutes, please call your nearest DStv Call Centre.

E30 Checking the subscription status Please check that the cables from the satellite dish are securely connected to the correct inputs on the back of the decoder. Then switch the decoder off at the plug, wait 10 seconds and switch it back on again. If this error is not cleared, visit Self Service on www.dstv.com for troubleshooting steps or contact the DStv Contact Centre.

E32 Your Smartcard is not switched on or activated, or the channel that you are trying to view may not be part of your package Your Smart Card is not switched on or activated, or the channel that you are trying to view may not be part of your bouquet. If your account is not suspended, then SMS your Smart Card number + E32 to 32472 or visit My Account to clear the error code.

E34 Cannot read Smartcard The Smartcard may not have been put incorrectly. Switch the decoder off at the plug. Remove the Smart Card, wipe it gently with a dry cloth and put it back in with the chip on the Smart Card facing down. Switch the decoder back on again. If this error continues, take your decoder and Smart Card to your nearest DStv Service Centre or Agency for testing.

E37 Invalid channel number The channel number you selected is not in this viewing environment. To see the list of all channels, press the DOWN arrow or press TV and select My Channels.

E38 Program Map Table not available Please check that the cables from the satellite dish are securely connected to the correct inputs on the back of the decoder. Then switch the decoder off at the plug, wait 10 seconds and switch it back on again. If this error is not cleared, visit Self Service on www.dstv.com for troubleshooting steps or contact the DStv Call Centre.

E39 Service not running Please check that the cables from the satellite dish are securely connected to the correct inputs on the back of the decoder. Then switch the decoder off at the plug, wait 10 seconds, and switch it back on again. If this error is not cleared, visit Self Service on www.dstv.com for troubleshooting steps or contact the DStv Call Centre.

E42 Parental Control PIN blocked You’ve set your Parental Control levels, but have forgotten your PIN and need to have it reset. If you’ve entered the incorrect PIN five times, you will need to login to reset your PIN.

E45 Service not allowed Switch the decoder off at the plug. Wait 10 seconds and then switch it back on again. If this error is not cleared, take the decoder and Smart Card for testing.

E50 No services available No channels exist in the package you have selected. Please select another package.

E70 Services not available on TV2 No channels exist in the package you have selected. Please select another package. This channel is not available in your secondary viewing environment, so please try another channel.

E71 Song title and artist info not available Song title and artist information cannot be viewed in the secondary viewing environment. If you really need to know the information, please use your primary viewing environment.

E72 Rescan in progress The decoder is busy scanning. Please wait for the scanning to finish.

E75 LNB2 overload Please check that the cables from the satellite dish are securely connected to the correct inputs on the back of the decoder. Then switch the decoder off at the plug, wait 10 seconds and switch it back on again. If this error is not cleared, visit Self Service on www.dstv.com for troubleshooting steps or contact the DStv Call Centre.

E74 LNB2 overload Please check that the cables from the satellite dish are securely connected to the correct inputs on the back of the decoder. Then switch the decoder off at the plug, wait 10 seconds and switch it back on again. If this error is not cleared, visit Self Service on www.dstv.com for troubleshooting steps or contact the DStv Call Centre.

E73 TV link overload Please check your connection or consult your manual. There may be an error with your installation.

E76 Your second TV service is not enabled. Please contact MultiChoice for assistance TV2 is not enabled. You are not enabled to view this channel or your account has been suspended. Please contact the DStv Call Centre for assistance.

E43 Not for this country This channel or programme is not available for viewing in your country.

E107 Your Smartcard and decoder are not paired Please contact the DStv Call Centre for assistance.

On a side note: Dignited is not in any way affiliated with DStv. All we do is offer much sought-after information for our readers. We get a large volume of comments complete with sensitive information (phone numbers, account numbers, e.t.c) Our advice is to actually give DStv a ring on their official numbers, or send them a Facebook message or tweet them on Twitter. Many thanks!