Why my Eastlink cable box won’t turn on? Is this a question that’s bothering you? We have the answers for you.
If your Eastlink cable box does not seem to power on, it will make it difficult for you to watch your favourite programs.
However, there’s still no reason to panic since we have all the solutions that you need to get your box running again.
To get your Eastlink cable box to work again, you first have to ensure that it’s not a remote issue. Check the batteries and if the devices are still paired properly. If you can rule out a defective remote, restart your cable box as that will flush the configurations, so it starts working again.
Now that you have a better idea of the next steps we’re about to take, let’s take a look at the causes of this particular issue.
Reasons Why Eastlink Cable Box Won’t Turn On
There are a few reasons that can cause your Eastlink cable box not to power up. If this is your case, it’s likely a hardware issue.
By hardware, we need to look at the power supply and loose connections by hardware. A malfunctioning remote can also cause this problem.
1. Firmware Glitch
As with most devices, bugs and glitches can happen. These can cause your cable box to malfunction and stop working.
2. Service Outage
An issue like this will cause a few problems with your cable box. If your box is not receiving a signal from Eastlink, it will not power up.
3. Loose Connections
Cords and cables that are not secure with their connectors will cause many issues with your cable box. One problem you can face is it will not turn on.
4. Faulty Power Outlet
Power outlets that do not supply power are troublesome to diagnose. Make sure you do not overlook this cause, as resolving it is quite simple.
5. Malfunctioning Remote
A faulty remote can cause a lot of headaches. It could be as simple as a dead battery or as complicated as a hardware failure.
These are the most common issues you will face when your Eastlink cable box refuses to turn on.
Now that you know the likely causes let’s look at the steps that will allow you to resolve this problem.
How to Fix Eastlink Cable Box Not Turning On
The first step you want to do when fixing your Eastlink cable box is to perform a restart.
The problem can be temporary, and turning it off will flush some misconfigurations preventing it from turning on. A quick restart will do the trick and save you a lot of trouble.
If this step does not work, we’ll have to look at more advanced steps.
Solution #1: Power Cycle Your Cable Box
An advanced form of reboot that you can do with your Eastlink cable box is a power cycle.
It’s essentially a restart, but with a few extra steps that allow the device to power down completely.
Discharging the circuitry clears the memory and eliminates bugs and firmware glitches.
If the reason why your box is not turning on is due to a bug or glitch, performing a power cycle will clear all that up.
Here’s how to perform a power cycle on your Eastlink cable box:
- Unplug the box from the power outlet.
- Remove the power cable from the back of the box.
- Remove the connections between the box and your TV.
- Wait for at least 3 minutes, then reconnect all the cables.
- Plug in your box and turn it on.
Note: After turning your Eastlink box on, it might take some time to connect to your whole home network.
Solution #2: Use the Power Button
Sometimes, it can be as simple as your remote has run out of battery power.
It’s also possible that your remote’s power button is faulty and not sending the signal to power up your TV box.
If you suspect this, you will want to turn it on using its physical buttons.
Here’s how to turn on your cable box using its buttons:
- Confirm it’s a remote issue by using fresh batteries.
- Clear obstructions between your remote and box.
- If your box does not turn on, look for the power button on your box.
- Press on it to turn it on.
Note: All Eastlink cable boxes will have power buttons located at the front.
Pro Tip: If your Eastlink cable box comes with physical buttons, you can also try pressing Channel Up or Down.
Sometimes these also serve as alternative power buttons. You can use this method during instances where you cannot use the remote and power button.
Solution #3: Check Your Wall Outlet or Power Bar
There could be an issue with your wall outlet or power bar that your box is plugged into.
If none of the steps resolve your problem so far, it’s possible that the cause is a faulty power outlet.
A loose connection or break will not easily be seen, so you must check them manually.
Here’s how to make sure your wall outlets and power bars are providing power to your cable box:
- Plug your box into a different wall outlet.
- Find your breaker box and check if it’s tripped. Turn it on if it is.
- Check if the wall outlet you are using comes with a switch.
- If you are using a power bar, turn on the master switch.
Tip: As you try these troubleshooting steps, remember that you are dealing with electricity.
It helps to be extra careful when plugging and unplugging cables to prevent more issues.
Solution #4: Tighten Cables on Your Box and TV
Loose cables, even those that do not carry power, can cause your cable box not to turn on. It will display a ‘No Signal’ message and not allow you to do anything else.
If you see this message on your screen, it’s time to look at the cables and cords on your cable box and TV.
Here’s how to make sure that your cables are secure:
- Check and tighten any loose wires on your TV and cable box.
- Unplug HDMI cables from your box and TV.
- Plug them back in.
- Set your TV’s input source to the correct one.
Note: If your connections are using a coaxial cable, secure them properly.
Coaxial cable connectors use a screw to tighten, and these can loosen over time.
Give those a couple of twists to tighten, and it should restore the signal and turn your cable box on.
Solution #5: Reprogram Your Eastlink Remote
It’s not just your cable box’s software that needs checking out. Remotes come with their own set of instructions that can reset unexpectedly.
After checking that it’s not an empty battery, the next thing you can perform is to reprogram your Eastlink remote to pair with your cable box.
Here are the steps to reprogram your Eastlink remote:
- Press the CBL button to program with your cable box.
- Press and hold the Setup button.
- Wait for the light to blink twice.
- Enter 9-9-1, then press the Power button.
- Press the Channel+ or Up button until the device powers off.
Tip: You can also try performing a power cycle with your remote if reprogramming it does not work.
Take the batteries out, wait for 15 to 30 seconds, replace the batteries, and turn on your cable box.
If none of these troubleshooting steps solve your problem, contact Eastlink so they can offer more technical assistance.
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Bottom Line
Thus, you can easily fix your Eastlink cable box not turning on. You will need to power cycle your box to make sure it loads up without the bugs or glitches that are causing the error. Unplug it from the power outlet for at least 3 minutes, then turn it on. That’s it!
Now that you know why your Eastlink cable box won’t turn on and how to resolve it, simply follow the steps. These should guide you to get your box up and running again.
If it doesn’t, you can contact Eastlink as you may be looking at a hardware issue that will require you to replace your cable box.
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.