The DISH network signal code 31-11-45 is one of the most common and most annoying errors you could experience on the DISH network.
And if you’re here to learn the fix for this problem, you’re in the right place at the right time!
In this tutorial, we will be discussing the comprehensive steps in fixing the DISH network signal code 31 11 45.
You will learn the usual causes of this error, what triggers it to happen, and what you need to do to avoid it in the future.
To fix the 31-11-45 DISH signal code error, check the satellite and signal strength you’re getting. Then, check if the satellite has been moved, and remove all obstructions that allow the dish to be out in the open. Make sure that all wires and cables are connected properly.
What Does the DISH Network Code 31-11-45 Mean?
This error code means that there is a “loss of signal” within the DISH network you are in.
You could be losing some over-the-air (OTA) channels, the quality might not be that great, and incorrect channel placement is among the most common effects of this error.
Causes of Signal Code 31-11-45 DISH Network
Contrary to what most people believed in; this problem is actually more common than what you expect.
People call in every day, asking about the solution for it when in reality, the solution is just right around the corner.
Among the many causes of this error code, the most common that people tend to overlook are:
- Bad or Unpleasant Weather
- Misaligned Dish Satellite
- Improperly Connected Cables
- Malfunctioning Receiver
- Home Changes
Now that we’re aware of what’s causing the error, it’ll be easier and simpler to arrive at the resolution because we already know what angles and corners we need to tackle.
DISH Network Signal Code 31-11-45 – Fix Steps
Our tutorial will cover every aspect that could possibly make this problem or error appear.
Unlike other guides, we will try to touch everything from the physical aspect of the satellite dish down to the receiver’s functionality.
Step #1: Check Your Signal Strength
The first step you want to do is check the signal strength of your DISH receiver.
By knowing this, we can cut the solving time in half because we’d already know what’s causing it.
You can find your DISH receiver’s signal strength by following these steps:
- On your DISH remote, click Home.
- From there, navigate and select Menu > Settings > Diagnostics.
- You’ll find many options under diagnostics, but you need to choose Dish.
- Here, you should see the signal strength you’re getting on your DISH satellite.
Note: If it’s bad, proceed to the further steps. Otherwise, go straight to step 4.
Step #2: Check the Satellite’s Positioning
The initial troubleshooting step you want to do when you find that the reception is bad would be to check the positioning of the satellite.
How it points towards the open-air dictates how strong and how reliable the service would be. So, check out how it’s positioned.
Remove Obstructions
Where it’s installed and located is important. If it’s on top of your roof, make sure that it’s not covered and blocked by branches and birds’ nests.
Other than those, other types of obstructions could be electrical wires, torn roofs, big leaves, and many more!
Let it Face the Open Sky
If the weather is uninviting, there’s a big chance that this is what’s causing your DISH satellite to malfunction, thus giving you the error.
So, after you remove the obstructions, ensure that you’ll position it properly and conveniently – make sure that it’s facing the skies clearly.
Note: Even if there are no obstructions, if the satellite is not facing upwards, the signal or the reception will also be bad.
Step #3: Ensure That All Wires and Cables Are Connected Properly
This next step will involve all the wires and cables that link your receiver to your TV, the satellite dish, and power.
What you need to do is ensure that all wired components are connected and plugged in properly into their respective ports.
What you want to do for this step is to detach and remove the cables and wires from where they’re connected, and then plug and reconnect them back to their respective ports again.
Note: When you plug or connect them, make sure that they’re stable and secure to the extent that they’re not wobbling.
This is the sign that the cables are properly and securely connected.
Check Receiver-to-Wall Connections
Other than the receiver’s connection to other devices, it’s also important to check the wires and connections from the DISH receiver to the wall.
Step #4: Power Cycle or Reboot Your Receiver
Then, what you have to do next is perform a reboot or a power cycle of your DISH receiver.
This is often regarded as the grandfather of all technical troubleshooting steps because this is the initial step done with any device or hardware that’s malfunctioning.
You can power cycle or reboot your DISH receiver by following these steps:
- Go near your receiver, then press the power button.
- Keep it pressed and held for up to 10 seconds, and then release.
- When the receiver turns off, unplug it from the mains.
Leave it unplugged for about 1 to 2 minutes before plugging it back again to power.
Step #5: Reset Your DISH Receiver to Default Settings
For the final step, you’ll need to perform a hard reset of your DISH receiver to its default settings.
In doing this, it’s important that you know that in doing so, all your settings and configurations will be reset.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide you should follow in restoring your DISH receiver to its defaults:
- Press [MENU] on the remote or [HOME] three (3) times.
- Then, select Receiver > Tools.
- From there, you should be able to select Restore to Factory Defaults.
- On the list of options, choose Reset Receiver to Factory Defaults.
- Confirm the action by selecting Yes or Reset.
Note: Before you go on with the process, make sure that you are resetting the receiver you wish to reset.
If you have multiple receivers, double-check what you’re toggling because you might reset a receiver that’s not malfunctioning.
But what if it doesn’t? What if after all the things you do, it’s still not working or it’s still showing the signal code 31-11-45?
I’m Still Getting the 31-11-45 Signal Code, What Should I Do?
Should the signal code 31-11-45 still be there, the next best thing to do is contact DISH Network’s technical support team.
Let them know what specific error code you’re seeing and inform them of the troubleshooting steps you’ve already accomplished.
They’ll know what further steps you need to take that wouldn’t contradict all other processes you’ve already done.
Read Next: How To Stop Shared Viewing On Dish Network?
Final Thoughts
If you’re trying to find a solution for the DISH network signal code 31-11-45 and you can’t find the one that works, this tutorial will be all you need.
Whether you’re getting this error on the main receiver or a secondary receiver, you can follow this guide to solve the signal loss problem!
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.